About Us:

The Western Art Association (WAA) was formed in 1972 to promote interest in western art, artifacts and to preserve our unique western heritage. Thanks to its dedicated board members and the WAA membership, this non-profit corporation has remained alive and healthy for over 30 years.

The Association views the Ellensburg National Art Show and Auction as their primary annual event. Hundreds of community volunteers rally to make this weekend an enjoyable success for all. It is our intent to provide a first class forum for new and established artists to display and sell their artwork as well as share their creativity and technical skills with the public.

Through the years, the WAA has played an integral part in establishing other worthwhile activities such as the Kittitas County Scholarship for students wishing to further their art-related education and the Thundering Hooves Centennial Sculptures Committee which oversaw David Govedare's "Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies" in Vantage, Washington. The Board of Directors is also extremely proud of its role in the creation and development of the John Clymer Museum of Art, which began as a WAA committee to honor Ellensburg's native son, John Ford Clymer. Clymer is well known for creating numerous The Saturday Evening Post covers and his historical paintings.

The Western Art Association continues to perform its mission in many ways from offering an encouraging word or advice to a beginning artist to being a resource for established artists. The Board of Directors is dedicated to its purpose and constantly strives to be beneficial to the community and the unique heritage of the Western United States as seen through the eyes of an artist. The Western Art Association is a growing group of artists, collectors and art admirers whose time and efforts harmonize to make this organization the success it has become.