The Origins
In the early Fifties a group of artists formed an organization to exhibit paintings done in Casein, an opaque, water-based medium, an ancient art material dating back to the Egyptian culture and possibly to cave days. Casein, using a milk-related base, has proved its permanence by the fact that Egyptian decorations are to be seen today, thousands of years later. The organization formed
by the artists was given a straight-forward, descriptive name: the National Society of Painters in Casein. This Society gave artists who preferred an opaque aqua-based medium a chance to exhibit, while transparent watercolors were commonly accepted in other exhibitions which frowned upon the opaque use of watercolor. Years later, another art product called Acrylic was introduced to artists commercially. This synthetic version of casein was quickly accepted by the art community and became a popular opaque, fast-drying medium. The Casein Society recognized its potential and welcomed artists who used acrylic in their entries. Ralph Fabri, then president of the Society, took the initiative to change the name of the Casein Society to include the word Acrylic, and, with financial assistance from the Grumbacher Co., the legal change was made to update the name to read: “The National Society of Painters in Casein & Acrylic.” Although cumbersome, the name clearly describes our function as a National Showcase for the two opaque aqua-media. About 30 states are usually represented in our Annuals which serve as unique annual events. Mark Freeman
Honorary Life President
