What We Offer
To check your membership status, view our current members list here.
Connect, Discover, Create, with VAC
At VAC, we believe in the power of creativity to inspire, connect, and transform. Our membership opens the door to a world of artistic exploration, hands-on learning, and vibrant community engagement. Join us at VAC—where creativity thrives, friendships flourish, and inspiration is endless!
Workshops, Demonstrations, and Classes
Immerse yourself in a full and varied collection of artistic experiences. Our workshops and classes cover a diverse range of media, including drawing, pastels, watercolor, acrylics, oils, mixed media, crafts, photography, pottery, and more, and each session provides hands-on instruction from skilled artists. Some are complimentary for VAC members, while others require a small fee for supplies and/or instruction. Check the VAC website regularly for an ever-evolving schedule of exciting new offerings.
Open Studio
Unleash your creativity in a welcoming, collaborative environment. Open Studio is the perfect space for members to work on individual or group projects while sharing ideas, techniques, and inspiration, and all skill levels and art forms are welcomed. Open Studio is free and meets on Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Arts and Crafts room.
Reach out to Anne Clements to learn more about participating in Open Studio.
The Mixed Media Club – Layering Creativity
This dynamic group of artists explores the art of combining materials to create stunning collage and mixed media pieces. Using custom-designed papers, found objects, and innovative techniques, members push the boundaries of artistic expression. Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. A $20 annual fee covers shared supplies. Interested?
Liza Boyajian can answer your questions.
Clay Open Studio – Hands-On with Pottery
Explore the tactile beauty of clay! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced potter, our Clay Open Studio is designed for hands-on creativity at your own pace. Expert potters are available to offer guidance as you work on your projects. Sessions occur every first and third Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and include instructional videos, workshop time, and access to all necessary materials and equipment. The annual fee is $000 plus a shared cost of supplies.
Brooke Schuster and Janet Bura are the leaders of the clay group known as the Mudslingers.
Card Club – Crafting Beautiful Moments
Express your creativity through handmade greeting cards. Whether for holidays, special occasions, or personal keepsakes, the card club provides all the materials and tools needed to bring your ideas to life. Work independently or seek guidance from experienced members in a relaxed, supportive setting. Meetings take place on the second Tuesday (2 – 4 p.m.) and fourth Monday (1 – 3 p.m.), and Card Club Open Studio is open on the third Thursday (7 and 9 p.m.). A $25 annual membership fee covers supplies; members can try a class for $5. A helpful pamphlet is available here.
Contact Dena Dardzinski or Pam Farris to join.
Photography Club – Capturing the World Through Your Lens
For those passionate about photography, this club provides a space to learn, share, and refine skills. Whether a novice or an expert, you’ll enjoy monthly gatherings on the third Monday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. Meetings feature discussions, demonstrations, critiques, and hands-on practice covering camera techniques, post-processing, and archiving. As a VAC member, participation is free.
Emily Mahoney heads up the Photography Club.
Art Exhibits – Showcasing Creativity
Celebrate the incredible talent within the Dataw Island community! VAC sponsors four themed “open idea” art exhibits each year, three of which are juried shows. The exhibits showcase original works by Dataw artists in several categories: single medium, mixed and other mediums, and photography. Awards include the popular “People’s Choice”. Each exhibit opens with a lively reception where all members of the Dataw Island Club and their guests can admire, appreciate, and connect over art.
Anne Clements and Bill Tremitiere are the exhibit co-chairs.
Mistletoe Market – A Holiday Boutique
At the Mistletoe Market, guests can celebrate creativity and share the joy of a festive wonderland where an abundance of vibrant art, one-of-a-kind gifts, beautifully hand-crafted wares, and holiday spirit come together! The market is a cherished annual tradition where the incredible talent of VAC artists is displayed while offering Dataw Island Club members the chance to discover and purchase unique treasures. Customarily held in November, Mistletoe Market is more than just a marketplace; it celebrates imagination, community, and the season’s magic.
Special Events – Inspire, Explore, and Celebrate
At VAC, we believe art is more than just a practice; it’s an experience! That’s why we sponsor various exciting special events throughout the year, designed to spark and broaden artistic creativity, deepen art appreciation, and unite our community. From immersive field trips and thought-provoking films to lively parties, engaging lectures, and spontaneous pop-up sales or clothesline art exhibits, there’s always something new and inspiring on the horizon.
Recent Exhibits
Click below to view exhibit photos.
