Founded in 1979, Allied Arts began with
the broad mission of supporting all local arts. In the early 1980s,
Allied Arts was instrumental in initiating a campaign to save the
Mount Baker Theatre. This newly formed arts organization helped
build community support to preserve what is now a Bellingham icon.
Since that time, Allied Arts has served as an incubator for a wide
range of arts projects and agencies that now operate independently.
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The needs of Bellingham artists are different today than they
were in 1979. A series of surveys and interviews along with a
recent membership meeting have revealed that the greatest interest
in our local art sector is support for the visual arts. Bellingham
now has a strong network of venues for the performing arts and
literary arts. |
When it comes to the visual arts, there is a distinct need for
display space. With our newly hired executive director, Rebecca
Hutchins, in place and her more than 15 years experience in the
arts and non-profit sectors we believe Allied Arts has what it
takes to foster growth in this area.
Rebecca has her MA in Museum and Field Studies from the University
of Colorado and has worked in a variety of non-profit organizations
including the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Arvada Center
for the Arts, and Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western
Art. Her work has focused on promoting and enhancing public participation
in the visual arts and creating environments for dynamic informal
educational opportunities for all ages.
Most recently, Ms. Hutchins served as the Community Programs Manager
for the Evergreen AIDS Foundation in Bellingham. Rebecca’s
long term vision, dedication to the arts, high energy and organizational
skills are exactly what Allied Arts needs at this time. |
In addition to a new executive director, Allied Arts has a fresh
infusion of ideas and energy on the board of directors. As of
January 27, 2007, Allied Arts elected new officers. Paul Hughes,
the new president, served eight years on the board of directors
at the Kirkland Art Center (three years as president) and obtained
an MBA from California State University. Paul also has more than
30 years experience in financial services.
Joining in October 2006, vice president, Ellen Clark, obtained
her BA in Fine Arts from the University of Utah and has more than
20 years experience in graphics, fine arts and marketing.
Sheryl Davis, secretary, is the newest member of our board joining in March 2008. She brings with her great enthusiasm for the arts and over 25 years of teaching experience
Board members at large are: Michael Chadd, Janice
Ososke, Amy Schilder and Wendy Wall.
As a gesture of commitment to the reorganization of Allied Arts
of Whatcom County, the Board contributed $7,000 and more than
200 hours in volunteer time in the month of January alone.
The long-term vision for a newly reorganized Allied Arts includes
a new home, which would serve as a creative hub for Whatcom County.
The creative hub may include components such as exhibition space,
studio space, shared equipment, education space and non-profit
office space.
Under consideration are future education programs geared to all
ages, which would include classes and workshops in all the visual
arts (ceramics, glass, 2-D, photography and more). There are many
successful models across the country that Allied Arts is drawing
from to develop a financially sustainable creative hub that will
best meet the needs of our community.
The team at Allied Arts is excited about this new direction and
we look forward to receiving your feedback. Stay tuned for updated
member benefits, a gallery reopening date and future details on
the exciting new direction for Allied Arts!
Since 1979 Allied Arts of Whatcom County has been giving the community
a way to experience a wide variety of local art with festivals,
gallery exhibits and educational opportunities for everyone. |
