Juanita Nuñez Crothers (1922-1993) moved to the valley in 1950, where her husband Wilbur James Crothers (1911-1998), founded the Desert News Company. As a self-taught artist and Lancaster resident, Juanita consistently promoted the arts and noted Walt Lee as her greatest mentor.
Crothers served as director of the Antelope Valley Allied Arts Association Art Gallery from 1965 to 1969. She later purchased the Lancaster Fire Station Company No. 33 (dating back to 1929) and used the building to operate the Crothers Fine Art Gallery, which provided local artists with community exposure.
From the 1950s until her death, Crothers served as the chairperson of the Antelope Valley Fair Art Show, supervising the hanging of more than 500 paintings per year.
"Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013.
Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"