community

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|

Sustainable Connections Launches Local Holiday Passport to Support Local Businesses

Press release courtesy of Sustainable Connections:

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (Nov. 25th 2025) — Sustainable Connections is launching the Think Local First Holiday campaign – including a Holiday Passport and local gift cards – to empower small businesses and encourage shoppers to make local purchases this holiday season.

The free and digital Holiday Passport is an opportunity for inspiration and fun during the holiday season. Shoppers earn points by visiting any of the 40+ participating businesses in Whatcom County. Points can be redeemed for prizes including movie tickets, baked goods, and local gift cards.

Think Local First Gift Cards are accepted at over 200 businesses in Whatcom County, making them a great option for hard-to-shop-for loved ones. They can be purchased and gifted online; the recipient can then redeem the gift at any of the participating businesses.

When dollars are spent at locally owned businesses, they stay in the local economy longer, helping the community thrive. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, approximately $50 recirculates and remains in the local economy. Only around $15 remains in our community when it’s spent at a national chain.

These are some of the faces behind what it means to “shop local”. Yeager’s Sporting Goods is still family-owned after 104 years (and counting). Photo credit: FotoMataio

“When interviewing local business owners for our retail blog feature, what struck me most was the recurring mention of community, collaboration, and giving back as integral parts of their approach to business. Purchases at locally-owned businesses can be seen as interactions that strengthen community and build relationships, rather than simply transactions. I encourage everyone to support locally owned businesses this holiday season, and all year round,” says Molly Bressers, Think Local First program manager.

Head to thinklocalfirst.org to sign up for the passport, purchase gift cards, and learn more about the businesses that help our community thrive. Read our blog for a behind-the-scenes look at five local retail businesses and hear from small business owners about the importance of supporting local. By participating in the Think Local First Holiday Campaign this year, we invest in the community we love.

By AAWC|2025-11-25T14:56:19-08:00November 25th, 2025|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: community, stay informed|

Support Road2Home’s An Evening of Laughter for a Cause

Credit to Road2Home for announcing the exciting upcoming fundraiser event:

An Evening of Laughter for a Cause

Benefit Comedy Show to Support Road2Home

Bellingham, WA — Road2Home invites the community to join us for An Evening of Laughter for a Cause on Thursday, October 23rd at the New Prospect Theatre, located at 207 Prospect Street in downtown Bellingham. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7:00 p.m.

This special event features the brilliant comedic talents of Sam Miller, Monica Nevi, and John Gardner, bringing together an unforgettable evening of humor and heart. More than a comedy show, this is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable neighbors.

“I know firsthand how hard it is to live without a home, and I also know how much community support can change a life,” said comedian Sam Miller, who has personally experienced homelessness. “That’s why this show means so much to me. I want people to laugh, but I also want them to know they’re helping Road2Home give others the chance to re-build their lives.”

“Laughter is one of the simplest ways we connect,” said Clark Schofield, Interim Executive Director of Road2Home. “This show is a chance to share that joy and turn it into action. Every ticket helps us continue the work of supporting our neighbors experiencing homelessness and building pathways toward stability.”

Founded in 2019, Road2Home is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing housing instability by building community, fostering hope, and creating circumstances for individuals to thrive. We provide essential support to single adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability, many of whom are aged 55+ and medically fragile.

Tickets are available now at our Eventbrite page – https://bit.ly/4nCGFDi . Questions: Reach out to Mary at mary@road2home.org.

We are deeply grateful to our event sponsors Ram Construction and Barron, Quinn, Blackwood for making this evening possible.

By AAWC|2025-10-14T15:52:19-07:00October 14th, 2025|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: community, community event|

Help Ragfinery Re-Open!

We are so thrilled to announce that Ragfinery is reopening soon at 115 Unity St, Suite 101 in Downtown Bellingham and needs your support! Help Ragfinery cover construction costs, replace fixtures and supplies, restock their wares, and support their staff at the link here.

Ragfinery has provided our community with reused and repurposed textiles as well as job training programs for over a decade. Their return to a physical location in Downtown Bellingham is of great significance to both the art community and Whatcom County as a whole!

By AAWC|2025-09-04T11:55:29-07:00September 4th, 2025|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: art, Bellingham, community, reuse, stay informed, support the arts|

NEW Theatre Troupes for Seniors are Forming September 2025!

Are you interested in theatre (no experience needed), age 50+, and based in the Bellingham area? Well, you might just be the right candidate to join either of two new theatre groups that popped up this summer!

Bellingham Senior Activity Center’s Dawn Anderson is facilitating the formation of The Golden Players and the Storytellers. September sessions start on September 4, 11, and 25.

The Bellingham Senior Activity Center explains this opportunity in more detail:

“The Golden Players: We need YOUR help in creating our first Variety Show, directed by Dawn, featuring 10-15 loosely – connected holiday-themed acts, most performed solo or in small groups, with a few entire troupe acts. The performance area accommodates wheelchair and/or physically frail entertainers. With places to sit, if needed. In addition to BSAC shows, you have the option to participate in our variety show traveling troupe performances.

Storytellers: We will produce two Plays each year that are designed specifically for older adults, accommodating the abilities of seniors. Stories will feature older characters in current situations in older persons’ lives, in age-appropriate roles. Readers Theater is also an option, where actors can hold the script in their hands or hide it.

We need YOUR help to make this idea a reality. Are you interested in directing the first play? (You get to decide which play + the rehearsal day/time/location)

We need YOU!

Are you an actor? (Both Troupes)

The Golden Players: Are you a comedian, singer, musician, dancer, juggler / prop manipulator, magician / illusionist, clown / mime, puppeteer / ventriloquist, poet, emcee. Perhaps you have an idea for a group variety act but need other entertainers to perform it with you. Come with your ideas + we’ll help you bring them to life!

Or is behind-the-scenes more your style? (Both Troupes) Are you a director, stage manager, writer, set designer / builder, costumer, prop master, sound / light tech, music DJ, photographer, videographer, admin: co-facilitator or coordinator: communications, finance, volunteer, travel troupe, education, or assist at shows.

Open to all skill levels, no experience necessary. Whether you have a passion for the spotlight or prefer to support from behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in these productions!

Education

Let us know if you are interested in being taught/mentored – or – teaching/mentoring entertainer or behind-the-scenes areas.

New to BSAC?

All Theatre Troupe participants are members of the Bellingham Senior Activity Center (BSAC). If you’re new to BSAC, feel free to join us as a BSAC visitor for up to three sessions. If you enjoy yourself and want to continue as a Theatre Troupe participant, you will then need to apply to the BSAC. The membership fee is $60 for one year from the date of purchase. (financial hardship scholarships available) In addition to participating in the Theatre Troupe, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in over 100 programs and activities each month! Most are offered at no additional charge, including your Theatre Troupe participation.

By AAWC|2025-08-13T15:54:05-07:00August 13th, 2025|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: community, theatr|

Call for Trompe l’oeil Muralist – “Peering Through the Window of Time” DUE JUNE 8th

From the City of Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation Department:

Call for Trompe l’oeil Muralist – “Peering Through the Window of Time”

Application Deadline: June 8, 2025

Artist Project Budget: $20,000

Purpose: To create a full-color realist depiction of the bustling history of Mount Vernon in the Trompe l’oeil technique of mural art.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to all mural artists with ties to Washington State, who are 18 years of age and over, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, or physical or mental disability. Artist teams are eligible to apply. Mount Vernon Arts Commission members as well as selection panelists and their immediate families are not eligible for participation.

The application can be found as a PDF at this link here.

By AAWC|2025-05-09T14:36:23-07:00May 9th, 2025|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: call to artists, community, mural, painting, stay informed|

Gabriel’s Art Kids: Procession of the Species Parade May 3rd

Gabriel’s Art Kids’ Procession of the Species is coming to Downtown Bellingham early this May! Take a look at the information they’ve provided:

✨ Join the Magic: Procession of the Species Returns to Bellingham! ✨
When: May 3, 2025 | Where: Downtown Bellingham, WA
Parade Starts at 2 PM | Festival at Maritime Heritage Park (2–5 PM)

Calling all nature lovers, artists, and community champions! The beloved Procession of the Species is back, and YOU’RE invited to be part of this vibrant celebration of art, ecology, and togetherness. Whether you’re marching in the parade, crafting a costume, or cheering from the sidelines, this day is all about joy, creativity, and our connection to the natural world.

How to Get Involved:
(All info and links at: Gabriel’s Art Kids ) https://www.gabrielsartkids.com/

1️⃣ JOIN THE PARADE
Create a wildlife-inspired costume, bring your family, and march with us! Registration is FREE and ensures updates on craft days, route details, and more.
Sign Up Here: Parade Registration https://form.jotform.com/250425244383150

2️⃣ BECOME A COMMUNITY PARTNER
Local businesses and organizations: Collaborate with us! Offer discounts, host a booth, or donate supplies. Let’s make magic together!
Partner Form: Community Partnership https://form.jotform.com/250285529665062

3️⃣ VOLUNTEER
Help bring this event to life! From craft days to parade logistics, we need your energy.
Volunteer Interest Form: Volunteer Here https://www.gabrielsartkids.com/gakcollab.html

By AAWC|2025-04-18T13:39:38-07:00April 18th, 2025|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: art, arts education, community, community event, Event, events, kids art, Performance, youth art|

Sustainable Connections Announces Closure of Cloud Mountain Farm Center’s Nursery

April 2, 2025 – It is with great sadness that Sustainable Connections announces the closure of the Cloud Mountain Farm Center (CMFC) nursery on June 30th, 2025. CMFC, an educational farm center located in Everson, Washington, has been a part of Sustainable Connections since its official merger in 2019.

CMFC’s nursery has made a lasting impact by building a strong community of farmers, home growers, and educators who inspire others to grow. After four decades of offering educational workshops and an incredible variety of regionally adapted plants, the nursery will end its operations due to funding challenges. As CMFC operational costs have continued to increase, and despite substantial fundraising efforts, Sustainable Connections has not been able to replace the funds lost from a long-standing, large annual donation. This is a significant programmatic loss for Sustainable Connections, and the organization recognizes and shares in the loss that the community may also be feeling with this news.

CMFC will operate at a smaller scale going forward, with a focus on essential site maintenance and its processing, aggregation, and distribution services. Nursery-led workshops will conclude by the end of May and at the end of June, CMFC will close the nursery. The community is encouraged to connect with Sustainable Connections and CMFC newsletters and social media for updates on end of season sales.

“When the farm merged with Sustainable Connections in 2019, our focus was on how to diversify the funding base, grow the Cloud Mountain community, and strengthen programs. We never dreamed of the day we would have to close the nursery and fruit programs,” says Derek Long, Executive Director/co-founder of Sustainable Connections. “We have exhausted many resources to sustain the nursery program and have not been able to replace the major annual donation for food systems work that recently ended.”

Sustainable Connections expresses deep gratitude to the community members, partners, donors, and volunteers who have supported CMFC’s nursery over the years. While this chapter is coming to an end, Sustainable Connections remains committed to serving our local food system through our Food & Farming program, the Eat Local First Collaborative, and our Processing, Aggregation, and Distribution program.

NURSERY SALES

Effective April 3rd: 25% off store wide and 50% off bareroot fruit trees (bareroot sale available in person only)

Effective May 1st: 50% off store wide

Effective May 15th: 75% off store wide

Effective May 22nd: 90% off store wide

CMFC will stop taking online orders after April 30th. All online orders placed must be picked up by May 15th or they will be refunded.
CMFC will be reaching out to non-profits and mission aligned organizations about donation of plant materials to make sure they go to good homes. Any remaining stock after Memorial Day weekend will either be auctioned or sold in blocks to growers, homeowners, or landscapers.
Members can still use their additional 5% member discount on top of the closing sale discounts and stay posted for other special offers. CMFC will not offer the purchase of new memberships at this time.

By AAWC|2025-04-05T15:08:38-07:00April 5th, 2025|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: community|

Whatcom Museum’s Partnership with the National Gallery: Verdant

The Whatcom Museum is partnering with the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. to present three beautiful original paintings by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse in the captivating Verdant exhibition.

Be sure to stop by The Whatcom Museum on First Friday March 7th to enjoy free admission and extended hours, or look into the pilot program that provides free admission and a tour for qualifying K-12 field trips here. Learn more about Verdant at the Whatcom Museum’s website.

By AAWC|2025-02-14T14:31:49-08:00February 14th, 2025|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: art, community, First Friday, Special Event|

Call for Donations to Support the 2025 DVSAS Hands for Hope Auction and Gala

In the words of The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) of Whatcom County: the DVSAS is delighted to announce their 21st Annual Hands for Hope Auction and Gala on April 26th at the Silver Reef Casino.

DVSAS has been supporting survivors for over 40 years and today we need your help. Hands for Hope is our premiere fundraiser, and we need your support as much as ever. Last year the Hands for Hope Auction raised over $80,000 and with your help we can meet our 2025 fundraising goal.

Your donation of an item, experience, or gift card allows us to support the over 1,200 clients who reach out to DVSAS for help leaving violent homes every year.

Will you consider donating this year? Donations can be made at this link.

By AAWC|2025-02-01T16:17:41-08:00February 1st, 2025|Categories: Art News 360|Tags: call to artists, community, community event|