Open Space for Arts & Community, founded in 2008 as a space to create extraordinary arts and community events, has now entered its 15th year.

Chuck Zimmer became the organization’s executive director about a year ago, as Open Space transitioned to becoming a 501c3 nonprofit.

“I’m delighted to get to know the Vashon community through this lens,” said Zimmer, who is a visual artist with extensive experience in nonprofit management and performing arts production. “I still cannot quite believe how much Open Space does — both behind the scenes for the community and in an endless lineup of creative experiences. Officially bringing UMO into the fold was the icing on the cake.”

Zimmer was referring to Open Space’s recent merger with the UMO School of Physical Arts and UMO Ensemble — formalizing a decades-long partnership between the two entities to streamline administration and services.

With the merger, UMO has become the largest program of Open Space, incorporating both the nationally renowned performing arts group and the popular school, which serves hundreds of Vashon youth each year with aerial, parkour, clowning classes, and summer camps.

“Each step we’ve taken has been measured and intentional,” said Janet McAlpin, who along with partner David Godsey co-founded Open Space. After 15 years of partnership [with UMO], this was the perfect time to join together.”

McAlpin and Godsey are very much still involved and active in the nonprofit, serving as its board president and secretary, respectively.

They are also turning their attention more fully to signature Open Space events, including the annual Open Air Aerial Festival, set this year for Aug. 12, and new or re-envisioned projects including Burlesco Notturno.

A big celebration is also coming up for Open Space’s 15th anniversary: the first annual Art Heart Soul Music Microfest on Vashon, on Saturday, Aug. 26.

The event will be headlined by the renowned Sam Grisman Project. Other performers include David Gans, Marcus Rezak’s Shred is Dead, Rebecca Frazier’s Grateful Strings, and Rae Isa.

In addition to presenting live music until dark, the festival will offer food trucks, a beer garden, and camping on the ground of Open Space.

Proceeds from the festival will support programs including the ORBIT Youth Space, the UMO School, Attention Artists at Work, Night Light Drive-In, and artist residencies, and also help to provide free space to organizations including DOVE, Sisterhood, Journeymen/One Village, and Vashon Youth & Family Services.

Find out everything happening this summer at Open Space at openspacevashon.com.

Correction: The print edition of this article, published July 6, omitted the date for the Art Heart Soul Music Microfest on Vashon. The festival will happen on Aug. 26, as noted here. We strive for accuracy and regret the error.