The Center is dedicated to history, culture and arts education and artistic enrichment.These visual art programs will highlight the history, maritime culture and natural resources of the city and region. Programs at the center develop the capabilities of artists and aspiring artists from both the local and national art community by teaching the fundamentals of representational art and providing the general public the opportunity to participate in visual arts programs.

The Director, with the Chairman of the Board, is charged to develop a plan to coordinate, organize, implement an annual program to include historic, cultural and art instruction for adults and youth, education programs/events, scheduling exhibits and fundraising to cover the cost of program management, assistance for financially challenged students and exhibits/programs held in other locations in the city.  A combination of nationally recognized and local/regional teaching artists are contracted to provide instruction. The Director and Docents are used to operate the facility and to implement programs.