Mission & History
Our Mission and Purpose
The mission of the Snyder/Highland Art Center is to be the HEART of art activity in Trinity County. We serve the local community, including art lovers and local and regional artists and artisans. We’re here to expand horizons, to showcase and promote art in an inspiring and uplifting environment.
You are invited to participate in the Center’s many activities and events - and in the process, transform your awareness and appreciation of art.
Supporting our local artists in advancing their careers in all aspects of the Arts is a priority. Our promise is to showcase their works in our beautiful galleries while delivering a stimulating lineup of exhibits, expertly curated.
Serving Trinity County for 50 years
In the 1960’s Weaverville was a blue collar logging town with a mining legacy. The locals led simpler lives, art was considered a frivolity, and there was little to no culture aside from the historic landmarks. To Lucille and Gilman Snyder however, art was not a luxury. They became passionate about creating a center for the arts that could nurture the creative spirit of their community. In 1968 The Snyder’s used their personal finances to make their vision a reality and purchased a charming 1893 Victorian house in the heart of historic Weaverville.
They established the Highland Art Center as a place where young and old could take classes to develop skills in the arts, and as a gallery to showcase local talent. Upon their death, the Snyder’s set up an endowment that continues to subsidize a portion of the monthly operating costs of the gallery and campus. Their generosity and foresight in establishing the Snyder-Highland Foundation has allowed the Highland Art Center to remain a pillar for the Arts in Trinity County for over 50 years.
Annual Scholarship
Every year since our inception, the Snyder/Highland Art Foundation gives $1000 (or more!) in the form of a college scholarship to a local graduating student who is pursuing a career in the Arts.
Previous Scholarship Recipients
2023
Adelyn Sharp
Pursuing a degree in Emerging Media and Digital Arts and minor in Marketing at Southern Oregon University
2022
Cora Barber
Pursuing a degree in Animation and Illustration at San Jose State University
2019
Daisy Rivas
Pursuing a degree in Fine Art at College of the Redwoods
2018
Audrey Bandrowski
Pursuing a degree in Experimental Animation from CalArts
2023
Jackson Odom
Pursuing a degree in Graphic Design at Shasta College in Redding
2022
Trinity Foster
Pursuing a degree in Fine Art Illustration at California State University Long Beach
2017
Victoria McAllister
Pursuing a degree in Art at University of California San Diego
2016
Bradley Brinkley
Pursuing a Career in Photography after attending the Rocky Mountain School of Photography
