Our Mission
To enhance the lives of Kings County residents and friends by providing a center to experience the arts.
The Kings Art Center provides hands-on art education coupled with high quality exhibitions of artwork from throughout California as well as from local artists. Together, our education and exhibition programs provide a comprehensive art and cultural experience to our visitors.
The Kings County Art Center Foundation, Inc. is governed by an Executive Cabinet and a Board of Trustees. Long range goals are to continue to offer art programs and services to the public, members and students of Kings County. Support for these programs comes from memberships, sponsorships, fee-based services and donations.
Exhibition Program
We strive to present an exhibition schedule that brings pleasure and learning opportunities by offering artwork with diverse cultural influences and geographic origins. Local artists are highlighted in two annual exhibitions and the balance of the shows focus on artwork that broadens our understanding of both traditional and contemporary art making. Up to 12 exhibitions are displayed each year in the center’s Marcellus Gallery and Banister Studio/Gallery and include painting, photography, sculpture, fiber art, drawings, clay, glass and mixed media.
Artwork by children is also exhibited through the Young Masters’ Program. Open to all Kings County students grades K-12, this popular annual exhibition offers young artist the opportunity to publicly display their artwork and compete for cash prizes.
Education Program
Hands-on art classes offer children and adults the opportunity to explore their own creativity year-round. Classes in painting, drawing, glass and other techniques and mediums are offered in weekly class or workshop formats. The Summer Children’s Art Program is particularly popular and culminates in the Evening of the Arts exhibit of children’s artwork. Summer offerings include clay, painting, drawing, photography and more. Rounding our the education program are After-School art lessons and school field trips which provide tours and hands-on lessons to children and support local teachers working to include visual art in their curriculum.
The Kings Art Center provides hands-on art education coupled with high quality exhibitions of artwork from throughout California as well as from local artists. Together, our education and exhibition programs provide a comprehensive art and cultural experience to our visitors.
The Kings County Art Center Foundation, Inc. is governed by an Executive Cabinet and a Board of Trustees. Long range goals are to continue to offer art programs and services to the public, members and students of Kings County. Support for these programs comes from memberships, sponsorships, fee-based services and donations.
Exhibition Program
We strive to present an exhibition schedule that brings pleasure and learning opportunities by offering artwork with diverse cultural influences and geographic origins. Local artists are highlighted in two annual exhibitions and the balance of the shows focus on artwork that broadens our understanding of both traditional and contemporary art making. Up to 12 exhibitions are displayed each year in the center’s Marcellus Gallery and Banister Studio/Gallery and include painting, photography, sculpture, fiber art, drawings, clay, glass and mixed media.
Artwork by children is also exhibited through the Young Masters’ Program. Open to all Kings County students grades K-12, this popular annual exhibition offers young artist the opportunity to publicly display their artwork and compete for cash prizes.
Education Program
Hands-on art classes offer children and adults the opportunity to explore their own creativity year-round. Classes in painting, drawing, glass and other techniques and mediums are offered in weekly class or workshop formats. The Summer Children’s Art Program is particularly popular and culminates in the Evening of the Arts exhibit of children’s artwork. Summer offerings include clay, painting, drawing, photography and more. Rounding our the education program are After-School art lessons and school field trips which provide tours and hands-on lessons to children and support local teachers working to include visual art in their curriculum.
Meet our Board Members
Kings Art Center Foundation, Inc. is governed by a Board of Trustees, composed of a diverse range of local community leaders and entrepreneurs.
Susan Tackett, President
Todd Barlow, Vice President
Debra Revious, Secretary
Gail Forsythe, Treasurer
Negar Shams, Executive Director
Jennifer Butts
Kathy Farley
Dean Osterling
Michael J. Semas
Mark Sherman
Kyle Crider
Janice Nikoghosian
Judith Althouse (1940 - 2024)
Trustee Emeritus
John Robinson (1941 – 2022)
Curator, Trustee Emeritus
William J. Banister (1918 – 2006)
Founder, Trustee Emeritus
Dr. Lloyd F. Christensen (1920-2016)
Founder, Trustee Emeritus
Sidney J.W. Sharp Jr. (1934-2014)
Founder, Trustee Emeritus
Robert Marcellus (1929-2019)
Founder, Director/Curator Emeritus
Todd Barlow, Vice President
Debra Revious, Secretary
Gail Forsythe, Treasurer
Negar Shams, Executive Director
Jennifer Butts
Kathy Farley
Dean Osterling
Michael J. Semas
Mark Sherman
Kyle Crider
Janice Nikoghosian
Judith Althouse (1940 - 2024)
Trustee Emeritus
John Robinson (1941 – 2022)
Curator, Trustee Emeritus
William J. Banister (1918 – 2006)
Founder, Trustee Emeritus
Dr. Lloyd F. Christensen (1920-2016)
Founder, Trustee Emeritus
Sidney J.W. Sharp Jr. (1934-2014)
Founder, Trustee Emeritus
Robert Marcellus (1929-2019)
Founder, Director/Curator Emeritus
Meet Our Staff
Negar Shams Executive Director |
Jana Wimer Administrative Assistant |
Contact Information
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OFFICE AND GALLERY HOURS:
Wednesday - Friday 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays and most major holidays. Tours by arrangement |
MAILING ADDRESS:
Kings Art Center 605 N. Douty St. Hanford, California 93230 559 - 584 - 1065 officemanagerkac@gmail.com director@kingsartcenter.org |