Williamsburg Art & Historical Center

The non-profit Williamsburg Art & Historical Center (WAH Center) *[[1]] in *Williamsburg was established by artist Yuko Nii Yuko Nii in late 1996 based upon her "Bridge Concept" That concept envisions a multifaceted, multicultural art center whose mission is to coalesce the diverse artistic communities, and create a bridge between local, national and international artists, emerging as well as established artists of all disciplines. She also wanted to preserve the WAH Centers building, The Kings County Savings Bank Building*[[2]], which is in the National Register of Historic Places and a New York City landmark, and make it a functional part of the cultural community of Williamsburg, one of the largest art communities in the world*[[3]].

During the first 7 1/2 years the WAH Center has pursued what Chris Gray of the New York Times called a furious schedule, producing over 150 fine art shows incorporating over 2500 artists, and countless performances*[[4]].

Besides local and national exhibitons, the WAH Center produces international shows twice a year following Niis Bridge Concept. Her Bridge Concept is about reaching out and crossing over, of discovery, and meetings of minds and spirits so that we come to understand from each other that which brings respect & love, which in turn brings peace. Through the universal language of art, Nii hopes to bring peace and harmony among all nations. As the word WAH means in Japanese, peace or :harmony or unity, it is appropriate for the WAH Center to fulfill this mission. So far The Center has bridged to Cuba, Holland, Italy, Japan *[[5]], Palestine *[[6]], Russia*[[7]], Slovenia, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam. The WAH Center is currently planning future shows of Ireleand, Israel, Germany and Spain.

The WAH Center also produces and annual Art & Ability show*[[8]], by artists with disabilities.

Additionally the Center has created an art club, Williamsburg Salon*[[9]]. Every year the members have a group show. There is also a dance festival*[[10]], a film festival, and the Williamsburg Arts & Culture Festival (WAC Festival, which features galleries, businesses, open studios and an historical tour), an ongoing music series, theatrical productions*[[11]], poetry and staged readings, fashion shows *[[12]], symposia and lectures.

In January 2003, Let's Go Travel Magazine called the WAH Center the epicenter of the Williamsburg artists community.