Originally organized as the Clear Lake Arts Council in 1977, it was not until 2002 that it opened its first facility in a downtown storefront at 213 Main Avenue, property owned by the City of Clear Lake awaiting redevelopment. The project evolved from a group of artists paying rent for space to market their art while maintaining an office for the Clear Lake Arts Council. At this time, they adopted the name Clear Lake Arts Center. As interest developed, a part time executive director was hired, and the development of educational classes and art programming ensued. In 2005, the City owned property neared demolition, leading to a search for a new home and the eventual acquisition of a 35 year old building at 17 South 4th Street. Reconstruction and additions were completed for occupancy by the Arts Center in March of 2007, with funding by a campaign called Arts Reach.
