Are you an aspiring artist, with all the corresponding hopes and dreams, but without the space to properly create? Luckily for you, the Whatcom Art Center is up and running. Located in the charming neighborhood of Fairhaven, the center boasts three art studios, along with space for pop-ups, meetings, classes, and shows.
“We wanted (to be) available to the art community in general so that they have a space at a minimal fee where they can use and show their creative arts,” says Peggy Alexander, Vice President of the Whatcom Art Guild (WAG) and now Center Director.
The idea of the Whatcom Art Center was first established in March 2024, after Alexander and the Whatcom Art Guild spoke to their current landlord about the space next to the Guild’s Whatcom Art Market being available. Now, the Center is available to the public and the Guild are currently taking rental applications, as well as inquiries for participating in their pop-up shows. The center also provides a range of classes in anything from acrylic painting to beading.
Alexander says that the main mission of the Whatcom Art Center is to provide safe spaces for artists at a reasonable price, and to provide extra enrichment to the community: “Our objective is to open up the arts to the community, help the community understand the arts, and be able to enjoy and work with it.”
Rental slots for workshops are 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-5 p.m., and 5-9 p.m., and WAG members pay a rate of $15 per hour, which is $60 for the minimum four hours; nonmembers pay $25 per hour. Full shows rent at $250 for one day or $500 for two days. 1105 11th St., Bellingham, 360.739.1591, whatcomartcenter.org
