General FAQ

What hours are the gallery and art supply thrift store open?

Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm

We’re closed on all major federal and state holidays and from December 19 – January 4.


What kinds of programs does Allied Arts offer?

What are some ways I can support Allied Arts?

  • Donate– both cash donations and thrift store donations are greatly appreciated
  • Purchase a Membership– become one of our beloved members and help us continue to serve the community
  • Volunteer– as a non-profit, we could always use help with something and greatly value our wonderful volunteers and interns
  • Support the Arts– come browse our gallery, shop at our thrift store, and frequent our festivals! Community engagement keeps us alive

When was Allied Arts founded?

We were founded in 1979 (over 40 years ago) by a small group of artists who recognized the importance of community art. Learn more about our history here!

Thrift Store FAQ

How do I donate art supplies?

Bring donations to our gallery on Cornwall and a gallery attendant will take them! Please call ahead if you are planning to donate more than 2 boxes of supplies.

What kinds of things does the thrift store accept for donations?

We accept most art and office supplies. Here is a full list of what we do and don’t accept.

When is the Thrift Store open?

Same hours as the gallery: Wednesday– Saturday 11am – 4pm

Closed all major federal and state observed holidays and December 19– January 4.

What kinds of things can I find at the thrift store?

Inventory changes on a daily basis, so it’s always worth checking in to see what’s new!

Some items that are usually in stock include frames, paints, beads/jewelry supplies, office supplies, and various types of paper.

What are the Prices for the Thrift Store

We receive the items in the thrift store through donation, so prices are also through donation. Purely pay what you will, items are priced at whatever amount you see as reasonable.

Why should I donate to the Thrift Store?

Our thrift store is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the local art community. Low prices allow for anyone to have access to quality art supplies- we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to make art. Large donations are also tax-deductible.

Membership FAQ

How do I become a member?

Fill out a form on our website or visit our gallery in-person!

Why should I become a member?

Becoming an Allied Arts member will give you a variety of benefits, including local discounts and access to various programs (benefits here). Your membership helps Allied Arts to continue growing our community and bringing art-centered opportunities to the county!

How often do I have to renew my membership?

Memberships are renewed annually.

Do you have a physical membership card for me?

Your membership card will be emailed to you, to be printed at your convenience.

What do the funds from my membership support?

Funds support Allied Arts’ non-profit projects (like the Holiday Festival, Cultural Arts Festival, Art Walks, and Education Program) that work to support local artists and enliven the community of Whatcom County!

What are the different levels of membership?

Individual Membership ($45)

Business Membership ($75)

Family Membership ($85)

Friend of the Arts ($100+)

Donations FAQ

Where/How can I donate?

  • Donate online here
  • Visit our gallery or call us at (360) 676-8548 and we can take your credit card information
  • Refer to our Thrift Store FAQs to donate supplies

Why should I donate?

Our programs offer local artists unique opportunities to showcase their art and connect with the public. We serve over 50,000 people annually, but we can’t do it without your support.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes!

Sponsorships FAQ

How do I become a sponsor?

Sign up here to become a sponsor and learn more about our sponsorship programs!

Which programs could I sponsor?

Programs you could sponsor include our season, the Allied Arts Education Program, the Children’s Art Walk, the Holiday Festival, RARE, and the Cultural Arts Festival.

What kind of perks would I get for being a sponsor?

Specifics for each program vary, but common perks include your logo on our promotional materials, discounts, and special opportunities.

Holiday Festival FAQ

What are the hours of the Festival?

The festival is open 7 days a week 10AM – 6PM from November 20 – December 24. The festival is closed for Thanksgiving.

Where is the Festival?

The location of the Holiday Festival changes every year and will be announced in early November.


FOR ARTISTS/PERFORMERS

How do I apply to participate in the festival and are there fees?

Apply online here to be a vendor. Applications are due each year in April. Vendors must be a Business level member of Allied Arts ($75/year) and booth fees are $195/booth.

How do I apply to perform at the festival?

Apply online here to be a performer. The deadline to submit this form is early November.

How does the jury process work?

In your application, you’ll be asked to provide pictures of and prices for your work. During the month of May a jury of community members and Allied Arts staff members will decide whether your wares fit the spirit of the Holiday Festival. You will be informed late May if you have been chosen to be a vendor.

What paperwork do I have to complete beforehand and how do I pay my booth fee?

There are multiple items that we’ll need from you before the festival, including your booth fee and W-9. Access all that information here.

How is my booth location determined?

We make an effort to place booths away from other booths with similar items, giving variety to neighboring products. We also consider special requests.

Is there electricity available for my booth?

Yes, Power is available but you need to supply your own 3-prong extension cord and power strip with fuse. Each booth is limited to four light fixtures using low wattage bulbs.

Is there anything I cannot sell or promote?

All products must be handmade. We also expect vendors to be respectful of our Cultural Appropriation Policy. We also do not allow any THC or CBD produts.

FOR PATRONS

How many booths will there be?

We have about 100 amazing vendors with booths to explore!

What kinds of booths or activities will be available?

Local arts and crafts, childrens’ craft activities, gourmet foods, live performances, and more!

What does the parking situation look like?

Every year we have our festival in a different location, so parking varies. Look out for the announcement of the festival location as we get closer to November.

Are there bathrooms?

Every year we have our festival in a different location, so bathroom situations vary. Look out for the announcement of the festival location as we get closer to November.

Juried Gallery Exhibits FAQ

FOR ARTISTS

Where can I sign up for my art to be in the gallery?

Fill out an application here for your art to be considered for one of our 8 yearly juried gallery shows.

What are the requirements to apply to be in a gallery?

  • Show/exhibition experience is not considered in the selection process. Artists are selected based on their originality and approach to the media used and subject matter.
  • Applications can include group proposals but all applicants must be equally represented in the application.
  • 90% of pieces displayed must be for sale.
  • All works must have been created within the past 2 years (unless otherwise approved).

How does the jury process work?

A jury of community members and Allied Arts staff will select work to be displayed in our 8 yearly shows after the application deadline has passed. Each show displays the work of 3-5 artists, featuring any medium and most subjects matters. We prefer to show a range of 2-D and wall hanging pieces, sculptures and small works for our glass display cases.

How long will my work be displayed?

Shows are up from the first Friday to the last Saturday of each month.

What if my piece sells?

If your piece has sold, the tag will be marked by a red dot until the show is over. Allied Arts will take a 40% commission on all pieces sold in the gallery.

What about installation?

Artwork must be in good condition and ready for display – this means that it comes with frames, wires, or stands as necessary. Allied Arts staff will do all the installation.

FOR PATRONS

Is the artwork for sale?

Yes, most artwork is for sale (unless otherwise noted)! Prices are displayed on the labels next to the pieces.

Can I meet the artists?

Every first Friday of the month, we hold a reception to showcase the month’s new show. Often artists will be around to mingle!

Whatcom READS Project FAQ

What is Whatcom READS?

Whatcom READS is an annual exhibit at the Allied Arts Gallery from the first Friday to the last Saturday of March. It showcases work that was inspired by or based off of the Whatcom READS book for the current year.

Where can I find the book for this year?

Check out the Whatcom Reads book for this year here. You can also find the book at your local library or bookstore.

Are there any fees?

No, but there is only one piece allowed per person. We would appreciate it if you had a membership, just because it helps to fund projects like these, but it is not required.

Is the artwork for sale?

In general- yes. Artists may not be selling their piece, but you can always ask!

How do I get my work to be in this exhibit?

Read the book and create an art piece inspired by the book.

Bring your piece and submission form to Allied Arts’ gallery downtown on February 28th or March 1st!

R.A.R.E. FAQ

What does R.A.R.E. stand for?

Recycled Art And Resource Expo.

What is R.A.R.E.?

R.A.R.E a month-long exhibit at the Allied Arts Gallery showcasing various works by different artists using recycled materials.

Are there any fees?

There are no fees to display your work or to enter the gallery. We would appreciate it if you had a membership, just because it helps to fund projects like these, but it is not required.

Is the artwork for sale?

In general- yes. Artists may not be selling their piece, but you can always ask!

Can anyone have their work shown in this exhibit?

If they were submitted before the deadline, anyone could potentially have their work shown off at R.A.R.E.

How do I participate?

Pick up a form from the Allied Arts Gallery or fill it out digitally here.

Where does the art come from?

The art comes from local artists in the Whatcom area who are reusing and recycling old materials that otherwise would have been thrown away.

Where can I find recyclable materials?

You can use your own materials from home that might have been thrown out, or you can find your own materials at Allied Arts Thrift Store or other second hand art supply locations!

Or you can go dumpster diving, but wear gloves :)

Children’s Art Walk FAQ

What is the Children’s Art Walk?

The Children’s Art Walk is an annual gallery exhibit that lasts from the first Friday to the last Saturday of May. Children’s Art Walk displays the artwork of students from over 25 schools in more than 60 business venues. Happening every May for over 20 years, over 4000 children have participated in the program

Are there any fees?

There are no fees to participate, we partner with local elementary schools to make the show happen.

Is the artwork for sale?

No, we want the children to have the opportunity to take home their art!

How do I participate?

  • Businesses: If you are a business in Downtown Bellingham and have some open window/wall space, we’d love to have you! Apply here to be part of the program
  • Schools: If you have an art program and would like to display some of your students’ art, apply here to be part of Children’s Art Walk

Where does the art come from?

The art is created by elementary school children in over 25 schools all across Whatcom County.

How can I support the Children’s Art Walk?

Make sure to frequent our local downtown businesses! Your support helps to keep our community thriving.

Education Project Artists FAQ

What is the Education Project about?

The education program is designed to provide arts education directly linked to curriculum requirements in schools, to foster their creativity and out of the box thinking. According to a 2004 study by the Dana Arts and Cognition Consortium, interest in arts can help children with motivation and attention which in turn improve cognitive abilities.

FOR ARTISTS

How do I become a teaching artist for the Education Project?

Apply each year by mid-July here. You’ll need to provide detailed lesson plans and sit through an interview with Allied Arts staff to be considered to teach.

What are my commitments as an artist for the Education Project?

Workshops are scheduled completely based on the teaching artist’s availability. There is no minimum number of workshops that an artist needs to complete to be on our roster.

How do I find a school/classroom?

We will pair you with schools and set up the workshops for you to teach at.

FOR SCHOOLS

Why do we need art in our schools?

Art is an important aspect of children’s education. Through the creative activities we have to offer, children not only learn how to think outside of the box, they are also better able to learn skills in other areas.

According to a 2004 study by the Dana Arts and Cognition Consortium, interest in arts can help children with motivation and attention which in turn improve cognitive abilities.

Why should we go through Allied Arts?

We have been providing Whatcom County schools with professionally taught arts education projects for over 20 years. Serving approximately 8,000 students annually, our program helps to develop equal access to art education programs. No other organization in our county has a program quite like ours and we take great pride in bringing art opportunities to local schools.

Who are the teaching artists and what are their lesson plans?

You can see our current list of teaching artists here

What are some specific education programs?

Some of our current workshops are titled “Improv”, “Plays in Poses”, “Breathing and Creativity”, “Styles and Genres”, “Junk has Soul”, “Cultural Folk Tales”, “Puppet Cultural Adventure”, “Cartooning”, “Creative Book Making”, “Starry Night Star Fish”, “Explosion Books”, “Pioneer Life”, and “Early Schools in Washington Territory”.

What are the steps for setting up AAEP workshops?

  1. Apply to participate in our program here.
  2. Based on your first, second, and third choices, we will match you with teaching artists and arrange for them to teach at your school.

What are funding options for schools?

We may have grant funding that can cover the cost of the workshops. Let us know what your funding constraints are and we’ll work together to bring these teaching artists to your schools!

Volunteers and Interns FAQ

How can I sign up to be a volunteer/intern?

Click here to sign up. Let us know what projects specifically you would like to volunteer for and after a brief interview, you’ll be able to join our team! Let us know if you are completing the internship for your school and we can work together to accommodate your needs.

Why should I volunteer/intern at Allied Arts?

Gain experience in skills such as fundraising, marketing, social networking, website maintenance, membership, grant writing, graphic design, art education, and/or organizing programs and events. Our community-centered organization provides great opportunities to gain real-world experience in the arts industry.

Staff & Board Members FAQ

Where can I find information about your Staff and Board Members?

Learn more about our team here!

How are Board Members selected?

Community members can apply to be on the board here. Current board members will review applications and vote on membership.

Can I attend a Board Meeting?

The Board of Directors meet six times a year on the third Tuesday of the month via Zoom: 4:30-6pm PST. All members and friends interested in the arts are encouraged to attend.

Do you have job openings?

At this time we are not hiring anyone else onto our staff. Any job listings would be posted to our social media and newsletter!