Astoria Visual Arts (AVA) is a non-profit, comprehensive arts organization in Astoria, Oregon, dedicated to contributing to the cultural and artistic heritage of the Lower Columbia River region through artistic leadership, vision, and sponsorship of diverse arts projects.

Our Mission :

• to present artists' projects, new commissions, installations and exhibitions in public spaces;
• to connect new and emerging artists with the for-profit world;
• to provide platforms for public encounters with the art of our time and place;
• to bring art outside the traditional context of museums and galleries;
• to raise awareness of the connections between commerce, community and art.

Situated in what has historically been a fishing and timber-based community, AVA is actively participating in the reshaping of the greater Astoria community.

AVA's purpose is to develop accessible bridges between community members, emerging, experimental and established contemporary artists, and the local business community. It achieves its purpose by sponsoring exhibitions, creative community-based projects, unique art education opportunities and non-traditional encounters with the arts.

AVA serves as the catalyst for vibrant dialogue about the role of art in the community by creating a public platform for emerging and established artists concerned with the art of our place and times.

Since its inception in 1989, AVA has sponsored a wide range of artistic projects and community collaborations centered on expanding art's influence beyond its traditional museum/gallery context and on raising awareness of the connections between community, commerce and art.

Our gallery and offices are located in the historic Elks Building at: 453-A 11th Street, Astoria, Oregon, 97103 (at the corner of 11th & Exchange Streets). Phone: 503-325-4589

The original AVA website is still available for viewing of past projects until we have time to migrate the material from there to here. Click here to visit.