Black History Month

The idea surrounding Black History Month originated in 1915, started by historian and “the father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson; the idea began during the early stages of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History to combat the lack of information regarding the achievements of Black people. The tradition was originally a one-week celebration in 1926 that displayed the contributions of Black…

Seared Sea Scallops with Snap Pea Risotto and Infused Olive Oil: Chef Eduardo Diego of Infusion Cuisine

For nearly a decade, Infusion Cuisine has brought deliciously classic dishes from Asian, Italian, and Mexican cuisine to Lynden. It’s a family-run restaurant with high-end experience behind it, which shines through in…

Murals to Make Waves in Bellingham: Noisy Waters Mural Festival

From Gretchen Leggitt’s colorful mountainscapes to Jason LaClair’s Coast Salish designs, street art has played a major role in defining Bellingham’s character. Now, residents can expect to see even more art around town thanks to Noisy Waters Mural Festival, a new annual event taking place Aug. 18–20 on the Bellingham waterfront. “Public art is essential to define a sense of…

Creating an Inclusive Arts Culture in Bellingham: Synapse Gallery

Bellingham’s Bay Street Studios Studios may seem unassuming from the outside looking in, but if you frequent First Friday art walks, you already know that the interior is home to a vibrant (and growing) arts community. This includes Synapse Gallery, a studio/event space that’s quickly becoming a hub for Bellingham creatives. Synapse is owned and operated by Jax Mildner (Fine Art Jax, fineartjax.com)…

It’s All About the Atmosphere: Raven’s Cup Coffee and Reclamation Candle Company

Are you visiting the relaxing small town of La Conner? Don’t forget to stop by Raven’s Cup Coffee, a local coffee shop that also is an art gallery and a candle shop.    Co-Owners Greg Whiting and Jenelle Whitton have worked to make the shop multifunctional after buying Reclamation Candles last December.     “[Reclamation Candles] was a company that was manufacturing candles in the back room here in La Conner…

New Life for Old Clothes: Fix It Fair

A few years ago I threw out my all-time favorite “nice” shirt. It was just a cotton shirt from Uniqlo (clearly I don’t dress up much). After years of wear it had finally pilled beyond repair and stitches were pulling from the hem. I think I actually threw the shirt in the garbage. The thought never even crossed my mind that there was another place it could go. It was too worn out to donate…

A Taste of Japan in Downtown Bellingham: Ramen + Bowl

Tucked into a cozy downtown storefront, red paper lanterns line the windows to greet customers at the recently opened Ramen & Bowl. The small space utilizes a mix of single and shared seating, echoing the ramen shops of Japan that inspired it. Likewise, the menu is streamlined, offering tempting variations on two staple dishes: ramen and donburi (Japanese rice bowls). This latest culinary venture by Paul Han and his team joins…

Embracing the Low-Key Delights of Lopez Island: Edenwild Boutique

On Lopez Island, passing cars salute each other with a one-finger wave, whether or not the drivers know each other. You might not find cell service, but you are likely to strike up conversations with strangers at the coffee shop or karaoke bar. Also, did we mention that you won’t see a single stoplight on the island? This kind of laid-back…

Bold and Without Shame: Brazen Shop and Studio

The Shop Located in Downtown Bellingham, Brazen Shop + Studio is a women-led shop whose space showcases works done by multiple local artists and small businesses across the…