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The Olympic Art Association formed in May 1950, when several members of Paul Immel's art class at a local YMCA decided to officially organize their group that often met for field trips and painting sessions. The 10 charter members of the association--and the members who joined later--continued to meet for programs, field trips, gallery walks, and other activities until the association disbanded in October 2007.

Membership in the Olympic Art Association was limited to 22 members at any one time. Members were selected by group acceptance. Although records prior to 1963 are not available, accounts by those who participated during the organization's early years show that the standards of acceptance have always held. Meetings were held in a member's home once each month. Collectively, the members' works covered a wide range of mediums, including watercolor, oils, pottery, printmaking, and graphic design.

Members came from various backgrounds. Some had university degrees, and many belonged to other organizations including the Women Painters of Washington, Northwest Watercolor Society, National Surface Design Association, Seattle Parks Art Department, and Seniors Making Art. Many members were also trained in classes taught by renowned artists.

The Olympic Art Association exhibited as a group in Washington state in various galleries and other sites. Individual members have exhibited via jury acceptance at the Frye Art Museum and the Seattle Art Museum in Seattle, the Cole Museum in Spokane, and the Governor's Mansion Invitational in Olympia. Individual members have also participated in international exhibits through their membership in other art organizations. Works by members are also owned by corporations, law firms, institutions, and private collectors.

Throughout its history, the Olympic Art Association donated to individual artists as well as the Seattle Art Museum, Seniors Making Art, Northwest Watercolor Society, Women Painters of Washington, and others.

Two original charter members, Ruth Lantz and Bertie Casad, were active in the organization from its creation in 1950 to its dissolution in 2007. Due to an ongoing inability to meet on a regular basis, and by the acceptance of the remaining active members, the Olympic Art Association disbanded in October 2007. However, many of the members remained active as working artists.

On October 4, 2007, the Olympic Art Association donated its remaining balance on account to the Women and Children's Shelter in Seattle, Washington.