Specialties
Nestled near the edge of Kilauea, home to Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano, Volcano Art Center serves as a fine arts gallery and historic cultural landmark, showcasing the handcrafted art works of over 300 artists and traditional cultural practitioners at the fiery heart of Hawaii's Big Island. VAC is a place of exploration, discovery and empowerment, providing the Volcano community, kamaaina and international visitors alike with a rich array of opportunities for personal, professional and spiritual enrichment. This dynamic and innovative nonprofit organization also serves as a benefit to the economic and cultural vitality of Hawaii. Joining as a VAC Member is the best way to show your support and help foster the livelihood and independence of the arts in Hawaii. We heavily depend on the generosity of our members to carry out our mission; please consider joining our 'ohana and become a member today!
History
Established in 1974.
Volcano Art Center (VAC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational organization founded in 1974 by a band of eclectic and energetic artists driven by our mission to develop, promote and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawaii's people through the arts and education. Today, VAC continues to operate a successful fine arts gallery showcasing handcrafted art works by over 300 local artists, as well as developing and offering programs for residents and visitors alike, including the award winning Na Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko performance series at the pa hula in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Meet the Manager: Tanya A.
Chief Executive Officer Tanya Aynessazian joined Volcano Art Center in May 2010. She comes to VAC with diverse educational, work and life experience. Her early years were spent in Chicago, but her fondest memories are of visiting Oahu where her father was born and raised, and the rural hillsides outside of Pittsburgh where her maternal grandparents planted their roots upon immigrating in the early 1900s. Tanya graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Communications where she studied linguistics, cultural anthropology and interpersonal, group and mass communication. Her work experience includes marketing, market research, information and telecommunications technology, business development and pharmaceutical consulting. Tanya is actively involved in health care reform and serves as board chair for Bay Clinic, Inc., East Hawaii's Federally Qualified Community Health Center. She is currently writing her first book, a guide to modern-day spiritual empowerment.
