The Polish American Arts Association of Santa BarbaraPreserve and promote Polish cultural heritage and historical traditions
by Gene Harubin Zygmont (Jolanta Skrzynska and Chester Radio contributed to the article.)
The Polish American Arts Association of Santa Barbara (PAAA) was founded in May, 1976, to preserve and promote Polish cultural heritage and historical traditions and to awaken among young Polish Americans an awareness and pride in Polish cultural achievements and goals.
Janusz Tyszkiewicz - Lacki served as its first president. During his tenure, the PAAA participated in Santa Barbara's Bicentennial Arts Festival (October, 1976), with a Polish Fine Arts exhibition at the Brooks Gallery of Art and a presentation of Polish regional dances by the Krakusy at the Riviera Theater.
Other activities during the year included a lecture series with notable guest speakers: Dr. Tymon Terlecki of the University of lllinois, Chicago; Dr. Jerzy Lerski of the University of San Francisco; and church architect George Szeptycki.
The PAAA also sponsored a Polish language course, which was subsequently incorporated into the Adult Education Program in Santa Barbara; a pre-World War II film series and an exhibition of Polish Naive Art.
Maria Halstead succeeded Mr. Tyszkiewicz - Lacki for the years 1977-78. Under her direction, the PAAA sponsored a two day Chopin Festival (1978). It was held at the Music Academy of the West and featured Chopin piano recitals, folk dances and exhibitions of Polish art and folklore.
During the 1980's, the PAAA concentrated on humanitarian efforts to hospitals, particularly children's hospitals, in Poland and to individuals in that country who were affected by the political turmoil. PAAA members organized rummage sales and other fund raising events to raise money for these purposes and actively participated in actions supporting Solidarity (Solidarnosc).
PAAA members welcomed the opening of a newly independent Poland's Consulate General in Los Angeles in May, 1991. It began an era of close contact and mutual support between the PAAA and the Consulate.
Under the slogan "Polish Days in Santa Barbara" an ambitious festival, lasting over a week, was held in March, 1992. The festival was organized and coordinated by Lucyna and Chester Radio to coincide with an appearance by the Mazowsze folk ensemble from Poland. Festival activities included: exhibitions of art works by Polish artists living in California and Polish Art Posters, lent by the Consulate of the Republic of Poland; a piano and violin recital; showing of Polish films; a lecture and a demonstration of Polish Arabian horses. Most of these events played to capacity audiences, due in large part to extensive media coverage.
In addition to heightening the appreciation of Polish culture among the general public, the festival had the added benefit of attracting many new adherents, including second and third generation Polish - Americans.
The members of the PAAA actively participate in social events which not only promote Polish cultural values but also maintain community bonds. Celebration of Masses, conducted at holiday times by clergy from Los Angeles or Poland also contributes to fostering this sense of community.
Officers for the year 1994 are: Marian Grodel, President; Richard Tokarski, Vice-president; Ela Andrysewicz, General Secretary; Dorota Skotnicki, Financial Secretary.
From: Polish Americans in California, vol. II. National Center for Urban Ethnic Affairs & Polish American Historical Association. California 1995.