1964 was the year that the Whatcom Art Guild was born. For decades, the Whatcom Art Guild thrived, attracting many local artists. During that time, the members worked on the idea of becoming a well-known face in the local art scene.
JoAnne Wyatt, an acrylic artist and successful real estate marketer, was a well-known member for 20+ years. She and her husband Bob were well connected in the Whatcom art and social scenes.
Like many in the Guild, JoAnne dreamed of the day that we could open our own artists’ cooperative. But unlike many of us, she did not stop at dreaming.
In the fall of 2009, she brought an offer from David Ebenal, a leading Bellingham developer, to run the Guild Holiday Show in the basement space in his newly renovated historic building on the corner of 12th Street and McKenzie Avenue in Fairhaven. Mr Ebenal was so impressed with the Guild organization and success that he extended the offer to full-time occupancy year-round, starting in March 2010.
And so, Whatcom Art Market, our very own cooperative, came into being.
JoAnne was involved from the beginning, cheering us on to become the well-known outlet for local artists that we are and providing a physical space and face for the Guild that has brought more talented and inspiring artists to our membership.
Sadly, JoAnne passed away on March 3rd. All members of Whatcom Art Guild owe a huge debt of gratitude for JoAnne’s life, friendship and contribution to the art scene in this part of the Pacific Northwest
