Our History

Founded in 1978, the Visual Art Institute is Utah’s oldest nonprofit after-school arts organization dedicated to youth.

Our vision began in 1978 when Stephanie Burn determined that her college students at Utah State University had lost their ability to think creatively.  VAI came as the result of her desire to teach children how to maintain and foster their creativity throughout their lives.  Since the founding of the institute, thousands of youth have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of local working artists in the community in a variety of media. 

In 1998, Bruce Robertson took over as the Executive Director.  That same year, VAI began working with public schools and offering tuition assistance to provide better access to low-income youth. By expanding these programs, services, and instruction to more youth, VAI has become an essential part of Salt Lake's art community.

Many students earn local, state, and national awards, and receive scholarships and entrance into top universities and art schools throughout the country.  Their success is due in part to VAI's dedication to assisting serious art students build their confidence, technical skills, and portfolios.  Bruce Robertson's ongoing guidance has helped students gain a competitive edge over other applicants by coaching them through their high school years and offering invaluable insight as students pursue higher education.

In early 2022, our Board of Directors adopted a co-leadership model so that Bruce could solely focus on curriculum development and art programming as a full-time Art Director. In July 2022, VAI selected Hana Janatová as the new Executive Director to co-lead the organization in our  new South Salt Lake Facility. Together, Bruce and Hana are building upon VAI's legacy of human development through artistic discovery and expression, we invite all to join us in a future where VAI broadens its influence and remains an enduring asset within Utah's art and cultural landscape.