Our Story

Yakima Arts Academy was born out of a parent’s search for something more. As a mother, I was always looking for opportunities for my daughter to connect with other youth and explore her creativity. After three years of playing sports, I often found her sketching in her notebook, completely absorbed in drawing. While the Yakima Valley offers many opportunities for children to play sports and join clubs, I struggled to find a place where she could socialize with peers while also developing her natural talent for art.

Yakima Arts Academy was created to fill that gap — a space where young people can gather, learn, and grow as artists. We are more than just about crafting; we have a strong desire to work with and learn from local artists who are willing to inspire the next generation. We are actively seeking artists in our community who want to share their knowledge, creativity, and passion with youth. Our program is designed to teach students technical skills, help them develop their craft, and encourage them to discover their own artistic style.

Just as importantly, we want to teach our young artists about the power of community. Creating art is not only about self-expression but also about connection, collaboration, and contributing to something bigger than themselves. At Yakima Arts Academy, we nurture creativity, build confidence, and foster community so that every young person can thrive as an artist.