The Ridgefield Art Association was conceived in 1992 by a group of local
artists who were interested in connecting, mentoring, teaching and bringing art
to the greater Ridgefield area. There was a thriving student art scene in Ridgefield, yet the community-at-large, including emerging artists and
children, had no local access to exhibits, performances or expanded educational
or economic opportunities.
This small group of charter members hoped that a unifying
organization could bring the arts to Ridgefield in a productive and inspiring
way. They believed that an organization such as the Ridgefield Art Association
would improve the quality of life for every Ridgefield resident as well as
those in greater Clark County, Washington.
A non-profit corporation was created in 1993 and a volunteer board was established. The organization is still 100%
volunteer run and managed today.
Since 1993 we have donated 12 art grants to high school students, sponsored the purchase of arts
literature and speakers for the local public library, contributed to the first
public piece of art in downtown Ridgefield, donated art grants to the
elementary and junior high schools, including a 2007 donation towards the Union
Ridge Elementary School ceramic kiln as well as sponsoring Art Exhibits every year.
Fundraising by the art association along with generous donations from
citizens, individual artist members and local businesses have been instrumental
in our continuing sponsorship of these events and opportunities.
Nurturing and building self-confidence in emerging artists has been one of the main goals of our organization. Our arts grants and scholarships have helped validate the talent of many of Clark County's artists today. We have also helped launch many of our adult members from amateur to professional arts careers.
The
Ridgefield Art Association's long term goals include increasing accessibility to the arts but also to encourage galleries,
musicians, dancers, visual artists, theatre productions, filmmakers, videographers and other art groups to
perform, exhibit, work or locate in Ridgefield. The Art Association hopes to be an inclusive, communal presence that will help local artists thrive, and unlock the artistic
potential of every area resident.
The Ridgefield Art Association is always looking for volunteers, new members, business sponsors and teachers of the arts. Please join us.
2010 OFFICERS: 2011 OFFICERS:
President: Dan Baker Bruce Crockett
Vice President: Nicole Mongrain Nicole Mongrain
Secretary: Carol Bietsch Carol Bietsch
Treasurer: Joanne Hazen Patricia Thompson
2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Bruce Crockett, Nicole Mongrain, Carol Bietsch, Vickie Schell, Marj Casswell.
Go
here for membership information and
here if you wish to donate to the association.
We accept new artist and artisan members and welcome art supporters!
Contact Us:
Call Bruce Crockett, President, at (360) 607-9848 or email him @ ridgefieldartists@live.com for more information.
General Correspondence:
Bruce Crockett, President Email: ridgefieldartists@live.com
Post Office Box 746
Ridgefield, WA 98642-0746
Dues and Fees Information:
Patricia Thompson, Treasurer, Ridgefield Art Association, POB 746, Ridgefield, WA 98642-0746
Website Updates: Elizabeth Madrigal, Webmaster,
ridgefieldartassociation@gmail.com, 31607 NW 44th Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642