It started in the summer of 1998 when a few arts leaders began talking about working together to save money and expand program offerings. After several meetings over coffee and tea, a simple survey was created and mailed to 26 arts organizations in the region. The 90% response indicated that similar needs and dreams existed. These collective responses would form the basis of our mission and goals:        

To foster and promote the arts in the Windham Area.

Survey responses in hand, we approached the (then) CT Commission on the Arts in Hartford, and conferred with Commissioner John Ostrout about the organizational steps we would need to realize our goals. Following his advice we tracked down two experienced arts advocates: Frances "Bitsie" Clark, the (then) Director of the New Haven Arts Council, and Imna Arroyo at Eastern CT State University. Both women had experience facilitating the formation of grassroots arts organizations and have subsequently been instrumental in mentoring our projects and growth.

By 2000 we had organized and incorporated with the state. Our numbers were swelling. 20 artist members! 6 arts organizations!   Arts In Motion, Community Arts Alive, Central CT Woodturners, Curbstone Press, Eastern CT State University, and the Windham Regional Arts Council all committed founding support in our early years to unite the arts community and raise the profile of the arts in Windham. We organized 2 Outdoor Arts Festivals, including some with frog related portions, that would eventually evolve into Frogfest '05. 

 We set out to find a home. By November 2000 we had signed a lease to rent a 3000 sq ft. facility in the Bugbee Building at 866 Main Street, Willimantic.
 
 The building was originally used as a grain storage facility,  and in more recent years as an office furniture supply business.   We spent 4 months renovating the inside with the support of key volunteers and businesses from the community. The gallery was given several coats of fresh paint, walls were installed to create an office and studios for working artists, and a meeting area was reserved for members to use for meetings, workshops and other gatherings.    

 We were granted our 501c(3) non-profit organization status in January 2001 and formally opened the Windham Arts Center & Gallery on May 4, 2001.

Our objectives are:

1. to bring together the arts and culture of the community;
   
2. to maintain exhibition, studio, performance, and office space
3. to promote and support emerging and established artists;
   
4. to cultivate and promote participation in and support for the visual and performing arts through events, exhibitions, workshops and lectures; and 
5. to become a resource center which provides exposure to and participation in arts and cultural experiences.
   

Since then, we have organized or facilitated two Outdoor Arts Festivals,  Sidewalk Chalk Arts Festivals, the Frogfest, the Willimantic Cinema Project, a community Chocolate Festival, the WindhamARTS Music Series, professional development and creativity workshops for artists, a community arts forums, creative presentations, all of which have been instrumental in raising the profile of the arts community in Willimantic/Windham.  Our membership has grown to over 100 individuals and 17 arts oriented organizations and businesses who contribute to our governance and activities, collaborate in community projects, support the continuing renovation and improvement of our facility, and contribute to the value of the Arts in our region. We are supported by the community through fund raising activities and sponsored special events and initiatives, the CT Commission on Culture & Tourism as a Local Arts Agency, other state, local and foundation grant funding, and cash donations from our donors. ARTS RISING!