Art News 360

October: Fire, Paint & Fantasy

Fire, Paint & Fantasy

October 2–31, 2026

Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11am – 4pm

Opening Reception: October 2nd, 6pm-9pm

1213 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

This October, Allied Arts of Whatcom County invites the community to experience Fire, Paint & Fantasy, a juried exhibition that explores the beauty of imagination through the lens of nature, mythology, and craftsmanship. The exhibition will be on view October 2–31, 2026, with a free Opening Reception on Friday, October 2, from 6:00–9:00 PM at Allied Arts, 1213 Cornwall Avenue in downtown Bellingham.

For centuries, artists have looked to forests, folklore, and the natural world for inspiration. Fire, Paint & Fantasy continues that tradition, bringing together five regional artists whose work transforms familiar landscapes, plants, figures, and materials into places of wonder and discovery. Rather than escaping reality, these artists encourage viewers to see the magic already woven into the world around them.

The exhibition features paintings that blend portraiture with botanical symbolism, delicate handcrafted jewelry inspired by organic forms, richly detailed woodland illustrations, expressive figurative works, and dreamlike imagery that balances fantasy with lived experience. Although each artist works in a different medium, they share a remarkable attention to craftsmanship and a belief that storytelling can emerge through color, texture, pattern, and form.

Featured artists include Forrest Chel Hull, whose intricate woodburnings celebrate the hidden beauty of Pacific Northwest forests; Liz Cunningham, whose handcrafted jewelry reflects the elegance and complexity of the natural world; Mahsa Sakettabar, whose paintings weave themes of memory, culture, and symbolism into quiet moments of reflection; Matthew Crane, whose vibrant figurative paintings draw from mythology, identity, and imaginative storytelling; and Sierra James, whose expressive portraits bloom with botanical imagery and emotional depth.

Together, these artists remind us that wonder is not something reserved for fairy tales—it exists in forests, flowers, handcrafted objects, and the stories we continue to tell about ourselves and the world around us.

The exhibition and Opening Reception are free and open to the public. Artwork will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting both the exhibiting artists and Allied Arts’ nonprofit mission to coordinate, connect, and strengthen Whatcom County’s creative community.

By Grant Kirkpatrick|2026-09-30T11:40:50-07:00September 16th, 2026|Categories: Currently Showing|

September: Caregivers

Caregivers

September 4–26, 2026

Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm

Opening Reception: September 4th, 6pm-9pm

1213 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

At some point in our lives, nearly all of us experience what it means to give care, receive care, or witness someone we love navigate change. Caregivers creates space to reflect on those moments—the relationships we hold onto, the memories we preserve, and the quiet acts of compassion that often happen outside of view.

Visitors will encounter the sculptural work of Francie Allen, whose five life-size figures transform Allied Arts’ new multi-use room into an intimate environment for reflection and storytelling. Installed alongside the community stage, Allen’s sculptures create a setting where visual art and personal narrative meet. During the exhibition, Allen will share selections from her memoir, bringing voice and lived experience into conversation with the work.

Continuing into Artist Alley, viewers will experience paintings by Margot Clemens and Ann Chaikin. Presented in a more intimate gallery setting, their works offer personal reflections on memory, relationships, and the spaces and moments that shape our connections with others.

More than an exhibition, Caregivers is an opportunity for conversation. Through sculpture, painting, and personal storytelling, the artists remind us that caregiving is not only about loss or responsibility—it is also about love, resilience, presence, and the connections that remain.

The exhibition and opening reception are free and open to the public. Artwork will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting both the exhibiting artists and Allied Arts’ nonprofit mission to strengthen Whatcom County’s creative community.

The exhibition and opening reception are free and open to the public. Artwork will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting both exhibiting artists and Allied Arts’ nonprofit mission to strengthen Whatcom County’s creative community.

By Grant Kirkpatrick|2026-09-30T11:41:15-07:00August 13th, 2026|Categories: Past Exhibits|

August: Take Shape

Take Shape

August 7–29, 2026

Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm

Opening Reception: August 7th, 6pm-9pm

1213 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Allied Arts of Whatcom County invites the community to experience Take Shape, a group exhibition featuring regional artists working across painting, sketching, printmaking, ceramics, fiber, and mixed media. The exhibition will be on view August 7–29, 2026, with a free Opening Reception on Friday, August 7 from 6:00–9:00 PM at Allied Arts, 1213 Cornwall Avenue in downtown Bellingham.

Take Shape explores the many ways artists transform ideas, observations, and materials into meaningful works of art. From expressive lines and layered surfaces to handmade vessels and sculptural forms, the exhibition highlights the relationship between an artist’s vision and the process of creating.

Featured artists include Frank Frazee, whose paintings and sketches capture landscapes, color, and personal observations through expressive mark-making; Jay Heller, whose bold linocuts celebrate architecture, perspective, and the intricate details found in familiar places; Buttercup Nyberg, whose ceramic works reflect connections between nature, function, and artistic expression; and S. Cowan-Quan, whose mixed media sculptures combine fiber, natural materials, and handmade forms to create imaginative characters and narratives.

Together, these artists invite visitors to slow down and appreciate the textures, details, and stories that emerge when ideas are given physical form.

As Allied Arts continues to expand opportunities for artists and audiences alike, Take Shape reflects the organization’s commitment to showcasing a wide range of creative voices while connecting our community through art.

The exhibition and opening reception are free and open to the public. Artwork will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting both exhibiting artists and Allied Arts’ nonprofit mission to strengthen Whatcom County’s creative community.

For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact us at 360-676-8548 or gallery@alliedarts.org.

By Grant Kirkpatrick|2026-09-03T12:20:52-07:00July 22nd, 2026|Categories: Past Exhibits|

July: Collectively Assembled

Collectively Assembled: Heads, Bodies, Fins, and Claws
cadavre exquis from the Salish Sea

July 3rd to – July 25th, 2026

Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm

Opening Reception: July 3rd, 6pm-9pm

1213 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

What if 62 artists contributed an 18” x 24” drawing as parts of 22 composite drawings loosely depicting Salish Sea animals? Using the fun drawing game the Surrealists used to play, exquisite corpse, artists made a blind pick of a pre-selected Salish Sea animal part prepared by the inventor and curator of the exhibition, Suzanne Morlock.

New to Bellingham, local visual artist, Suzanne Morlock, conceived of this game idea to help her
become acquainted with local creative folks, learn more about a selection of Salish Sea animals and have some creative fun. Allied Arts accepted Morlock’s proposal for this collaborative game idea in the fall of 2025. The show will be in the Allied Arts Gallery, 1213 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham, July 3-
25, 2026.

With a vision which by-passes the thinking mind, the freedom to not over think is the artist’s secret
power. Stretching the artist to think outside the box, participants created, using their own style, the
portion of the animal they picked. The drawings were executed with a supplied big, black Sharpie
marker. One participant quipped, “What a fun project! I never work that big! Or with sharpies. I might
have to work this way more often.”

What will these Salish Sea creatures look like? What spectacular, hilarious and exotic results will make
up this exhibition bringing the head, hand and imagination of individual area artists together to “see”
something new, bypassing the typical tools individual artist use to “make art”. Another participant
described the process as, “… This is great! … this is hard … this sucks … I suck … maybe … well that’s
kinda cool … this is great!”

The July 3rd reception will be a flashy opening honoring the depicted animals and the humans who
drew them. Mark the opening date, Friday July 3rd 6-9pm – an opening not to be missed! An assortment
of species will be a part of the festivities as well as some special guests. Ecoacoustician, Andrea Lynn
has prepared a sound piece, Voices Beneath the Waves, which will play in the gallery using sounds
harvested from the sea. Dancers, Aowyn Leiper, Kaitlin Nelson and Karmen Samione will respond will
respond to the visual and sound art with an original movement piece. Bait bites will be served as we
celebrate the Salish Sea and spark conversation and care for the ecosystem.

In partnership with Bellingham SeaFeast, Morlock’s collectively assembled will be part of a larger
curated exhibition of creative collaborations SeaFeast has undertaken during the nonprofit’s ten year
history. Look out for more details on the 10th anniversary celebrations of SeaFeast’s “fishy fun” and
creative retrospective at the Cordata Gallery August 22 through October 24, 2026.

For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact us at 360-676-8548 or gallery@alliedarts.org.

By AAWC|2026-08-06T16:14:51-07:00June 22nd, 2026|Categories: Past Exhibits|

What’s Next for Allied Arts – A Letter to Membership

Dear Allied Arts Community,

Five months ago, I stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director with a simple goal: listen first.

Since then, I’ve had conversations with artists, volunteers, business owners, teachers, performers, nonprofit leaders, parents, students, and longtime supporters across Whatcom County. We’ve hosted community discussions, shared ideas over coffee, and heard from people who love Allied Arts and want to see it thrive for the next generation.

One thing became clear: our community is looking for more ways to connect.

People want places to meet fellow creatives, discover opportunities, share ideas, learn new skills, bring their families, hear live music, make art, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.

So that’s where we’re headed.

This August, Allied Arts will begin testing a new chapter for our downtown space. Following our July exhibit, we’ll be rearranging the building to make room for more of what the community has asked for: workshops, performances, gatherings, exhibitions, creative retail, and new opportunities to connect. Some ideas will work beautifully. Others we’ll learn from and improve. That’s the exciting part.

Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, we’re focusing on what Allied Arts does best: bringing people together and helping creativity flourish across Whatcom County.

You’ll start seeing more collaborations, more opportunities to participate, and more reasons to stop by and see what’s happening. Whether you’re an artist, musician, writer, performer, maker, student, parent, retiree, arts supporter, or simply someone who enjoys being part of a creative community, we want you here.

The future of Allied Arts won’t be built by one person, one board, or one organization. It will be built by the people who care about the arts and believe they make our community stronger.

Thank you for being part of that future.

I hope to see you soon.

Meredith Patten
Interim Executive Director
Allied Arts of Whatcom County

By AAWC|2026-06-18T13:09:36-07:00June 18th, 2026|Categories: Art News 360|

May: Children’s Art Walk

Children’s Art Walk

May 1st to – May 16th, 2026

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm

Opening Reception: May 1st, 5pm-8pm

1213 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

We welcome all to stroll through downtown Bellingham and delight in the works of the younger art community! On Friday, May 1st, Whatcom County students will proudly display their works of art during the 26th annual Children’s Art Walk presented by Allied Arts of Whatcom County. On this night there will be a number of activities for kids and adults, music, and more to celebrate the arts in schools – Art will stay on display through the first two weeks in May in honor of the statewide Arts Education Month.

Children’s Art Walk is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, Northsound ACH, Bellingham Public Schools, Hotel Leo, and Cascadia Daily News.

Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery; all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the arts in our community.

For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact us at 360-676-8548 or gallery@alliedarts.org.

By AAWC|2026-06-18T15:22:07-07:00April 7th, 2026|Categories: Past Exhibits|

Bellingham Repertory Dance Presents: Hindsight

April 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 at 7:00 PM

April 12, 19, 26 at 5:00 PM

Firehouse Arts and Events Center (1314 Harris Ave.)

For tickets and more information, visit bhamrep.org

Bellingham, WA – Bellingham Repertory Dance (BRD) presents Hindsight, a concert celebrating 20 years of contemporary dance. Hindsight honors BRD’s vibrant history with a selection of beloved repertory works. It also looks forward, embracing the contemporary dance of today and tomorrow with the premiere of new works by returning Seattle choreographer, Marlo Martin, as well as BRD alumni.

Hindsight is a diverse, sincere, and energetic collection of dance that speaks to the broad and beautiful range of the human experience. Audiences will see the return of Anna Bauer’s piece “Breakfast,” where dancers dive deep into a fleeting moment of connection and familiarity, as well as the strange phenomenon of electricity and the energetic power of the color yellow in Robert Kitsos’ “Tricity.” Gina and Kyle Sorensen’s “Seeker” investigates creating and claiming a sense of home. Kim Lusk’s sharp unison drives the satirical nature of her work, “Quintet in Pink,” and Joshua Manculich’s “Manners” serves as a reflection of the ways that we house etiquette. Hindsight will also showcase pieces from earlier seasons of BRD, including “Two Conversations” choreographed by Pam Kuntz in 2009.

Hindsight runs April 10-26 at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center. Each weekend will highlight a different selection of featured works, alongside the show’s core selection. BRD alumni members will perform alongside current members in celebration of the company’s 20th season. BRD is grateful for all of the wonderful collaborations, partnerships, and community support that has made every season possible, and looks forward to sharing this milestone with audiences.

Bellingham Repertory Dance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering high-level dance productions, as well as class and performance opportunities for the community. Visit bhamrep.org to learn more about BRD and how to get involved.

By AAWC|2026-04-01T11:34:12-07:00April 1st, 2026|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: community event, Dance, Event, events|

April: RARE

Recycled Art & Resource Expo

April 3rd – April 25th, 2026

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm

Opening Reception: April 3rd, 6pm-9pm

1213 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Come join us at the Annual Recycled Arts Expo (RARE!) this April. RARE! celebrates the creative use of recycled pieces through a juried art exhibit at Allied Arts Gallery. We also spotlight art organizations and facilities promoting sustainability. Our goal for this exhibit is to educate the community on the ways art contributes to sustainability, and to leave you with new and resourceful ideas that highlight the importance of creative reusage.

RARE! is made possible in part by a generous sponsorship from Cascadia Daily News.

Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery; all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the arts in our community.

For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact us at 360-676-8548 or gallery@alliedarts.org.

By AAWC|2026-05-01T14:33:45-07:00March 24th, 2026|Categories: Past Exhibits|

Volunteer Opportunities: Craft Room Organizing & Card-Making for Seniors

Lutheran Community Services Northwest has reached out to Allied Arts to share the following volunteer opportunities:

1. Organizing our craft/scrapbooking room
We recently received a huge donation of scrapbooking materials for our Santa for Seniors card-making program (serving Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan Counties). We’re looking for someone who enjoys organizing and has an eye for sorting supplies. There’s no rush, but ideally we’d love to complete this project sometime over the summer. A volunteer could also help estimate how long the full organizing project might take.

2. Crafting and writing cards for isolated seniors
As part of Santa for Seniors, we’re creating 2,000 cards for older adults who may be feeling disconnected or alone. We’re hosting card‑making gatherings in our space on Mondays throughout March and April, and we also have take‑home kits available.
Right now, we’re producing Spring cards, with a return date of April 24. After that, we’ll transition to Winter Holiday cards.

Interested community members should reach out to Lutheran Community Services to get involved at the link here!

By AAWC|2026-03-12T16:52:04-07:00March 12th, 2026|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: call for volunteers, community, volunteering|

Washington State Teaching Artist Training Lab Opportunities

Washington State Teaching Artist Training Lab (or TATLab for short) has shared a schedule of exciting upcoming events, including a virtual Community of Practice peer group on Wednesday, March 4 from 6:00-7:00p.m.

Other upcoming events (and sign-up links) include:

Community of Practice virtual sessions on Friday, May 8 from 3:00-4:00p.m. & Wednesday, July 22 from 5:30-6:30p.m.
The Business of Being a Teaching Artist on June 10 from 4-6:30p.m. (registration opens soon)

Attendees can expect to exchange feedback with fellow teaching artists during the Community of Practice meetings, and to expand your business knowledge in the The Business of Being a Teaching Artist meeting.

By AAWC|2026-02-27T13:48:03-08:00February 27th, 2026|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: Art As Business, arts education, workshop|