The first check is handed over to the State Fairgrounds representative by Sue Karnash September 2006.

The public is invited to the Willamette Art Center’s (WAC) open house in celebration of its 10^th year of operation. The fun will begin on Saturday, October 22 at noon and continue to 4 pm. The first president of the board, Sue Schroeder, and the current president, Ed Daly, will cut the cake at 1:00 pm. Besides refreshments, there will be demonstrations and tours. The public is invited to participate in a collaborative sculpture guided by ceramic artist, Wendy Steinberg.

The Willamette Art Center is the Mid Valley’s only community art studio offering classes for both adults and children in wheel-throwing and hand-building.

The WAC’s on-going programs include scholarships for the ceramic arts classes for both children and adults, the artists-in-the-schools program, school and community organization field trips to the Center, and the popular Family Clay Sundays when families get to enjoy quality time together doing the project of the day for a minimum cost.

The Willamette Art Center’s “Give Back to the Community” programs include the Marion Polk Food Share Empty Bowls fundraiser and organizing the Artisan Village for the State Fair. The WAC potters create over 1000 bowls a year volunteering their own time and craftsmanship. The Willamette Art Center has donated over $200,000 to feed the hungry since its inception.

The members of the Willamette Art Center are proud to offer the Salem community a place to learn and grow in the arts because ART IS FUN!