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 visual 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.
Auxiliary Groups
The Kings County Art League, originally founded in 1946, is a group of working artists and arts enthusiasts supporting programming at the Kings Art Center. The League hosts the Kings Art Center’s exhibition receptions with wine and refreshments and organizes two exhibitions each year. The ART IN THE PARK exhibition is a juried show held each spring. All adults are welcome to enter their art work for cash prizes and ribbons. There is a small entry fee for non-members and members may enter their work with no fee. In addition, the League coordinates the Annual Members Winter Show. This exhibition is held each December and is open to all Kings Art Center members. Other League activities include hosting the opening receptions, the Annual Chalk-in, and educational art demonstrations and events throughout the year. The League meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm
The Kings Art Center Guild is a group of art supporters dedicated to raising funds for the benefit of the Kings Art Center. The Guild organizes two major fundraising events each year: The Annual Art Center Gala and the Holiday Home Tour. The Gala, held the last Saturday in September, is an elegant dinner dance with spectacular food & wine, entertainment and a silent auction of artworks and other treasures. The annual Holiday Home Tour, held in December, highlights local homes festively decorated for the holiday season. The tour concludes with refreshments, entertainment and holiday decor raffles at the Kings Arts Center. The Guild meets the first Wednesday of each month with refreshments at 9:30am and business meeting at 10:00am.
