From its beginning in 1924, the KIA has offered art classes to the community, and a place for the enjoyment of the visual arts through exhibitions, lectures, special events and an extensive permanent collection.

Today, upwards of 100,000 visitors each year enjoy exciting temporary exhibitions, an outstanding permanent collection of nearly 4,700 works, along with weekly programs, classes, and annual events like the June Arts Fair and December Holiday Art Sale. Nearly 2,000 students take Kirk Newman Art School classes each year. The original mission of the KIA to encourage the creation and appreciation of the visual arts continues to guide the institution.