Whatcom Art Center

The New Community Art Space in Whatcom County

Take a Class

art class

 Art Exhibits

art exhibition

 Special Events

special event

Welcome to Whatcom Art Center, your new creative hub in the historic Fairhaven neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington!

We’re thrilled to open our doors on November 1, 2024, with a grand opening celebration to follow in the coming weeks.

As an exciting new initiative from the Whatcom Art Guild, the Whatcom Art Center (WAC) was founded to celebrate the Guild’s 60th anniversary. Our vibrant center offers studio spaces for rent, a variety of public art classes, exhibitions from local artists, and special events throughout the year. Whether you’re an artist looking to grow or someone passionate about the arts, we have something for everyone.

For workshop leaders and facilitators, the WAC provides versatile rental spaces equipped with everything you need to create a memorable experience for your participants.

Conveniently located next door to the Whatcom Art Market, where 45 local artists’ works are displayed and available for purchase seven days a week, the WAC is your gateway to a thriving artistic community.

The Fairhaven district is known for its boutique shopping, diverse eateries, cozy cafes, and a scenic waterfront boardwalk that offers stunning views of Bellingham Bay—perfect for a post-lunch stroll. If you’re visiting from out of town, the bus and train stations are just a short walk away.

With so much planned for 2025, we invite you to sign up for our *Arts In Every Color* newsletter to stay in the loop on all our upcoming events, classes, and shows (sign up below).

We can’t wait to meet you at the Whatcom Art Center!

Location: 1105 11th St, Bellingham, WA (see map below).

Featured Events

Jan 2025

Gel Printing in Layers

Gel Printing in Layers

January 19, 2025    
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
The third class being offered in this series is all about printing in layers.  If you have either taken the last two classes in this [...]
Rings and Things Necklace

Rings and Things Necklace

January 25, 2025    
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
This workshop will offer a place to relax and bead a unique necklace. Participants will create a beautiful and versatile necklace which can be casual [...]

Feb 2025

Layered Acrylic Magic

Layered Acrylic Magic

February 1, 2025    
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Make highly layered and fascinating paintings with a variety of techniques.  We will be using simple materials….heavy bodied paint, tissue paper, cradled boards and paint. [...]
Truffles and Treasures

Truffles and Treasures

February 8, 2025    
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Whatcom Art Guild is holding a free one-day exhibit in conjunction with the Fairhaven Chocolate Walk.  
Fluid Art Bloom Workshop

Fluid Art Bloom Workshop

February 9, 2025    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Creating fluid art is an amazing way to relax and enjoy creating. In this class, you will learn the bloom technique using acrylic paints. You [...]
Random Acts of Love and Kindness

Random Acts of Love and Kindness

February 9, 2025    
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Another Project Neighborly Class - Open to South Bellingham  Random Acts of Love and Kindness is a unique workshop designed to create artistic gifts for [...]