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Photo Gladys Douglas by David Shankweiler

When looking to bestow their Patron of the Arts Award at this years’ Founders Luncheon, the Sterling Society auxiliary group of the Dunedin Fine Art Center didn’t have to look far for one of Tampa Bay’s outstanding patrons.

Gladys Douglas has not only been integral to the growth and success of the Dunedin Fine Art Center through the 30+ years of it existence, it is due almost solely to her vision and generosity that the Gladys Douglas School for the Arts, at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, is an awarding winning school today.  The Gladys Douglas School for the Arts is one of the cornerstones of her philanthropy.

Ms. Douglas is a firm believer in community involvement. Some of the organizations that stand out among the many that she has been instrumental in helping are: she was the founder of the Clearwater Junior Women’s Club, was a good friend of Ruth Eckerd and growing the nationally recognized Ruth Eckerd Hall, she is a stalwart of the First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin, a sustaining member of the Junior League of Clearwater & Dunedin a patron of the Miniature Art Society of Florida and Director Emeritus of Morton Plant Mease Foundation, the first woman to be distinguished with this title.

Gladys Douglas is indeed a Star to many organizations and represents what embodies a true Patron of the Arts. She was honored by The National Society of Arts and Letters in 2005, awarded the 2006 Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Suncoast Council, and in 2006 she was awarded by the Arts Council of Pinellas County, the coveted Friend of the Arts Award. 

She has been a patron and supporter of the Dunedin Fine Art Center from its earliest days when it was created by the Junior Service League in 1969 and opened in 1974 with its first art classes and exhibitions.