About The Dalles Art Center and
A Brief History of The Dalles Art Association

After several years as an informal art club, in 1959 The Dalles Art Club was incorporated as a non-profit organization and met regularly in The Dalles.

When the current The Dalles/Wasco County Library was built, the Art Club took over the old Carnegie Library building and opened it in 1967 as The Dalles Art Center, renovating it and turning it into usable space for a guest gallery, a sales gallery featuring local artists, and a classroom for community art programs.

The club changed its name to The Dalles Art Association to reflect its new role as a community-based art center. It received its federal status as a 501c3 non-profit organization in 1976.

The mission of The Dalles Art Association is to promote a knowledge and love of the arts by coordinating the activities of The Dalles Art Center to: Make art accessible to the entire community; give area artists a place to display and sell their artwork; provide art classes and opportunities to meet with artists; and be of service to the community for other cultural activities.

The operation of the art center is funded through membership dues, commissions on sales of consigned art and through a variety of fund raisers, sponsorships, and donations. Throughout its history, the Art Association has relied heavily on the volunteer efforts of its artists, patrons and members. The Annual Art Auction fund raiser has been held since 1958 and has always been a popular and successful event.

To become a volunteer, please contact the gallery directly or fill out our form under our Contact section.