The Neale House
"Southern Colonial House of Wm. Neale, Englishman, who
was in Navy of Mexico in early 1820's.  Operated Matamoros
to Boca Del Rio stage line and lived here 1834 to 1896.
Built of imported lumber of fine workmanship
During the 1859 Cortina's War, Wm. Peter Neale, son
of the builder, was killed in right front room."

History of the Brownsville Art League

The Brownsville Art League was started in 1935.  It has progressed from meeting first in homes, backyards, church halls and even a morgue to its present home, a historical 19th century home of the late William Neale.

Founding members in 1935 were Clara Ely, Calla Magill, Octavia Arneson, Francis Ray, Thelma Buckley, Ruth Young McGonigle, Frances Worthington and Hallie Kennedy.  In 1949 membership increased after the Texas Southmost College moved into the deactivated Ft. Brown and the school's president, John Barron offered the League Ft. Brown's old morgue for a meeting place.

In 1950, Mr. and Mrs. Hector del Valle gave the League the home of the late William Neale, Mrs. del Valle's great, great grandfather.  Mr. Neale, an immigrant from England, had built his home in Brownsville in 1834.  The City of Brownsville deeded to the League the Fort Brown property on what is now Neale Drive.  The historic home was moved from its original location on 14th Street to its present site.  Later a large studio room with skylights, storage rooms, and art supply cabinets was added to the back of the house.

In 1971, with the cooperation of the City of Brownsville and the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, the League sponsored two shows, the First Rio Grande Valley Arts and Crafts Exposition and the first International Art Show. These have become annual events along with a Student International Art Show.  With the proceeds from the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Exposition and public contributions, a museum was erected in 1975 to house the League's collection of paintings, prints, and sculptures of famous national and international artists.

The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art consists of two separate galleries, the Clara Ely Gallery for the revolving permanent collection and the Octavia Arneson Gallery for temporary exhibits and social events.

The charming white gazebo adjacent to the Neale House was contributed by the City of Brownsville.  It had originally been the Old Ft. Brown bandstand.

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