For more than five decades, the Holland Area Arts Council has served as a creative and civic anchor for the Lakeshore region. What began in 1967 as a group of artists and advocates coming together to support local creative life has evolved into a dynamic arts council committed to public access, artist support, and community engagement.

In its earliest years, the Arts Council supported artists’ co-ops, musicians, instructors, and galleries through coordination, exhibitions, and education. Before establishing a permanent home, programs were held in living rooms and public spaces. In 1986, HAAC moved into its first building at 25 West 8th Street—the first in Holland to be renovated under the city’s downtown revitalization plan. That move marked a turning point, expanding both our visibility and capacity.

With the appointment of Dorothy Webster as our first full-time Executive Director, HAAC began professionalizing operations and growing its public presence. By the late 1980s, under the leadership of David Marty, the Council expanded from visual arts into dance, music, and public programs - hosting summer concerts, youth festivals, and the first annual Michigan Arts Competition. During this time, volunteer support and community collaboration became a defining strength.

In 1997, HAAC moved into a new building at 150 East 8th Street, with four exhibition galleries and eight classrooms. This space became a central creative hub for the greater Holland area for the next 17 years. The building’s dedication drew over 1,600 people, and community excitement reflected a shared belief in the power of the arts. As Barbara Padnos said that night, “They want it, they just don’t know it yet.”

Through the years, HAAC expanded its reach. In 1998, we began administering the Region 14 State Regranting Program, distributing funds to support arts projects across five counties. We partnered with artists, schools, city departments, and regional organizations to build inclusive access to creativity - from neighborhood murals to traveling exhibitions and cross-cultural collaborations.

We also became a shared home for local arts organizations. In 2003, the Holland Symphony Orchestra and the Holland Chorale joined us in residence, alongside the Holland Youth Orchestra, Holland Friends of Art, and several professional artists and guilds. This collaborative environment helped build what we now call a “cultural community” - a space where shared creativity thrives across disciplines, generations, and identities.

Over the decades, the Arts Council has facilitated major public art projects like Pigs on Parade, Take a Seat, Towering Tulips, Storefront Studios, ReMastered, ReCycle, and the Banner Project - all designed to connect artists, businesses, and residents in moments of public joy, reflection, and belonging.

Instructors, staff, and volunteers have continued to shape HAAC’s evolution. Through exhibitions, classes, outreach, and artist-centered programs, the Council now serves over 40,000 individuals annually. Our current programs include Art for All, Creative Aging (Arts 50+), and Cultural Classroom - offering free, accessible art experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

As an arts council, we are more than a gallery or classroom - we are a public resource and an advocate for the arts as a civic necessity. Today, our board of directors, led by Patricia Flynn, includes educators, designers, business leaders, and artists who reflect the interdisciplinary and inclusive nature of the work we do.

From its grassroots origins to its present-day role as a regional arts leader, the Holland Area Arts Council remains grounded in its mission: to celebrate and showcase creativity and provide artistic opportunities for all in the Lakeshore community.