What does the Valley Arts Council hope to bring to the Valley?

The Valley Arts Council was founded on the belief that while the arts are by no means new to the Valley, we seemed to be lacking a binding thread to bring that art to the forefront of life here. The Valley has been rich in culture and creativity for well over a century and the arts can, and do, take place in many diverse contexts within our community. We have among us a grouping of artists and performers of local, national and worldwide acclaim, but these artists have a limited viable local means by which to display their work. Also, there are many talented younger artists who need the opportunity to learn and grow to a greater extent than currently exists on a local basis. One of our primary goals is to add venues and to increase the opportunity for performance and exhibition within the Valley. By doing so, we will be creating a network of artists and patrons of the arts. That network will be our strength.

Art can transform a community. If well managed and developed, art can breathe life into old buildings and tired main streets while adding new vitality to business prospects. The arts can have a dramatic impact on the quality of life and the effect of that impact soon becomes apparent in places in which we live, work, and play. Art can help a community to be perceived in a way that makes people want to live in that community. Art can define a community; either in its presence, or by its absence.

The Valley Arts Council was formed for the purpose of creating and promoting a connecting thread between those among us who are artists and those who have an interest in experiencing the arts. Sometimes the only difference between a life full of art, and a life void of art, is the simple accessibility of the arts. Our mission is to ensure that the contribution that the arts can make to one's life is recognized, valued, promoted and realized in the lives of all Valley residents. The Valley Arts Council has an ongoing commitment to recognize that a community which encourages, supports, and fosters the arts, empowers its citizens to think, work and live creatively.