The Leaders: Judy Albertson and Louise Peterson

Judy Albertson was active in the art community when she met Louise Peterson. Fifteen years later, they established the Albertson-Peterson Gallery as a unique fine arts crafts gallery. The two of them developed a dialogue that led to greater interest in the importance of a solid link between business and the art community. Independent of the commercial gallery, the Art Consulting Program Planning Division helped give direction and dedication to corporations through the acquisition of visual arts.

Judy Albertson was involved in helping the University of Central Florida (UCF) develop its educational and arts programs from its early years. She has served on the UCF Board of Trustees, the UCF Foundation, and helped establish Friends of UCF (a nonprofit organization dealing with the arts, humanities, and culture). She has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Orlando Museum of Art, a member of the Board of Visitors of the Cornell Museum of Rollins College, and was on the board of the Cultural Alliance.

Louise Peterson opened Galleries International in Winter Park in 1969 with an impetus on exhibiting emerging artists and introducing to the Central Florida market the original print medium. The gallery was the first in Central Florida to bring lectures and exhibitions of important works in the original print medium to this market. These "educational practices" were well received by the community, both in the private sector and especially those with corporate interests. A relationship with the Orlando Museum of Art and the Council of Arts and Sciences soon developed.

In 1984, Galleries International became the Albertson-Peterson Gallery when she partnered with long-time friend Judy Albertson. Louise Peterson was a member of the Council of 101 of the Orlando Museum of Art, advisory to the Committee of Acquisition of the 20th Century American prints for that museum and also a lecturer and juror for community and collegiate competitions.

Albertson and Peterson will also be featured in Art Legends exhibitions at the City of Orlando Terrace Gallery (October 15, 2015 through January 8, 2016) and the Orange County Regional History Center (March 5 through May 29, 2016).