By Elizabeth Brannon
The Visual Art League (VAL) of Lewisville is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization formed 46 years ago to enhance the appreciation of the artistic talent in Lewisville. From the humble beginnings of a few artists meeting in the homes of fellow artists to the wonderfully successful and innovative organization that exists today, the greater Lewisville community has been both a partner with VAL and a recipient of the best VAL has to offer.
To make VAL an integral part of the art community has taken a lot of work, support, manpower, creativity and a commitment to excellence. Lisa Chittenden, the current president, points out this didn’t happen overnight.
Over the years, the VAL met in various locations and displayed their art all around Lewisville. Their current location, the Lewisville Grand Theater & Center for the Creative Arts is a partner with the VAL. The Grand is a lovely facility that gives people a place to gather and allows VAL to reach into the community by giving VAL a place to host their exhibits, receptions, meetings, demonstrations, guest speakers, juried shows, workshops and art activities.
Working closely with the VAL team is the city of Lewisville and the staff at the Grand. Lisa Chittenden has the highest regard for the city and for the staff at the Grand. Those relationships have greatly impacted VAL and the programs VAL offers to the public and the arts community.
Each year VAL applies for a grant from Lewisville. As part of the grant funding process, VAL needs to demonstrate their activities bring people into Lewisville, into the Grand and into hotels and restaurants to spend money in Lewisville. VAL tracks Zip Code information from people who support and attend VAL activities. There is no question VAL brings people into Lewisville, year-round.
The 25+ member working team of the VAL includes directors, chairpersons, volunteers, officers and a Board of Directors. The artists are vested in VAL and in making it be successful. If an artist has an idea for something, that artist has to volunteer to make the plan work. Artist members routinely participate in and lead the activities. VAL is also a well-run non-profit, that other art organizations want to be like!
Goals for the future of VAL include expanding their reach, creating new programming, support of other arts groups and events, like ColorPalooza, and enhancing their ongoing programs, like monthly art talks, the Artist of the Month program, Fresh Ideas (their juried art show), free workshops, teacher discounts and increasing membership in VAL. The public, age 18 and above, can become members of VAL either as individuals or as part of a family, and people can become patrons of the VAL.
VAL gives back to the community in many ways, including Art Awards to LISD students (cash payments), a reception for student artists, a yearly program to give to a local charity where artists donate art works, a silent auction and all the proceeds are given to a charity (in 2025 VAL will partner with CCA for a food drive) and in the free and ever-expanding access to quality art work.
VAL has a robust partnership program with other arts groups, including the Lake Cities Ballet, the Greater Lewisville Community Theater, the Lakeside Arts Foundation, the Actors Conservatory Theater, the Lewisville Civic Chorale, and the Lewisville Symphony, to name a few. Art makes life better for us as individuals, as a community and for the artists who enjoy the free, high quality world VAL offers us.
To learn more, visit visualartleague.org/home