EVERETT, Wash. — Schack Art Center in Everett is celebrating a half century of sharing the visual arts with Snohomish County.
When it launched in 1974, Schack was called the “Arts Council of Snohomish County,” designed to offer an artistic and cultural space for the immediate community.
"I grew up in Everett, we always went to Seattle for anything cultural,” said Executive Director Judy Tuohy. "The group of people that started in the '70s wanted the arts and culture to be here in Everett."
Years later, funding enabled the non-profit to move into a permanent home on Hoyt Avenue and it was renamed Schack Art Center.
Visitors can take classes to learn everything from pine needle basketry to glass beadmaking. Guests can also rent one of seven studios to create or buy items made by local artists from the gallery store.
Admission to exhibitions of Northwest artists is always free.
"We (also) have our hot shop which is accessible, you can come and watch the glassblowers just about every day that we're open, there's somebody in there working,” Tuohy said.
Schack also has an outreach program to work with students in Snohomish County, spanning preschool through college. The center has also begun working with seniors in Everett.
"The core value I think is really providing our community with the arts,” Tuohy said. "And really providing that connection between our community and the artists because that's really the most captivating part of the arts."
The 50th anniversary celebration kicked off January 18 with “Dipped in Paint: A Painted Legacy,” a solo exhibition of Washington-based artist Vincent Keele. It runs through February 17.
There will also be the annual H’Arts Auction and Gala from February 24 – March 9, featuring hundreds of pieces of art for sale. People can bid from anywhere in the world.
Schack Art Center is open Tuesday – Sunday and is located at 2921 Hoyt Avenue.
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