Villages Arts and Crafts Association

56 Years of Inspired Arts and Crafts for Villagers

by Parthenia M. Hicks, Poet Laureate Emeritus

Ever wish you could finally pursue one of those creative projects you carried around in the back of your head before you retired or right now, as retirement comes closer? Well, you can. The Villages Arts and Crafts Association (VACA) has just the perfect art or craft for you to ease into.

Formed 56 years ago by Villagers, Emma Pouch and Gertrude Thompson, VACA has a long history of diverse creative offerings that originally included everything from dance and theatre arts to cloisonne and even bingo! Afterwards VACA  focused on the visual and writing arts, along with special annual events like the upcoming Holiday Faire on November 15th that features Villager artists as well as outside artists ushering in the holiday season selling a wide variety of giftable arts and crafts.

VACA Classes and Workshops

VACA has featured unique classes and workshops by local and international artists since its inception. Well-known Bay Area artists such as Jaya King, Nancy Meyer, and  Claire Verbiest have taught classes, along with professional Village artists like Ciel Duke, Jim Paradis and Doug Canepa. Well-known artists appear each month,  thanks to Michael Sunzeri, who curates the very popular Guest Artist demonstration as part of VACA's monthly general membership meeting. Each artist demonstrates new skills and techniques.

Most classes are held in the Art Room, which is conducive to both teaching and learning. The room, designed by artists Barbara Gottesman and Diane Dathe in 2010, showcases  the Permanent Art Collection, ceramic tiles handmade by members, and materials that inspire the creation of art.

Ongoing Events and Classes

Open Studio

Need a place to work on your own? Come to Open Studio for quiet time to study your craft, hone your art and relax in the Art Room. Drop in. Free. Monday through Friday hours.

Art Exhibits

Throughout the year, VACA presents exhibits of artists of exceptional talent and skill. These free exhibits are on view in the Cribari Conference Room. The most recent exhibit spotlighted award-winning artist, Pimei Huang.

Ceramics & Pottery

Love pottery and ceramics, but haven't had time to dive into these sumptuous arts? Check out Ceramics and Pottery offerings that include beginning Ceramics, Pottery Wheel and Workshops for Advanced Students at .

Art Films

Love Film and learning about world-renown artists? Each month, Marion Rose curates a free art film that features a well-known artist, such as Yayoi Kusama, Georgia O'Keefe, and Andy Warhol. Free popcorn and a door prize enliven the film!

A Variety of Classes Throughout the Year

VACA offers an exciting menu of classes throughout the year including oil painting, watercolor, acrylics, pottery, ceramics, jewelry making and design, and assemblage. Examples include:

Wreath Making: As the holidays approach, sit with Stephanie Torres for an energetic and fun class on making wreaths for all occasions. Get that front door ready for every season of the year!

Writing & Journaling: Need help honing your writing craft or creating that family legacy for your grandkids? Join a writing class with Claudia Welch, Barbara Gottesman or Parthenia M. Hicks, or try art journaling with Pat Remington.

Drawing, Oil, Watercolor and Acrylics for experienced or newbies: Come try your hand with expert teachers to guide you in a new art or support you as you hone your craft.

VACA Annual Events

VACA annual events begin in the spring with Art in the Park each April and end each November with the Holiday Faire. Both events are curated by Diane Finley and feature the work of Village artists with unique, handmade, one-of-a-kind art work for sale.

Home Studio Art Tour offers a peek into the life and work of Village artists as they open up their home studios for others to view and shop for distinctive and imaginative art work.

The New Members Reception welcomes new VACA members with a unique art event—most recently an invitation to create “tiny” 5 x 5-inch canvas art—followed by a lively reception.

If you have a special expertise you'd like to share with fellow Villagers, contact Barbara Gottesman at barb.gottesman@gmail.com to explore offering a workshop.

Join our Volunteer VACA team for an inside scoop of upcoming events and volunteer for the one that interests you most. Find out more at monthly meetings.

To join VACA at $10 per year, contact VACA Board Vice-President, Claudia Welch at  claudia.welch@yahoo.com

Stay abreast of additional VACA classes and workshops at www.villagesartsandcrafts.org

Join us at the Holiday Faire on November 15th from 10 am until 2 pm at Cribari Center.  Over 40 local Artists will show and sell unique handmade items.  Don't forget to grab a goodie from our famous bake sale.