The original idea of the Dhahran Art Group dates back to early 1954, when a small group of eight women formed the Sunday Painters Group. Later that year the same group formed the Dhahran Chapter of the Amateur Artists Association of America. By 1958 the group had grown to 100 members. Their purpose then was "to provide as many as possible with the opportunity of developing their skills, interest and appreciation to various aspects of art by securing space in which each individual may work freely, by presenting programs that will stimulate interest and by holding exhibits for the benefit of all."