The art of bringing people together 

History of the
Beach Art Center

Established 1978

OUR STORY

The Beach Art Center was founded by George King.  Mr. King’s vision was to improve, enhance and advance the public knowledge of fine visual art.  As a resident of Indian Rocks Beach, he hoped for many years to start a school of fine art and an art gallery in the beach community.  Mr. King developed a relationship with the City of Indian Rocks Beach and with the American Legion Post #128.  His hard work resulted in the Legion donating the use of their building for a place to hold art classes.  The Center was incorporated and opened in the refurbished building in May of 1978. 

In 1982 the Beach Art Center was granted tax-exempt status under code 501(c)3.  In that same year, money was raised to build a 1,400 square foot addition to the building.  The project was completed the following year providing space for more classes, workshops, and special event demonstrations.  The profile of the Art Center was growing, making it an important part of the island beach communities.

Mr. King suffered a stroke in 1989.  His wife, JoAnne, continued the operation of the Center until her retirement in 1997 when the first executive director was hired.

In the 1990s major renovations were undertaken.  The fifty-year old building had begun to fall into serious disrepair.  A decision was made to purchase the property (Corporation) from the Legion.  The Art Center took out a mortgage to cover the purchase of the property and pay for the necessary renovations.  Through the generosity of a local donor, the entire mortgage was paid in June of 2000. 

In 2003 the Art Center received a grant from the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs, through the Florida Arts Council.  The money was dedicated to completing building construction and renovations.

To meet the cultural and artistic needs of a growing population of young families, the Beach Art Center continues to develop children’s’ programs including the “Creative Kids Summer Camp” and after school art classes. 

Regular weekly classes are taught by accomplished and recognized artists and teachers.  Adult classes are offered in watercolor, pencil and pastel, water-media, oil, acrylic, pottery, drawing, photography and more.  Workshops are offered to advance the skills of beginning to advanced artists in a variety of art media including all types of painting, fabric dyeing, recycled sculpture, paper mache and photography.

In addition, popularity continues to grow for our "Art on the Rocks" (Make It Take It) one night classes.  The participants start with supplies provided by the instructor and with step-by-step direction they end the relaxing evening with a finished work of art.

Show and exhibitions at the Art Center feature the work of local artists and Beach Art Center Members, as well as local and regional arts groups.  The Art Center has hosted exhibitions by the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild, The Florida Artists Group, The Professional Association of Visual Artists, the Pinellas Art Teachers' Association, and the Plein Aire Cottage Artists of Indian Rocks Beach.

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The Beach Art Center receives no major outside funding. We rely on membership dues, class and workshop enrollment fees, gift shop and gallery artwork sales, and our major events. 

We are grateful for the generosity of local organizations like the Rotary Club, IRB Action 2000, the IRB Homeowners Association, and the City of Indian Rocks Beach.  Their collaboration, support, and monetary gifts are very important in providing the necessary funding for educational and outreach programs such as our Creative Kids Summer Camp.

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The mission of the Beach Art Center is to inspire lifelong learning, empower the individual, and engage the community of all ages in the creative arts.