Long, long, long ago – in 1972 – a group of 30 Rockwall area women belonged to a national philanthropic group called Epsilon Sigma Alpha. As their national dues kept increasing, they realized that they really wanted their money and time to go toward helping their local community; so they resigned from ESA and formed a new local philanthropic group. And thus... Aspasians was born.

The very first art show in 1975 actually came about because of butterflies. Yes, butterflies. In searching for a way to raise money for scholarships, one member of this new group made framed butterfly hangings and suggested a craft sale, selling products made by the membership. The location was the Brookeshires parking lot and the only food offered were brown bag lunches made by the Aspasians and sold for $1.

Over the years, the Aspasians Art Fair has blossomed. Now located on the downtown Rockwall square, over 200 vendors participate offering an amazingly wide variety of goods. The food has also diversified. Shoppers will find everything from Kettle Korn to barbeque to Turkey legs and many refreshing drink offerings - and nary a brown bagged lunch to be found.

That first show raised $100, and the Aspasians were thrilled. They're even more thrilled today to be able to say they've raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship monies, helping many high school seniors achieve their dream of going to college. Though scholarships are the main philanthropy of the group, Aspasians have also donated time and/or money to The Rainbow Room, The Angel League, our soldiers in Iraq as well as many other local philanthropies and community needs.

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