Jean’s Notes

A woman walked into the gallery not long ago. I welcomed her and asked if it was her first visit to the Village Gallery of Arts.

“Oh no,” she replied enthusiastically. “I try to stop in at least once a month. I get all my cards here.”

Then she added something that stayed with me: “Some galleries I’ve been in—the art all looks the same. I love the variety of art here.”

Her relationship with the Village Gallery of Arts was clearly more than transactional. VGA was a destination, a place she returned to regularly to reconnect with her creative spirit. She valued the variety of artwork that, at first glance, might seem like a wide range of unrelated pieces, but is actually something more intentional. It is our non-juried philosophy expressed across the gallery.

Just as artists use differences in color, texture, shape, and line to create visual interest, invite curiosity, and engage the viewer, the Village Gallery of Arts encourages people of all backgrounds and skill levels to bring their experiences into the creative process. This diversity creates contrast and complexity. It allows unexpected connections to emerge and ensures that each visit offers something new to discover.

In this way, our non-juried philosophy does not diminish artistic quality. It expands the experience. It’s not just art on the walls that transforms our gallery into a vibrant, ever-changing composition. It is the variety itself and the many different creative voices that becomes the unifying thread.

Building upon our unique non-juried philosophy VGA is launching Creative Connections. An initiative focused on fostering community through shared creative experiences. This initiative grew out of our belief that supporting art is not simply philanthropy — it is an opportunity for Artists, friends of the Gallery, Community Sponsors and Patrons to connect with and make a direct impact on our local communities through the following:

• Expanding access to art across the Greater Portland community.
• Providing workshops and educational opportunities for artists of all ages.
• Supporting local Oregon artists. 
• Providing a welcoming creative space where artists and neighbors connect.   

Connect with Village Gallery of Arts today!

Become a member, take a class, become a patron, donate. 

Better yet – stop in and connect with your creative spirit!

Jean Yarger, President