Send us Fan Mail Astoria Visual Arts Jan sits down with Annie Eskelin, Executive Director of Astoria Visual Arts (AVA), to explore how a passion for art can shape an entire community. Annie shares her journey from growing up in rural Alaska — where she never met a professional artist until college — to leading one of the most vibrant arts organizations on the Oregon Coast. They talk about AVA's artist residency program, the rapid growth of free kids' art classes, outdoor summer art camps at Fort Stevens, the newly expanded gallery on Commercial Street, and the beloved Astoria Open Studios Tour coming up July 25–26. Annie also opens up about what it means to lose yourself in the creative process, why art is more than just paintings, and how community funding is the backbone of it all. If you've ever believed art is a luxury, this conversation might just change your mind. [00:01] Jan: Are you looking for an inspiring listen, something to motivate you? You've come to the right place. Welcome to Women of the Northwest, where we have conversations with ordinary women leading extraordinary lives. [00:12] Motivating, inspiring, compelling. [00:16] Jan: Hey, everybody. Welcome to Women of the Northwest. I am so glad you're here today, because I have an exciting interview for you. [00:24] I have Annie Eskalin, who is the executive director of Astoria Visual Arts, also known as Ava Welco. Welcome, Annie. [00:32] Annie: Hi, Jan. It's wonderful to be here. Thanks for having me on. [00:36] Jan: Some of you know that I started chapter of 100 Women who Care, [00:42] where we recognize local nonprofits and Annie. And came to represent SRE Visual Arts. And, oh, what an exciting program that is. And I just thought, wow, [00:55] more people need to know about this and find out about it and come and see it. So, [01:01] Annie, I want to start out by asking you, [01:03] what drew you to art? Is that something you did as a little girl, or is it something. [01:09] What's your story? [01:11] Annie: Well, I have an art degree and also a business degree. And I. [01:17] When I was growing up, I was naturally drawn to art. It was an advanced art whenever there was an opportunity for it. I grew up in rural Alaska, [01:29] and there wasn't a lot of art opportunity there. [01:33] There were not a lot of professional artists. I actually didn't meet my first professional artist until I was in college. [01:43] Yeah. And then I think, like a lot of art majors, you just end up taking art classes because they are so fun and fulfilling, and then you find yourself with a art degree. [01:57] Jan: And now what? Yeah. Yeah. [01:59] Annie: So, yeah, this is the path that has led me. Actually, one of my art professors, [02:05] he turned me onto a job that was in legrand as the executive director of the Union County Art and Culture center, which is now Art Center East. [02:15] And so that was my first involvement with a nonprofit. [02:20] And it was really exciting. And really, it was one of those things where the bus stopped there for me. [02:29] And then my husband and I moved to Astoria a decade ago, [02:34] and this job came up, and I applied for it and got it. And no, it's. It takes a lot of your heart, your soul, and time. [02:45] But I definitely found that I have, [02:48] you know, role that's very fulfilling for me. [02:51] Jan: Because you're passionate about it. [02:53] Annie: I am passionate about it, yes. Absolutely. [0 Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures. Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com
