Merrily Dicks on the 1960s in Kirkland and a little pre-history of the Creative Arts League (now Kirkland Arts Center)

Merrily Dicks, KAC Historian
Re-2007

As I read through the boxes and pages of reports, minutes, committee notes, newspaper articles, magazine stories, letters, registrations, and newsletters, I am reminded of the creative spirit of the people involved in the formation of the Creative Arts League.  It was truly a unique time with a truly unique group of people.

Bob Dylan’s song “The times they are a-changing” seemed to fit the atmosphere of the 60’s and what was happening in Kirkland.  The conservatism of the 50’s was fading in the country, revolutionary changes were beginning, the times were exciting and turbulent, a time of technological and sociological change, a time of assignations, civil rights, gay and women liberation, a controversial war in Vietnam, the first manned landing on the moon, peace marches, Eastern religious influences, flower power, the space age. The Creative Arts League was a part of that change, fostering new music and literature styles, offering classes, lectures and space for artists and patrons to experience art in their own way.  Bill remembers, the people of Kirkland wanted more from their town. People on the Eastside were beginning to take an interest in historic buildings; so many buildings in Seattle had been demolished to make room for new sleek high-rises.  Kirkland was ready for something new, for expanding awareness. He was a leader with a vision of what Kirkland could become and he offered that vision inspiring the people of Kirkland (to work their butts off).

A 1987 Kirkland Courier interview with Bill Radcliffe and Glen Greer*
“During his years in Kirkland, Radcliffe not only founded the Creative Arts League, now a still-flourishing Creative Arts Center, but he also started an unusually successful community art gallery, the Cellar Gallery*…….  An early supporter of the Creative Arts League, Glen Greer, remembers Radcliffe as “the original instigator of the concept” – a creative arts center for Kirkland.  “It was an exciting time in Kirkland,” said Greer, It wasn’t really an urban area as yet…….  The formation of the Cellar Gallery and the Creative Arts League shocked the Seattle Arts community.  But Bill Radcliffe was not shocked. Then as now he believed that the community had a need for its own art gallery and a center to encourage the arts.  People were hungry for something like that on the East Side of the lake,” he said.

*Glen Greer, Director of the Cellar Gallery, Kirkland’s first art gallery, founded by William Radcliffe.

*Cellar Gallery 1957 -  1977

William Radcliffe founded the Cellar Gallery in 1957, and at the time “there was no place on the Eastside for emerging artists to show their work.”  At that time, he was Lake Washington School District’s Art Director, and taught adult painting classes.

VOTE TO PRESERVE KAC: Historical Photo of the Day 8

VOTE FOR KIRKLAND 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!

A Brief History of Kirkland Arts Center and Why You Should Vote to Restore KAC!

From the Partners in Preservation website:

Kirkland Arts Center

Housed in the original, historic building built by Kirkland’s founder, Peter Kirk, the Kirkland Arts Center represents a realization of the dream of eleven Kirkland citizens to share the gift of art with the community. The charming brick building contains airy studios in which students, teachers, and friends come together to create and appreciate art. A Partners in Preservation grant is needed to assist in the redesign and reorganization of the building’s second story and main entrance, which will allow the Center to more effectively serve the community. Protecting this stately structure will ensure that the Kirkland Arts Center will be able to engage the Eastside community for years to come.

What is the historical significance of this site?
Built in 1892, the Peter Kirk Building provided offices for Kirkland founder and steel magnate, Peter Kirk. The building dropped out of commercial use in 1962, but citizens came together to protect the most important building associated with their city’s founder and repurposed it to serve their community. Eleven Kirkland residents, led by art instructor William Radcliffe, rallied to purchase the building with their own money, envisioning the creation of an arts center for all members of the community.

What is the current use of the site?
The original 11 owners’ dream has become a reality.  First established as the Creative Arts League, the Kirkland Arts Center promotes the creation of and appreciation for contemporary art in the community.  Today, the Kirkland Arts Center welcomes thousands of individuals from the Eastside and other Seattle areas, and in 2012 will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Why this site needs your support:
Kirkland Arts Center constantly touches the lives of thousands of youth and adults through dynamic arts education and exhibitions programming.  A Partners in Preservation grant would fund the rehabilitation of the second story and entryway as well as the restoration of historic details to the building’s signature Turret Room. The proposed renovations to the Kirkland Arts Center would allow increased efficiency in space and energy use, improve and expand programming, and more strongly connect the Eastside community to its rich history.