About Us

About Our Organization

Our Mission

Davis Arts Center believes that all children deserve access to a quality arts education that fosters creativity, curiosity, resilience and empathy for others.

Our Vision

We foster a creative community where students develop a strong work ethic, respect for their craft, and the ability to closely examine the world around them. Through artistic practice, our students embrace self-discovery, build perseverance in the face of challenges, and experience joy in the process of envisioning and making art.

Our Values

We do this by valuing Risk Taking, Pride, Connection and Joy!

Risk Taking: The best way to see if something works is to try it. Encouraging experimentation and discovery.

Pride: Confronting challenges brings confidence and fulfillment.

Connection: Inspiring the exchange of ideas, respect for each other and building of community that comes from working together.

Joy: The meaningful inspirations and excitement of creating something.

Our History

Davis Arts Center has been a leader in arts education in our community since our founding in 1960. Our first three decades, we were located in several buildings in downtown Davis providing arts classes, places to show work and a community around the arts in Davis. In 1987, we moved from the downtown location to 1919 F Street, when our purpose built arts center was inaugurated. Hundreds of artists have taught classes and shown work at our location.

In 2014, the organization changed its name to Davis Arts Center to reflect its multi-disciplinary, multi-generational focus. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Davis Arts Center continued to offer arts as a means of growth and connection by introducing at-home arts kits and teacher training to virtual classrooms across the greater Sacramento area.

2024 marked a pivotal moment for Davis Arts Center, as our building renovation catalyzed an exciting expansion of programs and opportunities. With our newly renovated facility as a backdrop, we fully reopened with growing classes and summer camp experiences. The fall launch of the Community Arts Studio created a welcoming space designed to embrace artists of all ages through our community programming.