Our Art Association
The Valley Art Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to promote visual art and artists in Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley. We do this through networking, creative workshops, exhibits, and educational opportunities.
As the Valley Art Association, we are dedicated to promoting the visual arts in our community, encouraging the artist in everyone, and supporting working artists in skill development and the exhibit/sale of their work. We are proud to be an important link in the active arts community in the Chippewa Valley. We dream of an even better future and ask for your continued participation and support.
We promote visual art and artists in the Chippewa Valley through:
- Art related presentations/demonstrations at general meetings
- Exhibit and sales opportunities for members
- Encouraging participation in local fine arts exhibits
- Sponsorship of the annual VAA Member Art Show at the
CVCA/Heyde Center for the Arts
- Newsletters
- Social events
- Educational trips
- Art workshops
- Volunteer opportunities
VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION HISTORY
The VAA was founded in 2006 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, by a small group of local artists who dreamed of an art organization that would provide opportunities for education, networking, exhibiting, community outreach, and much more.
By January 2007, the by-laws and the first Board of Director positions were approved. Monthly general membership meetings featured guest or member presentations were scheduled. A monthly newsletter was created and a website was initiated.
In June 2009, the VAA sponsored their first art fair—Solstice on the Grand which took place on the beautiful grounds of the historic Cook-Rutledge Mansion in Chippewa Falls. The Art Faire continued to host 30-60 regional artists each year until 2016.
In 2011, the VAA applied for and was granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status. In 2014, the VAA moved the Fine Art Faire to a new venue with the Rotary's annual SpringFest event, at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. In 2016, the Fine Art Faire was first held at the Heyde Center for the Arts.
Over the years, the VAA has provided ongoing membership exhibitions and sales opportunities at a variety of venues. View current rotating and VAA sponsored exhibits.
Each fall, the VAA sponsors an all-member art exhibit at the CVCA/Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls.
Aware of the needs of the community, the VAA has provided funds for the installation of a Walker Picture Hanging System, used year-round at the Heyde Center for the Arts.
Our workshops, in a variety of mediums, are open to all members of the community(age qualification may be required). Join us in continuing the legacy of supporting visual art and artists.
As we begin our 20th year, we look forward to adding new programs and art opportunities for our members — including the 2026 is the School of Heritage Arts. In partnership with community resources, the VAA will help organize and fund classes that focus on heritage arts that are beginning to become less known. Many of these heritage arts are the basis for development of creative art expressions. These classes will begin in the spring of 2026. We are excited to see what the next 20 years will bring.
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” - Aristotle
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