The Fredericton Art Club was formed in 1936 to promote an appreciation of art in the Fredericton community. The first executive consisted of Mary Coughey Hashey, president; Irene Fitzpatrick, secretary; and Violet Knapp, treasurer. The group had a twofold mandate: to educate themselves and to share that knowledge with their community. Their first project, in 1937, was an art exhibition of the work of Fredericton school children, an exhibition that was so popular that it became an annual event, and eventually led to the hiring of two full-time art teachers for the Fredericton schools. In 1938, the Club became an affiliate member group of the newly formed Maritime Art Association and hosted the MAA annual conventions in 1942, 1951, and 1959.

The Fredericton Art Club's weekly meetings included prepared talks by club members, with occasional special speakers. For many years they organized an annual Art Club Exhibition and Tea as a fundraiser. The Club began meeting in members' homes, however, when the John Thurston Clark Memorial Building was opened, rooms on its third floor were given to the Art Club and membership doubled. After this space became unavailable, the Club met in various city buildings.

By 1950, the practicing painters with the Club had formed themselves into an affiliate group, the Fredericton Society of Artists, although most continued to remain members of the Fredericton Art Club.

When the Beaverbrook Art Gallery was opened, the Fredericton Art Club was offered a seat on its Board. The FAC was one of the Gallery's first sponsoring organizations when the Friends of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery program started. Members of the Club frequently acted as hostesses for Gallery activities, as well as organizers and docents. The Club was especially pleased to have the patronage of Lord Beaverbrook who was appointed Honorary President in 1959.

Source: 25 Years "To Promote Art" by the Fredericton Art Club, 1936-1961.