About Us
We are creating more art classes and events for our community! We hope to help people of all ages and economic status have opportunities for creation, exhibition, education, and appreciation of the visual arts! Check out our Class Calendar to see what’s coming up next!
Who We Are
We’re a group of local artists with a passion to share our love of the visual arts with the city of Victoria, TX . We want to channel our unique skills and share them with the community. We can’t wait to meet you and share our knowledge with you! Our community is growing rapidly, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it

Learn Something Every Day
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John Doe
Founder

Our Mission

We believe all children and adults should have an opportunity for creation, exhibition, education, and appreciation of the visual arts.
Our Vision

We're updating our Vision! Rest-assured, that it includes you!
Our History
We've come along way, And it feels like it's still just the beginning
1966
Est. 1966
Founded As the Metropolitan Art League of Victoria
1966
1986
Victoria Art League, Inc.
VAL OFFICIALLY CHANGED IT’S NAME
1986
1988
Metropolitan League of Visual Arts
The organization changed its name in 1984 to Metropolitan League of Visual Arts
1988
1997
$15,000 Grant
VAL received a $15,000 grant for the purpose of trying its wings in a rented building. In the spring of 1998, it leased the gallery of the Old Farmer’s Co-op, 905 S. Bridge St., from Harold Nichols, who had restored the building and operated it as an art center for many years.
1997
Spring, 1998
Historic New Location
In the spring of 1998, it leased the gallery of the Old Farmer’s Co-op, 905 S. Bridge St., from Harold Nichols, who had restored the building and operated it as an art center for many years. The Victoria Art League’s opening event was its 1998 Spring Show.
Spring, 1998
August,1998
Official Grand Opening
The Victoria Art League’s opening event was its 1998 Spring Show.
THE COMMUNITY’S ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT CONFIRMED VAL’S FEELING THAT IT SHOULD CONTINUE MR. NICHOLS’ TRADITION OF CREATIVITY IN THIS 1898 TEXAS HISTORICAL LANDMARK
August,1998
August, 1999
Expansion
. In August of 1999, the organization purchased the north-east quarter of the block, including the main building and covered patio, as its permanent home. Along with owning a historical building, there have been many repairs and improvements to the building.
August, 1999
TODAY
Where We are Now
Along with owning a historical building, there have been many repairs and improvements to the building. We’re adding many digital options for our members, expanding our children’s programs.
TODAY



Board of Directors

Susan Bauer
CO-VP
Have served VAL for many years holding offices such as Social Chair, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary
Have a Bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music Education
Moved to Victoria in 1971 when I married Bill Bauer and taught for the VIctoria Independent School District for 32 years as a music teacher at all levels - elementary, junior high and high school. I ended my teaching career at Memorial High School in 2004 with 23 years at Stroman High School prior to consolidation
Although I can’t think of any hobbies, through the years I have taken music to many nursing homes, accompanied many students in solo and ensemble contests and led numerous choirs at places of worship.
At the present time, Bill and I have 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren with whom we travel and love very dearly.
I love the arts and my husband thereby getting involved with the Art League. Our historical building is special to me as I have been active in the renovation and remodeling of its facilities. I believe this building is still one of the “secrets” of Victoria.

Bill Bauer
President
Bill Bauer is currently serving as 1st Vice-President of the Art League. Bill has been involved with VAL since 2003 when he retired from teaching art in the Victoria Independent School District for 34 years. He has served in different capacities during the past 20 years but mainly as President for 6 years. He has been Vice-President before and helped to get numerous demo artists and special workshops for the Art League including Dalhart Windberg and Mark Keathley. Bill has been in charge of Artist of the Month, the Christmas Bazaar, our Market Days, and any function that needs participation.
Bill has overseen the remodeling and addition of the pottery studio and many other improvements to our historical building during his tenures as President. He currently teaches classes in Beginning and Advanced Pottery.
He is married to Susan Bauer and has 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren . After moving to Sun Valley Dr with 5+ acres of land, he is enjoying gardening, having an art studio and “Working the land”. He travels as much as possible on our Honda Cycle, cruising to other countries and generally enjoying life.
