Island Arts Council

I’m Kay Parsons and presently President of the Whidbey Island Arts Council. 2020 has been a challenging year but the WIAC has continued to evolve to meet the needs of our Arts Community in our 40th year and as the oldest Arts non profit on Whidbey Island. We’ve learned how to provide our kids art classes outdoors or on zoom, creating an arts experience for kids and some much needed income for the teaching artists. We provided COVID Grants to artists in need and we have continued marketing all the arts on the island supporting the effort of artists, organizations and galleries with their efforts to reach their audiences online or in safe situations. 

2021 will bring new leadership to the WIAC. I’m thrilled to announce that John Kingsbury is stepping in as the new WIAC president. John has some wonderful ideas. Those of you who know John know that he is a passionate supporter of the Arts, volunteering on the front lines of many local events. Karen Koschak is joining WIAC as Vice President. The inimitable Therese Kingsbury has joined our board. I’m excited to see this new energy come to the Council. My dearest wish as I turn over management to John and the 2021 WIAC Board is that we provide enough funds for them to stand well in the challenges of 2021. Our Arts Tourism wing will be tasked with reconnecting with our off island market and bring them back to the island after COVID. This is important not only to the arts community but also to the other small businesses that provide support for tourism. We recognize the need and are stepping up for the work. Linanne Armstrong will be running our Arts in Education Program. Providing safe classes that accommodate our island children AND their safety is imperative. 

We need the help and support of the community to move forward well. I’d like to personally ask you to donate now. Your help now as WIAC enters 2021 will help us to be able to do even more  to keep the Arts alive through this coming year!