"This was started in 1958 by a group of artists who met up at Montalvo," explains Gloria Watson, who has been a member since the 1970s.

The members of SCA describe their organization as one that aims to promote art to and with the community, encourages the camaraderie of other practicing and developing artists and helps members improve and learn new skills.

SCA meets monthly on varying Thursdays in the community room at the Saratoga Library. Starting in April, the meetings will take place in the Saratoga Fire Station's community room.

At meetings, the group often invites accomplished artists to speak about their techniques, and they often have members bring in their own work for what they call "Peer Review."

"We usually get about six or seven artists to bring a painting, and then it's sort of a competition," says Jenny Tero, a member for about a year and a half and now on the club's board.

Watson explains that, in Peer Review, members give a gentle critique of the creator's work and offer suggestions. After that, the members hold a contest of sorts. Depending upon how many paintings are in the review, they may award one first place recognition or they may have first, second and third places.

SCA artists show their paintings in many exhibitions around Saratoga, such as the Blue Rock Shoot on Big Basin Way and the Book Go Round on Oak Street. They may also have a few other potential exhibits in the future, such as possible displays at the Works Gallery in San Jose, the Saratoga Senior Center and the new Golden Oak Gallery on Oak Street.

"[The Golden Oak Gallery] is still in the application process," says Margaret Magill, who has been a member since 1968 and has served as the board's secretary on and off since 1980. Magill says to be displayed at Golden Oak would be a prestigious accomplishment for their group.

Stefan Baumann, the host of the PBS TV show "The Grand View," will be the special guest at the SCA's Feb. 10 meeting. Baumann's art has been featured in People Magazine and in the personal collections of the Rockefellers, the Annenburgs and the late President Ronald Reagan. The theme of his discussion will be "The Power to Create," and will touch upon his views on art and experiences behind the scenes of his TV show. He will also demonstrate some of his oil painting techniques. Baumann lives in San Francisco and has a studio in Saratoga.

Current members of SCA think art lovers in the community would enjoy being part of their group.

"I like the companionship," says Watson. "And I enjoy the different demonstrations. It's a learning process; you learn from all the other members. And it's a very compatible group."

SCA President Phyllis Feemster says, "I love the variety of artists and speakers," pointing out that SCA members work with all types of media, including jewelry, watercolors, oil, silk, pastels and different types of photography.

Watson says she also enjoys the many kinds of "field trips" the group takes. Past excursions have included treks to a glass factory near Berkeley, and art shows in San Francisco, Monterey and Carmel.

"It's very rewarding to be involved," says Tero.