Juan de Fuca Foundation

for the Arts

Committed to the development & promotion of the Arts for the cultural, economic & educational benefit of Washington’s North Olympic Peninsula.

About Us

Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts

JFFA offers Port Angeles, Sequim, and the entire North Olympic Peninsula of Washington a myriad of performance alternatives for all lovers of The Arts. We are proud to present a season concert series with an array of diverse disciplines and genres represented – including dance, folk, blues, comedy and more.

At JFFA, we believe that “art is too important not to share”.

We believe that the arts enhance quality of life, contribute to a rich sense of community, encourage a coming together as diverse neighbors, and contribute to a vibrant civic life. We are committed to ensuring that the North Olympic Peninsula continues to be a home for the performing arts both now and in the future.

JFFA is supported by a passionate board of directors, dedicated staff, tireless volunteers, generous sponsors and invaluable community partners.

“Art is too important not to share.”

Romero Britto

Our Mission

The Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to the development and promotion of the Arts for the cultural, economic and educational benefit of Washington’s North Olympic Peninsula.

Our History

Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts began in 1992 as the “Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts” without a budget or staff. Driven by the vision of a small group of volunteers, JFFA’s sole purpose was, and remains, to develop and promote the performing and visual arts. JFFA was incorporated as a non-profit in the Spring of 1993. Since then, the budget has grown from $1,500 to approximately $350,000 in 2019.

Nearly all revenue is applied to the support and operation costs involved in presenting consistent high caliber arts programming throughout the year. Our legacy event is the Annual Juan de Fuca Festival, now in it’s 27th year. This celebration of music and art takes place over Memorial Day weekend and includes up to 80 performances on five stages, 100 volunteers, 50 food and artisan vendors and several local community organizations.

JFFA also presents a popular Season Concert Series each year offering 8-12 concerts crossing all genres and mediums. Through this concert series, JFFA aligns professional touring artists with local students of all ages and offers a wide range of educational outreach opportunities.

Since 2012, JFFA has also successfully developed and managed a summer art camp experience for children ages 7-12 years. Our Discovery Arts Camp exposes kids to art educators and working artists who lead them through experiential learning in visual arts, theater and dance. 

What we Do

Festival

Our annual Juan de Fuca Festival, now in its 27th year, spans four days with four stages, and features not only more performance diversity, but also an artisan street fair, kids’ activities, a beer/wine tent, and a fantastic assortment of festie food.

Concerts

Our hope with our season concert series is to interact with you through music, theater, comedy, dance, and storytelling. Our season concert series runs from September through May, averaging 8-12 concerts per year, and featuring exceptional touring artists.

Education

Providing arts education, Summer camps, workshops, and outreach experiences to youth of the North Olympic Peninsula. Our goal is to provide these opportunities to all, and offer scholarships and a variety of financial assistance programs.

Community

Through our Festival Street Fair, Summer Concerts on the Pier Series, and collaborations with local Partners, JFFA provides many opportunities for our community to share and experience art together. We also value local artists by presenting and endorsing their work throughout the year.  

Our Staff

Our dedicated staff works year-round to develop, manage, and execute all of the foundation’s programs and community outreach efforts.

Kyle LeMaire

Executive Director

Oversees administration, programming, strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Kari Chance

Administrative Manager

Manages advertising, volunteers, finance and patron relations.

Our Board of Directors

Working as volunteers, the community leaders who make up the Board of Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts are the critical component maintaining the link between JFFA and the community. Our JFFA Board of Directors is responsible for hiring the Executive Director, approving the annual budget, and establishing our mission, vision and values.

Ryan Schroeder

President

Event Coordinator Metro Parks Tacoma

Member Since: 2022

Steve Gilchrist

Vice President

Landscape Design

Member Since: 2012

Ruth Replogle

Treasurer

Educator

Member Since: 2013

Sherry Curran

Secretary

City of Port AngelesMember Since: 2018

Jennifer Bright

Board Member

Marine Biologist

Member Since: 2013

Bailey Loveless

Board Member

 Writer and Podcaster

Member Since: 2022

Peter Metz

Board Member

Event Design/Planning

Member Since: 2019

Eric Neurath

Board Member

Photographer

Member Since: 2012

Paul Stehr-Green

Board Member

Musician

Member Since: 20022

Jeff Tocher

Board Member

Artist

Member Since: 2017

Honorary Board

These members contribution has helped shape JFFA into the incredible organization it is today. 

Melody Charno

Retired

Board Member: 2011-2022
Honorary Member: 2022