Over the last 50 years, the Central Brevard Art Association has been providing local artists with venues to exhibit their work, as well as training through classes and workshops.

This month, the association will mark that half-century in operation for what is now one of the area’s oldest such organizations. On March 20, the Central Brevard Art Association will hold its 50th Anniversary Reunion buffet luncheon at Rockledge Country Club.

All former and current members are invited to attend.

The association was founded in 1960 by a group of 25 local artists meeting at Byrd Plaza in Cocoa. Its first art show was held there, with merchants providing prize money for the winners. Over the years, the association has been based at various sites, including Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Village and the current facility at 566 Barton Blvd. in Rockledge.

“CBAA never lost its enthusiasm for holding art classes, workshops, demos by well-known artists and exhibiting in art shows,” said Rockledge oil painter Ruth Barnhart, who chairs the association’s 50th Anniversary Celebration committee and is a former association vice president. “Visual art enhances the value and perception of life of both the artist and the observer.”

The association now has about 100 members specializing in various media, including oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, mixed media, jewelry, sculpture of clay, ceramic, wood and glass.

The association has two major shows each year, in January at the Cape Canaveral Library and in November at the Heritage Isle community in Viera. It also offers art classes; exhibits art in seven community libraries and offices; and gives an annual art student scholarship award of $500 to a graduating senior who wants to continue in art education in college.

Current and former association members who would like to attend the 50th-anniversary event, must buy tickets before March 12. Tickets are $15 per person for the event, which begins at noon March 20 at Rockledge Country Club, 1951 Fiske Blvd. Send checks to: CBAA Studio, 566 Barton Blvd., Suite 3, Rockledge, FL 32955 or call Elizabeth at 321-452-7964 or Pat at 321-783-5122.

For more information on the Central Brevard Art Association, including how to join or information on upcoming shows, classes and workshops as well as photo galleries of members’ work, visit www.brevardart.org.