ABOUT US / OUR MISSION/OUR TEAM/our history and our future

Yesterday

For many years, members of Valley Center’s artist community and the Valley Center Library have shared a mutually beneficial relationship. The Library graciously provides the artist community with space to display artwork, hold classes, and host auctions and other gatherings. In turn, Library patrons enjoy an ever-changing array of paintings, photographs, and mixed-media art.

While this partnership has been fruitful, available display space and time remain limited. A few years ago, local artist Barbara Scharnau, having organized several shows at the Library, recognized that Valley Center needed a dedicated art gallery and classroom space. She brought together local artists to champion the project. After visiting North County galleries to research best practices for establishing and sustaining a venue, the group created the Valley Center Art Gallery.

Today

The organization is a non-profit corporation, led by the board members listed above. Since 2024, the Valley Center Art Gallery Board has organized nearly 30 exhibits, engaging artists of all ages and backgrounds.

VCAG has always been powered by community passion, and support is now more important than ever. We invite involvement from:

  - New members
  - Donors and sponsors
  - Volunteers
  - Artists of all mediums
  - Local families and youth
  - Businesses and organizations

Every contribution of time, talent, or funding brings us closer to opening our own cultural landmark. As VCAG leaders often say, “The library has been very good to us, but it’s time to grow.” And grow we will—together.

Tomorrow

The Valley Center Art Gallery (VCAG) envisions a space where local artists can display their work and host art-related talks, meetings, classes, workshops, and social gatherings. The gallery will serve as a hub of creativity where:

  - Local and regional artists can exhibit their work
  - Children and teens can learn, explore, and create
  - Tribal communities can share cultural art and traditions
  - Environmental groups can collaborate on nature-centric exhibits
  - Residents can attend classes, seminars, workshops, and events

Our vision remains clear: a 4,000-square-foot art gallery built alongside the Valley Center Library and History Museum to form a unified cultural center. Architect John Dominie’s renderings feature gallery rooms, classrooms, a sculpture garden, a children’s art wall, and dedicated space honoring Native American artists.

In 2026, the County of San Diego’s Department of General Services (Real Estate Division) and County Libraries informed VCAG that they are moving forward with the proposal to build the gallery on library grounds.

Our next step is securing an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA), currently in process. Once executed, VCAG will launch its capital fundraising campaign. Following the successful model used by the History Museum, VCAG will raise the capital funds to build the gallery, transfer ownership to the county, and lease the facility back at a nominal fee to operate it for the community.

This is a monumental milestone, and after years of planning and community outreach, our vision is within reach. 

This is a monumental milestone. After years of meetings, presentations, negotiations, and community outreach, the dream is finally within reach.