Back Story
Our Origin Story
Over time, and driven by the success of the Iowa Sculpture Festival (ISF), Don Byers began to recognize that art is about much more than mere acquisition. Having been an enthusiastic collector and patron, he began voicing a new idea with the ISF committee. The concept was to be a permanent, year-round solution centered around the creation of art. And the best part: the possibility of a place to create it. The idea was to establish a local arts community.
Utilizing the organizational structure that was already in place from ISF, the concept of the Centre for Arts & Artists began to take shape. A building was found to house the Centre, and other necessary legalities and arrangements were made to create this new non-profit.
Numerous colleagues, friends, and volunteers – like teachers, students, local Boy Scouts, and a host of community residents — they all stepped forward to support this effort. And united, this motivated group of humans helped make Byers' dream a reality.
They did this — we did this — with the full understanding that the CAA could be a springboard to engage people from different backgrounds and experiences. And without regard to circumstances, could enamor each one with the idea of developing a truly dynamic creative community.
The Organization
The CAA is guided by a Board of Directors overseen by an Executive Board. This group of 15 locals care passionately about the organization and its established mission. Some members have lived in the area their whole life while others are transplants. But one crucial thing they all have in common is the desire to help build and maintain a strong arts community in Newton.
The board meets monthly — or as needed — and through the organization’s established common goals, professional respect, and lively discussion, they work together for the ongoing benefit of the organization and the services it provides to their community.
If there is a vacancy on the board, a new member may be considered to join the group. Qualifications are based upon various criteria including professional expertise, past and current community involvement and other factors. New board members are approved by current members.
Our Mission
Providing an environment for the creation and display of art in all its forms.
Bringing together other community organizations interested in art in such a way as to promote their programs by making them more visible and connecting them with each other for the greater good.
Attracting and supporting artists through the leasing of studios and display areas for their works of art.
Organizing and holding events to promote both the interest in and sale of works of art.
Our Goals
To establish Centre for Arts & Artists as an organization that focuses on art and those interested in art in a central place close to the city center.
To partner with the Iowa Sculpture Festival, which has established itself as a year-round effort to enhance the art form of sculpture through events and education.
To become an ingrained part of the effort to establish a new and diverse culture, including economic opportunity, for the community.
Our Founding Board
The Centre for Arts & Artists (CAA) was borne out of the idea that art enriches our lives. And by developing an arts community, there are benefits not only to the individuals who participate, but to the greater community as well.
The CAA was created with the understanding that it could be a springboard to engage people from different backgrounds and experiences — and without regard to circumstances, could enamor each with participating in a dynamic creative community. We truly believe that. And we do our best to encourage and celebrate that everyday.
