Vashon’s arts community has been clamoring for a state-of-the-art performance center for more than a decade. Now, thanks in large part to Kay White, an Island philanthropist with a deep love of choral music, Vashon Allied Arts appears poised to bring this dream to fruition.

VAA is doing so as a private nonprofit — an organization that has to answer only to its board, its major donors and, to some degree, its members. But board members say the new structure is named Vashon Center for the Arts for a reason: It’s not VAA’s center, they say, it will be the Island’s center. They not only want public input. They’d like the public to embrace the project. 

To that end, they’re holding two open houses this week — one Friday evening for its members and another on Saturday for the general public. A third will be held next Tuesday.

The Beachcomber applauds the organization’s willingness to reach out to the public. We realize such engagement can be tricky. Some will love the project; others won’t. The organization is venturing into the public spotlight hoping for support and pledging to listen. 

At the same time, it’s appropriate that community members take a close look and ask meaningful questions. We’re at a juncture unlike any this Island has seen in a while. VAA’s project, coupled with the new high school project voters approved earlier this year, will bring nearly $65 million worth of construction to within a half-mile radius.

It represents a remarkable building boom, a huge investment of time and money and an opportunity of untold proportions. 

That’s why The Beachcomber is taking a close look at the project over the next few weeks. Not because we oppose it. Not because we question VAA’s integrity or capability. The organization is strong and robust; its board is capable; its staff, under Molly Reed’s leadership, is skilled and committed.

We’re taking a close look because this is a significant undertaking with far-reaching ramifications. It’s important that the community fully understand what VAA is striving to achieve and that we understand how this new structure will fit into the Island’s landscape, both figuratively and literally. It’s important that we ask questions. 

On an Island without a city council or planning commission, there’s no automatic venue for public vetting or review. We’re glad VAA is giving the public an opportunity to take a look before any permits have been secured. We believe a journalistic examination will also help to shape the discussions and more fully inform the process.

VAA’s open houses

VAA will hold three open houses at the Blue Heron where its new arts campus will be unveiled: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday (for VAA members only), 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The arts organization will also have a booth at Strawberry Festival.