The Friends of the Visual Arts

The Friends are a group of ceramics and painting enthusiasts who have founded Salem's community art studio, the Willamette Art Center at the State Fairgrounds in Salem.

We offer art classes and fun for all ages at our studio, the "WAC." We also host the popular Artisan's Village at the Oregon State Fair.

Take an Art Class
Make Ceramics
Birthday Parties
Volunteer
Paint your own Pottery
Children's Art Camps
Raku Firing
Join the Artisan Village at the State Fair

We are a full-fledged 501-C3 nonprofit corporation and happily accept your tax-deductible donations. More importantly, we're always looking for members, volunteers, students, and donors! If you love hands-on art and would like to see Salem continue its long tradition of offering quality art classes to one and all, then come on over and see what we're all about!

Meet our Board of Directors
Video Library
Our History (coming soon)
Quick WAC Facts (coming soon)

The Board of Directors

Karin Putnam, President
Jim Ransom, President-Elect
Sue Schroeder, Treasurer
Cindy Nielsen, Secretary and Spam Lord
Jeanine Renne, Past President
Ken Jacobsen
Ben Settecase
Gail Obendorf
Paul Hsu
Janis Prowse

Executive Director

Karl Knudson

Our Mission

The Friends encourage lifelong learning and exploration of the arts as a vital ingredient for the health of individuals and communities. read more