In 2002, a few artists and art patrons met at Dr. Jim Harken’s home in the Kokomo area, which in 2004 became part of the new City of Spokane Valley, to discuss the absence of art in the area.

​

The group discussed the lack of art appreciation in the Inland Northwest, lack of a market at which artists could sell their wares, and the lack of public art available for viewing. Many such meetings were held and finally, as consensus was reached, it was decided to incorporate the group and take on leadership of the arts in Spokane Valley. This group became known as the Arts and Culture Transition Team.

​

Norma Ventris was a business icon in the community and led the Arts and Culture Transition Team.  She dedicated many hours to getting Spokane Valley Arts Council (SVAC) established and the organization off to a successful start.  She served many years as the first SVAC president before passing the reins to Dr. James Harken.

SVAC was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 on November 1, 2004 eight months after the incorporation of the City of Spokane Valley. It took several years and many meetings before SVAC determined how it could best serve the regional area. It formed for the stated purpose of working “with local businesses, civic leaders and artists to cooperatively conceive, develop, and implement art-related programs and cultural activities.” The City and its citizenry are benefitting from art leadership without having to fund a department dedicated to art in its many forms.

​