ART'S ALIVE MISSION STATEMENT
The La Conner Arts Foundation is dedicated to encouraging artistic
expression and providing diverse, high quality art for the enjoyment
of residents and visitors.
History
In the early 1980's La Conner Resident Martin Hahn, owner of the Black Swan Cafe
came up with an idea for an annual arts festival. One evening in 1984 Hahn, together
with his staff Ed Kamuda, Michael Klough and Paul Hanson, began discussing the
concept of a festival that would highlight the local art as well as business community.
What Hahn envisioned was an event that would extend La Conner's commercial
season during the stark times, the month of November.
They would call it " ART'S ALIVE "
Martin Hahn, Rich Machen, Kelly Matlock, Art Hupy, Michael Hood and
Stuart Hutt planned the first year of Art's Alive held in 1985
at the Valley Museum ( Gaches Mansion ) an expanded
art show featuring dozens of artists.
From the 1980's to present the Art's Alive Shows were hosted by Individual Groups,
Town Merchants, La Conner Chamber of Commerce and today by the
La Conner Arts Commission.
Many Thanks to Claire Swedberg for allowing excerpts from her book
" In the Valley of Mystic Light "
