The 5th Anniversary of the Leonard and David McKay Gallery

Celebrating Local Artists: The 5th Anniversary of the Leonard and David McKay Gallery

McKay Gallery at the Pasetta House, History Park

Leonard McKay, founder of Smith-McKay Printing, was a Rotary President, member of the Pioneers of Santa Clara County, historian, and general rascal. He was also an art collector. He recognized the importance of collecting and celebrating local artists, not only for their artistic contribution, but also for the valuable role artists play in creating a visual historic record of the Valley. “Celebrating Local Artists” features well-known local artists Andrew P. Hill, Charles Harmon, Vida McCraken, and A. D. M. Cooper. In addition to bucolic landscapes, never-before-seen drawings from Cooper’s childhood and young adulthood are on display.

The Pasetta House was moved to History Park in 1985. In 2004, thanks to a generous gift from the Pasetta family, restoration of the house began, and the building was dedicated in 2005. Leonard McKay was instrumental in planning this space as a gallery with climate control and lighting that would meet museum standards suitable for exhibiting art and artifacts. This generosity has afforded History San José the opportunity to host multiple exhibits and to display countless works from its collection. History San José wishes to thank these families for their significant and permanent contribution to History Park and to the community.