VOTE TO PRESERVE KAC! More Stories!

From the Partners in Preservation site:

Submitted by Jeannine at: May 6, 2010
When are children were younger(4&8) they took various art classes at what was then the Creative Arts League. This was in the mid 70′s. They enjoyed them tremendously and what a wonderful local treasure to preserve.

Submitted by Elice at: May 5, 2010
I used to be the Director at Peter Kirk. People of the community really care about this building and its history in the area.

Submitted by Claire at: May 4, 2010
I live in Virginia and I care about this building!

Have a story to share? VOTE HERE and then let us know why you voted!

And the KAC Stories Keep Coming!

HAVE YOU VOTED FOR KIRKLAND ARTS CENTER? These voters have. (You can, too!)

Submitted by MaryWh at: April 22, 2010
One summer in the early 1980s, I taught a recorder class for children in the upper room (known then as “The Skylight Room,” I think). All the kids played soprano recorders, which, even for adults, tend not to be in tune with each other. The room’s acoustics were ultra live, esp. right under the skylight, where the class met. Often, when my ears were ringing with high-pitched harmonics, an elderly water color artist would emerge from his adjoining studio and tell the children they played like angels…which they did, in a manner of speaking. I loved teaching that class despite the sound.

Submitted by Carol at: April 22, 2010
In the late 90′s I worked for several years across the street from the KAC building. It wasn’t until last summer that I spent time there taking art classes. A beautiful treasure in our area, especially the skylight room on the top floor.

Submitted by MommaT at: April 22, 2010
My family has enjoyed many an art class in this beautiful, historic building. The staff & classes are wonderful. My youngest daughter asked me to go with her to the restroom & commented that the plumbing seemed as old as the building. This was of interest to us because we own a plumbing company. She wanted to know why they didn’t have a plumber put new pipes in the building. I let her know that they probably didn’t have the funding to pay for new plumbing. So we hope that KAC recieves this grant & is able to use it for the unsung hero of a building – the plumbing!

Submitted by Lee at: April 22, 2010
I have attended showings and purchased pottery at the Kirkland Arts Center. The proposed restoration is greatly needed and would make the Center a yet more important contributor to the historic fabric of the eastside.

Submitted by Nan at: April 22, 2010
Class instructors are great and playing in the mud (ceramics) is always fun!

Submitted by Carolyn at: April 22, 2010
Twenty-two years ago, we held our daughter’s 7th grade dance on the top floor! That’s historic! Our family has always LOVED this beautiful building, inside and out!

Have a KAC story to share? Contribute here.

Cast your daily vote for Kirkland Center here, through May 12!

Thank you for supporting Kirkland Arts Center!

KAST: Kirkland Artist Studio Tour is Around the Corner!

Check it out!

Jennifer Bowman, acrylic painting

More Votes of Support!

Brand new stories and photos from Kirkland Arts Center supporters. Thanks for responding, we want to hear more more more about why you support Kirkland Arts Center and why the Peter Kirk Building deserves to be restored for future generations! VOTE KAC DAILY! SHARE YOUR STORY!

Submitted by Roberta and Glen at: April 21, 2010
We have been involved since the Creative Arts Center was created. It is an inspiring story and touches each person in a special way. We nicknamed it “The League” in the early days

Submitted by Joan at: April 21, 2010
My kids love the art classes there!

Submitted by sharon_p at: April 21, 2010
vote kirkland art center

Submitted by Anonymous at: April 20, 2010
The Kirkland Art Center is a wonder piece of Kirkland past, that is long getting lost in all the new fancy building being constructed. I would love to see this piece of history restored to its fullest!!

Submitted by Jim at: April 20, 2010
Great community outreach, energetic shows-Kirkland Art Center is amazing.

Submitted by p.l. at: April 20, 2010
Took my very first pottery making class at the Arts Center many years ago. What a great place!

Submitted by George at: April 18, 2010
Most recently I’ve been shooting work of the artists at the KAC, and have enjoyed the progression of ideas and talents of the members there. The KAC fulfills an important role in bringing cutting edge installations to the Kirkland public and surrounding community. Cutting edge in an Historical location; a great combination!

Wise Words from Merrily Dicks

From the Seattle Times Archives:

“The Peter Kirk Building binds us together,” she says. “It’s the soul of the Arts Center.”

The Original Creatives: They Vote to Preserve KAC!

Family members of the Creative Arts League, who originally purchased the Peter Kirk Building in 1962, shared their stories and votes for Kirkland Arts Center. This is just awesome!

Submitted by Kim Radcliffe at: April 16, 2010
My dad is Bill Radcliffe,and he was one of the founders of The Creative Arts League in 1962. As a seven year old, I had no appreciation for old buildings, especially when the early chores were cleaning them up!! Today, I can’t imagine a world without that “old building”. KAC is a visible testament to history, art, and community.

Submitted by crd at: April 17, 2010
My parents were among the initial 11 who purchased the building and it was a source of pride for them their entire life. It was not easy for them financially, but they were so convinced that having a center for the arts was important that they borrowed the money and participated in the purchase. Then there were the years that all start-ups have – hours of volunteer labor as the building slowly came together.

Share your story here!

Vote for KAC here!

Quotes for Your Votes: The Community Responds and Votes for KAC!

This weekend, I posted on KAC’s Facebook Fan page that I read some touching stories about KAC. Many of the stories show that KAC and the Peter Kirk Building are one and the same! The support from the community is amazing, and a testament to the importance of keeping Kirkland Arts Center going.

Submitted by Joanne Shellan at: April 15, 2010
I am an artist living in Kirkland though that may not have been the case had it not been for the Kirkland Arts Center. I began taking painting classes about a dozen years ago and completley fell in love with painting and have continued on to become a full-time artist. The KAC is the only major arts center on the whole east of Seattle. Bellevue, our state’s fourth largest city, is also served by the KAC. There the Eastside’s children,adults, and low-income students are served by this all-heart arts center which offers all kinds of art classes, curates nationally aclaimed gallery shows, and hosts numerous community arts events. Now that the schools barely offer art any more in the classroom, this beautiful but tumbling down building needs re-enforcement more than ever. Please consider it for preservation. Our creative brains need a place to grow so we can give back to our communities.

Submitted by Al at: April 15, 2010
I am 80 years old and the Kirkland Art Center is a vital part of my life.

Submitted by Turner at: April 16, 2010
In the Mid 70′s when KAC was the “Creative Arts League” I was a high school student encouraged to enter my pottery in an Eastside High School Art show and competition held there. I remember being amazed by the architecture of the building and the creative energy within its walls. It was thrilling to see my work displayed in a gallery setting. I didn’t win but this early opportunity opened my mind to the possibilities of art as a career which I pursued wholeheartedly. Notably recognized for my ceramics I now share my passion for clay with students at the Kirkland Arts Center. Preservation of this historical site is imperative for the cultural wealth and health of the city of Kirkland and the Eastside.

Share your story here!

Vote for KAC here!

Day 3 – Vote for Kirkland Arts Center!

More comments from community members on the Partners in Preservation site:

Submitted by Julie at: April 17, 2010
This remarkable structure is what initially drew me to the Kirkland Arts Center after moving to the area in 1995. It was only after pulling up to view the details of the building that I realized this building housed an Arts Center! I was immediately drawn to the artistic energy that prevails in this community, and have been actively involved ever since. Along with participation in classes, workshops, art shows, sales and board work. I’ve also provided detailed quotes for retrofitting elements of this structure. The history and legacy of this building has been such an intregal part of this community. My hope is funding will be provided to allow this structure to continue as an arts center for years to come.

Submitted by anonymous at: April 17, 2010
VOTE YES!

Cast your vote HERE! A vote for Kirkland Arts Center is a vote of support for quality arts programming in an historic setting. Your daily vote can restore this landmark facility for generations to come! Your vote matters!

Day 2 – Vote for Kirkland Arts Center!

From a community member who posted on the Partners in Preservation site:

“For over three generations a home for artists and art lovers, the Kirkland Arts Center’s historic brick walls embrace visitors with positive and welcoming energy. The building itself seems to have captured the energy of children’s laughter and their joy and wonder while making art; the creative intensity of the professional artists who have labored there; and the shared passion for art of the students of all ages who set aside their daily cares to play with clay or paint or printmaking in ongoing classes. Newcomers who enter the building are welcomed by the creative energies of the past. Upgrading the turret room for public use, revitalizing the grand entry so it is no longer a stairway to nowhere, replacing the historic windows — these would all be welcome additions to a space that already honors art and history.”

From a KAC Facebook Fan:

“I’m voting for KAC because we need community spaces for art teaching and shows. I’m supporting jobs for artists as well. AND it’s an historic site.”

VOTE NOW!