Mission Vision Values

Mission


Kirkland Arts Center provides exemplary visual arts education in a dynamic, community culture. The cornerstone ceramic arts program attracts artists from the Northwest and further afield who share their expertise with students and teachers, and the Gallery's accessible, contemporary art exhibitions showcase innovative works that stimulate a lively public dialogue.


Vision for the Future
A new focus on Ceramics


In 2015 the KAC is nationally recognized for teaching and exhibiting ceramics art. Teaching ranges from workshops featuring prominent clay artists that attract attendance from beyond the region to classes that offer clay experiences for beginning through experienced artists from the local community. A studio program permits emerging ceramic artists to have ongoing access to shared work space, and a selective Ceramics Artist Residency program provides rotating opportunities for accomplished artists of regional or national renown to participate in the life of Kirkland Arts Center. Facilities and technical support reflect the level of ceramics activity, with state-of-the-art equipment and adequate work space-likely to be beyond the existing building. Partnerships with other regional arts education institutions place KAC in a dynamic relationship with emerging and established artists. KAC is known as THE ceramics program in the NW, and is moving towards a national level of recognition, by building on the region's reputation for excellence in ceramics and the encouragement of experimentation and innovation.


Community art school continuity - a strong 2-D and inter-disciplinary art program


KAC continues its legacy as a community art resource offering a wide range of art workshops and classes in various artistic media in warm supportive atmosphere for beginner and experienced artist alike. It provides foundation - advanced skills in drawing, painting and printmaking in planned progression of classes and also emphasizes inter-disciplinary study between 2-D and 3-D forms. It has well-equipped classroom space in its own facility and also offers classes at other locations. It provides art classes for all ages, with a commitment to providing scholarship/work-study opportunities.


The Gallery


The KAC Gallery in 2015 receives steady regional critical acclaim for its innovative contemporary art exhibitions. These exhibitions are especially strong in ceramics and sculpture, and take advantage of the regional, national and international talent tied to KAC's ceramics teaching, residency and partnership programs. The Gallery is an important not-for-profit exhibition space in the region, and represents significant opportunities for emerging artists/curators to be showcased. A year round exhibition program provides access to quality visual art experiences for the Kirkland community.


The Building


The heart of Kirkland Arts Center, the historic Peter Kirk Building has been renovated to make the best possible use of all spaces. Additional space is also part of KAC - either adjacent or nearby. Space includes dedicated ceramics studios, the Gallery, classroom space, storage and administrative space, meeting ADA access codes.


Teaching and administration

Professionalism and excellence are consistent in both artistic and administrative staff at KAC in 2015. Artistic staff members are well respected for their own artistic accomplishments as well as their strength as teachers. Professional administrative staff positions are commensurate with the scope of the program and the needs of maintaining the organization. The KAC Board reflects the expertise, networks and commitment to assure the future of the organization within the competitive regional and national arts landscape.



Kirkland Arts Center Values Statement


1. We value our role as a gathering place for artists, for arts audiences, and for the community.

2. We value innovative arts education that actively engages students of all ages and levels of experience.

3. We value our ability to contribute to the development of ceramics as a discipline. We value the rich interplay between our ceramics program and the other media taught and displayed at Kirkland Arts Center.

4. We value our staff and faculty and their ability create a dynamic center for artistic activity. We value the excellence and quality of the faculty's teaching and their own artistic expressions.

5. We value presenting contemporary visual arts exhibits that challenge and inspire local and regional art audiences and speak to our students.

6. We value bringing art out of the building and directly into the community through strategic partnerships and unique outreach programs.

7. We value our historic home and are committed to preserving its architectural heritage and celebrating its role in Kirkland's history.

8. We value respecting and welcoming the people that make the Arts Center's work possible: our members, volunteers and patrons of all ages.

9. We value operating in a financially sustainable manner that allows us to deliver quality services, to expand our programming to meet the community's needs and to compensate staff, faculty and artists at or above the market rate.

10. We value the power of art to transform and influence the lives of all people and to enrich our community.