About WAC

Willamette Art Center: A Place to Learn and Grow in the Arts

The Willamette Art Center is Salem’s only non-profit community center for hands-on art education, offering ceramics and other art mediums. The WAC works to improve art education and understanding and build a welcoming community through art. Classes, workshops, studio workspace for the independent artist, Family Clay, community outreach and the Empty Bowls fundraiser benefitting Marion Polk Food Share and the Willamette Art Center.

Mission

Willamette Art Center’s mission is to maintain a sustainable and welcoming community for lifelong learning and exploration of the arts.

The mission statement communicates the WAC’s purpose.

• “Welcoming” tells the world what we do and strive to cultivate – a safe space where artists can create in a community setting.
• “Sustainable” indicates that the board and staff will make decisions that ensure that the WAC remains financially stable by wisely managing resources and seeking additional funding to keep programs affordable.

Outreach

Improving access to the arts, promoting the arts, and building a community are all worthy goals accomplished through:

• Classes and workshops
• Family Clay
• Open studio options for independent artists and community members
• Artist programs for public and private schools
• School field trips

Classes

We offer fun for all ages at the WAC…

• Take a class in a variety of mediums
• Make something out of clay and turn it into a ceramic piece.
• Try raku firing
• Bring the family and make something at Family Clay
• Plan a birthday party or celebration
• Host a corporate outing or activity

If you love hands-on art, the WAC is for you. You Belong Here!

Operations

The WAC is led by a Board of Directors who sets the strategic direction. The staff are tasked with carrying out the day-to-day operations of the organization.

The Board of Directors meets regularly. The meetings are generally open to the public. Elections of the board members happen in the Fall and a membership meeting is held to conduct the business of the organization. Members are encouraged to attend to help shape the direction of the studio. Meeting times vary, check the board calendar. View past meeting minutes here.

Nonprofit Organization

The Willamette Art Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a member of the Oregon Cultural Trust.

EIN: 20-3892277