100th birthday party for the YAA Art Gallery – June 27th, 2014
On June 27th the Yaquina Art Association will host a 100th birthday party for the YAA Art Gallery and Gift Shop building. The party will be from 5-7 pm and located at the Nye Beach Turnaround at 789 NW Beach Drive in Newport, Oregon. There will be a birthday cake with photos and a surprise speech from Ken Hartwell, the president.
In 1914 a building was erected as a changing facility for swimmers and others who enjoy the popular Nye Beach Area. During the next several years and many changes to Nye beach, the building fell into disrepair. In 1956 the Yaquina Art Association asked for the building to use as a meeting place for artists. The building was given to YAA for not-for-profit purposes. Individual loans were acquired and repairs were initiated. Over the years the building has been used as an assembly hall, classroom, meeting place for artists and finally an Art Gallery & Gift Shop. It is located where the sand and ocean meet in Nye beach. During the beautifully calm days of summer the high tide occasionally caresses the galleries concrete foundation. On the stormy days of winter the tide can turn from a caress to an exciting and sometimes intense workout. Therefore ongoing building maintenance is necessary. It’s worth every gust of wind.
In 1947 a small group of artistic wannabes began meeting in homes to share their passion in the Arts. From this group the Yaquina Art Association was formed. This small group has grown, going from a hand full of interested people to an average of 150 member/students yearly. The members continue the forward looking vision of the founders who sought to teach the arts in every way possible. For over 60 years, YAA has produced an endless array of craftsmen and artists who have worked, taught and displayed their skills here. They continue to be one of the very few not for profit art education organizations on the Oregon Coast.
Nye Beach Rest Room/Bath House
Nye Beach Bath House/Cliff Hotel
