A Humble Beginning:
AN EYE TO THE FUTURE
I
n 2002, a few artists and art patrons met at Dr. Jim Harken’s home in the Kokomo
area of Washington State, which in 2004 became part of the new City of Spokane
Valley, to discuss the absence of art in the region.
Subjects discussed were a lack of art appreciation in the Inland Northwest, lack of a
market at which artists could sell their wares, and the lack of public art available for
viewing. Many such meetings were held and finally, as consensus was reached, it was
decided to incorporate the group and take leadership for the arts in Spokane Valley.
Spokane Valley Arts Council was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 on March
31, 2003, eight months after the incorporation of the City of Spokane Valley. It took
several years and many meetings before the Spokane Valley Arts Council (SVAC)
determined how it could best benefit the City of Spokane Valley.
Dr. Jim harken &
Jim sullivan
SPOKANE VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL
62
ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE
In 2009, the mission of improving the appreciation of art began with the first SVAC
Artist Showcase Art Auction. With this highly successful event and a generous
grant provide by the city, we procured our first bronze, titled Working the Line, by
nationally-recognized artist Dr. Jerry McKellar. This was given to the city and is now
located in front of Discovery Park, just south of Mirabeau Point Park.