Bay School community arts center

Our Mission

The Bay School Community Arts Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide people of all ages and abilities opportunities to learn, experience and appreciate the arts. Through excellence and diversity in classes, exhibits, lectures and performances, The Bay School is a gathering place for all.

In fulfilling our mission, we:

• Sponsor and conduct educational workshops and classes, demonstrations, and programs in the visual arts.
• Support and encourage the economic development of Mathews County in an environmentally sustainable manner.
• Foster an appreciation of the arts and encourage individuals of all ages and abilities to explore their creativity.
• Provide a resource for lifelong learning.
• Support local artists' endeavors through our gallery.
• Act as a regional arts center and community asset, supporting all aspects of the arts, including the performing arts, while contributing to the revitalization of Mathews, Virginia.

Our Vision

To place the Bay School Community Arts Center on the regional map as an artistic destination by bringing artists and audiences together.

Our IDEA Statement (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access)

The Bay School Community Arts Center is a progressive fine arts organization that believes that art is a fundamental tool of self-exploration, shaping personal identity and creative potential. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, embracing human diversity in all its forms as it enriches our programs, strengthens our community, and honors the individual need for self-expression. Through our educational workshops and lectures, performances, events, and exhibits, we serve our mission as a gathering place for all to learn, experience, and appreciate the arts.

Our Values

Our organizational values include:

• Achievement – We want to celebrate the artist in everyone who participates in Bay School activities. Recognizing each artist's achievements, no matter their level, is crucial to their process of personal empowerment, their feeling of belonging and acceptance, and their progression on their own professional or personal artistic journey.
• Balance – In an organization with such an array of offerings, being pulled in many different directions by inside and outside influences, achieving and maintaining balance is a struggle. Keeping our institutional well-being the highest priority, while responding appropriately to the community's calls to action, is essential.
• Community – No organization, especially no non-profit, is an island. Even without the word "community" in our name, we would be nothing without our community. We exist for them and meeting their—both groups' and individuals'—wants and needs is critical to our success.
•  Creativity – We wouldn't be much of an art center without creativity. It is an essential component of every aspect of our mission; it is also how we work and plan. Creative thinking and problem-solving are needed in the non-profit world.
• Customer Service – This is what we are known and loved for. Even if a student doesn't enjoy a particular class or an artist doesn't sell any work in the gallery, they come back again and again because we take care of them.
• Individuality – Every artist is different. Their vision and creativity are part of who they are. We do not try to shape them into a mold. We celebrate each of them for what they choose to share with us. We encourage all to "Find the Artist in YOU!" because every artist is unique.
• Inspiring – We strive to be an inspiration to all our customers, whether they are gallery visitors, students, teachers, gallery artists, or community partners. We want to inspire their creativity, their passion, and their thoughtfulness.
• Partnership – Our clients and our customers are our partners. We serve their needs, and they are the reason for our mission. We partner with other organizations to make our community stronger. We partner with other businesses to build networks and boost our economy.
• Quality – Our professional image is important to how our customers, the community, and our supporters view us. Quality artwork, quality presentation, quality teachers, and classes—these all make us stand out and increase our success.
• Teamwork – Our success depends on each staff member, board member, volunteer, and teacher performing at their best, together. None of us can perform our role without close teamwork.