Website Redesign for the Jackson Art Association: Celebrating Creativity Since 1947

Bringing a Historic Arts Organization into the Digital Spotlight

Rooted Pixels partnered with the Jackson Art Association (JAA) to design a modern, engaging website that reflects the organization’s rich history and vibrant artistic community. Founded in 1947 as the Jackson Civic Art Association, JAA has long served as a creative hub for both professional and amateur artists, as well as supporters of the visual arts throughout Jackson and the surrounding areas. The goal of this website project was to create a user-friendly digital platform that honors JAA’s legacy while increasing visibility, encouraging membership growth, promoting exhibits and workshops, and strengthening public engagement with the arts.

Project Goals and Objectives

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, JAA needed a website that clearly communicated its mission, activities, and opportunities for involvement. Rooted Pixels focused on building a site that would serve artists, art enthusiasts, sponsors, and community members alike. Primary goals included:

• Mission Clarity: Clearly communicate JAA’s purpose of enriching the appreciation of visual art and fostering fellowship among artists.
• Event Promotion: Highlight meetings, workshops, exhibits, and community art shows.
• Membership Growth: Encourage artists of all skill levels and mediums to join.
• Community Engagement: Make it easy for the public to attend exhibits, workshops, and events.
• Professional Presentation: Showcase artwork in a clean, gallery-style layout that reflects the creativity of its members.

Showcasing Meetings, Demonstrations, and Fellowship

A central feature of the new website is a dedicated section for JAA’s regular meetings and demonstrations. Held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History Community Room, these gatherings are vital to the organization’s mission of education and fellowship. The website clearly outlines:

• Artist demonstrations and lectures
• Hands-on learning experiences
• Critiques and artistic discussions
• Community potlucks and networking opportunities

By organizing this information in a clear, accessible format, the website makes it easy for both members and newcomers to participate and stay informed.

Highlighting Exhibits and Juried Art Shows

Exhibits and art shows are a cornerstone of JAA’s programming. The redesigned site emphasizes the organization’s major annual and biennial exhibitions, including:

• The Annual JAA Potter Center Art Exhibition
• The JAA Biennial Art Exhibition at the Ella Sharp Museum
• The Annual JAA Art Show at the Potter Center

The website also highlights additional community art events where members can display and sell their work. Clean gallery layouts, event descriptions, and participation details make it easy for artists to understand submission opportunities and for the public to attend exhibitions.

Promoting En Plein Air Jackson

The Plein Air Painters of Jackson County (PAPJAC) program brings artists together outdoors to paint on-site during favorable seasons. Rooted Pixels created a visually inviting section that captures the energy and spontaneity of outdoor painting. The En Plein Air page includes:

• Program descriptions and seasonal schedules
• Calendar integration for upcoming painting sessions
• Participation guidelines
• Photo galleries showcasing artists at work

This section reinforces JAA’s commitment to creative exploration and community collaboration.

Expanding Workshops and Educational Opportunities

JAA offers workshops throughout the year led by guest artists and talented members. The website makes it easy for users to explore upcoming classes, view instructor profiles, and register for sessions. By organizing workshops into clear categories and integrating registration information, the site encourages artistic growth while supporting public engagement with the visual arts.

A Modern, Accessible Design for All Artists

Because JAA includes members of all ages and skill levels, the website needed to be intuitive and welcoming. Rooted Pixels developed a responsive, mobile-friendly design that ensures accessibility across all devices. Key design elements include:

• Clean, gallery-style layouts to showcase artwork
• Simple navigation for easy access to events and membership information
• Readable typography and ADA-conscious design considerations
• Optimized performance for fast loading times

The result is a digital space that mirrors the creativity and inclusivity at the heart of the Jackson Art Association.

Encouraging Membership and Community Support

The new website clearly communicates JAA’s mission to foster fellowship, support artistic growth, and encourage public engagement with the visual arts. Membership information is prominently displayed, along with details about the organization’s nonprofit status and opportunities for sponsorship and donation. By simplifying membership sign-up and providing clear calls to action, the site supports JAA’s continued growth and sustainability.

Strengthening Visibility Through Strategic SEO

In addition to visual design, the website was optimized for search engines to improve local visibility. Targeted keywords related to “Jackson art association,” “art classes in Jackson MI,” and “local art exhibits” help connect the organization with new audiences searching for creative opportunities in the area. This strategic approach ensures the website functions not just as an informational resource, but also as a tool for growth and community outreach.

Why Choose Rooted Pixels for Nonprofit Website Design

Rooted Pixels understands the unique needs of nonprofit organizations and arts communities. We design websites that balance storytelling, usability, and performance while supporting mission-driven growth. Our approach includes:

• Custom design tailored to organizational identity
• SEO optimization for increased visibility
• Mobile responsiveness and accessibility
• Clear calls to action for membership and donations
• Scalable structure for future events and growth

Build a Website That Celebrates Your Mission

If your nonprofit, arts organization, or community group needs a professional website that reflects your mission and encourages engagement, Rooted Pixels can help. Contact Rooted Pixels today to discuss your project or request a quote to begin building a website that strengthens your community presence and supports your continued growth. Let’s create a digital platform that celebrates your creativity and connects you with the audience you deserve.