Mission:

The mission of  Gene Nastri Community School of the Arts is to provide affordable, high quality arts instruction for all members of the community, regardless of age, gender, race, creed, level of ability or financial means. To this end, The School develops and offers a range of programs in music, art, and drama geared to the Code of Best Practices established by the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

The Gene Nastri Community School of the Arts was founded in 1984 by Carol Harkins, was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the State of Washington, and recognized by the federal government as 501(c)3.

The model for the school was the old Cornish School in Seattle (now known as Cornish College), with visual arts and dramatic instruction as well as music. In 1994, the school was recognized with a $5,000 grant from the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey. Like other Guild schools, the mission of GNS is to provide affordable, high quality arts instruction for all members of our community, regardless of age, gender, race, creed, level of ability, or financial means. To this end, the School develops and offers a range of music and art programs.

The name Gene Nastri is synonymous with excellence, discipline and commitment to the community and the arts. As we strive to emulate his philosophy, we remember that he was appreciated for his love of music and humanity.