Our History & Accessibility Policy

Since 1992, the Village Fine Arts Association (VFAA) has served as a cornerstone of creativity in Milford, Milford Township, and the greater Huron Valley region. Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by a small group of artists meeting in each other’s homes, the VFAA has grown into a thriving, inclusive arts community with over 200 active members and a broader network of more than 4,500 art-minded individuals. At the core of our mission is a simple but powerful belief: art is for everyone.

Our commitment to accessibility and inclusion is not just a policy—it’s the foundation of everything we do. The VFAA ensures equal access and meaningful participation in all programs, services, and activities. We actively work to remove barriers and welcome individuals of all ages, abilities, races, religions, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, and experience levels. We are always happy to provide accessible formats or communication supports upon request, and our programming is intentionally designed to support and include people with disabilities.

A major step in our journey came in 2012, when a generous donation in memory of founding member Suzanne Haskew inspired a new vision: a permanent space where creativity, collaboration, and community could flourish. That vision became a reality in 2014 with the opening of the Suzanne Haskew Arts Center (The SHAC) in downtown Milford.

The SHAC, a fully ADA-compliant and accessible facility, was built in direct response to community needs. Local artists, educators, and families expressed a clear desire for a dedicated space—a place to create, gather, learn, and grow. Today, the SHAC is the beating heart of the VFAA’s operations. Located at 125 S. Main Street, it offers a flexible, welcoming environment for art classes, workshops, gallery exhibitions, concerts, private rentals, and community events.

Through the SHAC, the VFAA brings inclusive, high-quality arts programming to people of all backgrounds and abilities. Our initiatives, such as Poetry Art Night, public art displays, and seasonal events, not only foster creative expression but also strengthen local culture and economy by bringing people into downtown Milford.

While our roots are local, our reach is regional. We regularly collaborate with schools, businesses, and other organizations to bring the arts to neighboring communities across the Huron Valley. The SHAC stands as both a tribute to Suzanne Haskew’s legacy and a living symbol of what’s possible when a community invests in the transformative power of the arts.

We invite you to visit the SHAC and experience the VFAA’s welcoming, inclusive spirit for yourself—a place where creativity and community come together in every brushstroke, note, and shared story.