From Humble Beginnings to a Hub of Art Education at Vashon Center for the Arts
What began as the Vashon Arts League in 1949 by Island artists Fred Eernisse, Norman Edson and Art Hansen with the simple vision to showcase art created by Islanders. What eventually became the Vashon Associated Arts (VAA), a loosely knit group dedicated to the arts, without a solid place to call home for a couple decades, the organization nearly disbanded but rescued by Chris (Wheeler) Beck, who created the current organization we know today, complete with board of directors. In 1988, they purchase the building that Islanders came to know as the Blue Heron Art Center.
31 years in their home at the Blue Heron Arts Center, and VAA has grown into their large building to 8 full time employees, 120 classes offered every year, 40 events per year, a full-fledged dance program, monthly rotating gallery shows and much more. You can view their complete Board and Staff on the website.
Vashon Center for the Arts mission is to make quality arts education affordable for all with a scholarship fund providing support leaving no student turned away for lack of funds.