Encouraging Creative Learning

In my own philanthropy and business endeavors, I have seen the critical role that the arts play in stimulating creativity and in developing vital communities….the arts have a crucial impact on our economy and are an important catalyst for learning, discovery, and achievement in our country. — Paul Allen

Our Programs

At Allied Arts, we believe it is important to foster creativity so that art can thrive in our local community. In order to best support the arts in Whatcom County, we have worked hard to establish a few different programs. These programs have become central to our company, helping individuals to learn more about the arts and what it has to offer.

Our programs offer things such as art education for children, an arts and culture resource guide for tourists and local businesses, and reusable art and craft supplies. Read more about what each of these programs accomplishes below.

The Arts and Culture Map is an Allied Arts project that has been running since 2011. Our map is the first tool of its kind in our area for the public and arts patrons to use in their exploration of Whatcom County’s rich culture. It is a year-long publication from June-May distributed to businesses, hotels, the visitors’ center, our office/gallery, and other locations in the county. The response from tourists, locals, and other arts and culture patrons has been extremely positive. We hope to continue to expand the project.

Allied Arts established the Allied Arts Education Project (AAEP) in 2002. This project has brought together local arts organizations, schools, artists, and art enthusiasts to provide high-quality arts education for Whatcom County students. AAEP is committed to promoting the value of arts as basic education and sustaining and enriching our community through the arts. Click here to learn more about this project.

Our Reuse Thrift Store was started in 2010. It is located in the back office of our downtown gallery. This store is a great place to discover your next upcycled project. The goal of the store is to take objects that are seen as un-useful or trash, remove them from the waste-stream, redefine them and demonstrate their value as art supplies. AARTS provides the community with resources and materials to make art, more avenues to explore creativity, and new conceptions of art.