Founded in 1935 by Professor Garth Howland of Lehigh University, the LAA continues as an organization for amateur and professional artists in the Lehigh Valley, and as a cultural and educational entity for the people of the area.

The Alliance has always attempted to serve both the artist and the community equally. Juried exhibitions give the artists an opportunity to display their works, and the appreciators of art an opportunity to view what those regional artists are producing. Various Lehigh Valley institutions have graciously contributed the use of their exhibition space to the LAA. Among these are the Allentown Art Museum, Cedar Crest College, Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, The State Theatre and The Banana Factory.

In addition to exhibitions, the LAA sponsors general meetings, open to the public, featuring guest speakers on various art-related matters. Speakers have included Cao Ying-Yi from the Peoples’ Republic of China, Myron Barnstone of Barnstone Studios, Charles Dent of Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse, Inc., and Steve Tobin, internationally known sculptor.