About Sitka
The Sitka Center for Art and Ecology supports arts and nature access for all. We believe that the intersection of art and science is vital for creating balance in our relationship with the natural world.
Through workshops, residencies, youth outreach and events, Sitka offers time and space for place-based exploration and creativity.
Named after the Sitka spruce, our center is located within the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area on the Oregon coast. Here, along the Salmon River Estuary within the UNESCO Cascade Head Biosphere Reserve, we provide an inspiring landscape for ecological inquiry and creative work.
History
1960s
Developer of Cascade Head Ranch acquires a sheep and cattle ranch, conserving streams, and sells meadowlands to The Nature Conservancy, supporting natural preservation.
1970
Originally called “Camp Sitka,” the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology is founded as a public educational project of the Neskowin Coast Foundation, inspired by the coastal Sitka spruce forest and the idea of place-based creativity. First workshops explore “low-tech” art for kids with hands-on natural materials, such as clay pots fired in pits and stick-and-stone instruments.
1971
Developer of Cascade Head Ranch promises land for Sitka’s permanent home. Students from the University of Oregon Architecture department design Sitka’s first studio and classroom.
1972
Sitka’s Cascade Head campus opens.
1974
Cascade Head Scenic Research Area Act passed by Congress, providing permanent protection for the area.
1975
A brief partnership with Linfield College results in Sitka’s first public seminars.
1976
First executive director is hired.
1979
First Artist in Residence stays at Sitka.
1980s–90s
Sitka’s workshop and residency programs evolve to focus on adult learners with a seasonal cycle of fall-spring residencies and spring-summer workshops.
1993
The first Sitka Art Invitational is organized by volunteers.
2002
Sitka launches the Jordan Schnitzer Printmaking Residency Program.
2000s–2010s
Sitka’s reputation grows as a destination for regional, national, and international artists, scientists, writers and ecologically inspired creatives and educators.
2017
Sitka purchases an 80-acre nature preserve and guest house on the Cascade headland, intended as a future site for residencies, educational programming and immersive experiences in nature.
2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sitka cancels its workshop and Art Invitational programs for the first time in 50 years. This year is used to pilot new residency formats and pursue the launch of a youth program, inspired by Sitka’s 1970 roots. Sitka assumes ownership of the Community Arts Project, expanding art and science workshops to 500 Pre-K-8 students in local schools.
2024
The youth program is named K-8 Create and expands to serve 5,000 students through partnerships with Title 1 schools across the north-central Oregon coast.
Ongoing
Over its 50-year history, Sitka has continually evolved, fostering collaboration among artists, scientists and educators while enriching the community’s connection to art and nature.
The Sitka Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.