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).

Calendar

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
5
9
10
11
13
17
18
22
23
26
27
28
29
30
31
New Moon Sound Healing
April 27, 2025    
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Immersive sound bath with crystal bowls, handpan and gong for deep healing, and transformation.     Class size: 22 Age Groups: All ages Art Medium:...
Healing Through Art
April 28, 2025    
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Discover the power of art as a tool for relaxation, mindfulness, and personal growth.  No experience needed—just come, create, and unwind with us!
Whatcom Art Guild Monthly Meeting
April 28, 2025    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monthly meeting of the Whatcom Art Guild. This month's special guest is Forrest Chel, Pyrography Artist! Based in Birch Bay, Forrest Chel presents their art,...
WAG Portrait Group
April 29, 2025    
9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Our Portrait Group offers a wonderful opportunity to hone your skills in life drawing or painting. Each session features one pose, broken into three 20-minute sessions with short breaks, plus...
Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course
Join me for a six-week guided course exploring how photography can be a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and creative expression. Through themed photography exercises, participants...
Silk Scarf painting class
May 3, 2025    
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
In this class, we will be painting on a medium-weight, 100% silk scarf with a hand sewn rolled edge. The fabric has a wonderfully smooth...
Happy Little Fundraiser - A Bob Ross Inspired Celebration
Join us for an art-filled, joy-packed, nostalgia-fueled fundraiser inspired by the one and only Bob Ross! This isn't just a party—it's a happy little experience designed...
May 6, 2025    
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monthly meeting of the WAG Mixed Media special interest group
Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course
Join me for a six-week guided course exploring how photography can be a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and creative expression. Through themed photography exercises, participants...
May 8, 2025    
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Watercolor special interest group
May 12, 2025    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Fiber Arts special interest group
Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course
Join me for a six-week guided course exploring how photography can be a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and creative expression. Through themed photography exercises, participants...
Make the Most of your Cell Phone Photography: From Basic to Creative
Learn how to boost your cell phone photography by learning about some of the hidden and underused features of Smartphones, then take your Smartphone photography...
Night Skies with Embroidery Painting and Beading
In this class we will use paint and textiles to make a picture of an evening or sunset sky with trees! We will first use...
May 19, 2025    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Healing Arts special interest group
Whatcom Art Guild Monthly Meeting
May 19, 2025    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monthly meeting of the Whatcom Art Guild. This meeting special guests are artist duo Lori Marshall of ZenWrockz and Swil Kanim violinist/keynote speaker. Lori Marshall...
May 20, 2025    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Portrait special interest group
Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course
Join me for a six-week guided course exploring how photography can be a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and creative expression. Through themed photography exercises, participants...
From the Mountains to the Sea - Childrens Art Exhibit
The theme is “From the Mountains to the Sea”, encouraging students to explore and depict the beauty of our region’s landscapes, from the peaks of...
From the Mountains to the Sea - Childrens Art Exhibit
The theme is “From the Mountains to the Sea”, encouraging students to explore and depict the beauty of our region’s landscapes, from the peaks of...
Events on April 27, 2025
New Moon Sound Healing
27 Apr 25
Bellingham
Events on April 28, 2025
Healing Through Art
28 Apr 25
Bellingham
Whatcom Art Guild Monthly Meeting
28 Apr 25
Bellingham
Events on April 29, 2025
WAG Portrait Group
29 Apr 25
Bellingham
Events on April 30, 2025
Events on May 3, 2025
Silk Scarf painting class
3 May 25
Bellingham
Events on May 4, 2025
Events on May 6, 2025
06 May
6 May 25
Bellingham
Events on May 8, 2025
08 May
8 May 25
Bellingham
Events on May 12, 2025
12 May
12 May 25
Bellingham
Events on May 14, 2025
Events on May 15, 2025
Events on May 16, 2025
Events on May 19, 2025
19 May
19 May 25
Bellingham
Whatcom Art Guild Monthly Meeting
19 May 25
Bellingham
Events on May 20, 2025
20 May
20 May 25
Bellingham
Events on May 21, 2025
Events on May 24, 2025
Events on May 25, 2025

Featured Events

Apr 2025

Whatcom Art Guild Monthly Meeting

Whatcom Art Guild Monthly Meeting

April 28, 2025    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monthly meeting of the Whatcom Art Guild. This month's special guest is Forrest Chel, Pyrography Artist! Based in Birch Bay, Forrest Chel presents their art, [...]
WAG Portrait Group

WAG Portrait Group

April 29, 2025    
9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Our Portrait Group offers a wonderful opportunity to hone your skills in life drawing or painting. Each session features one pose, broken into three 20-minute sessions with short breaks, plus [...]
Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course

Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course

April 30, 2025    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join me for a six-week guided course exploring how photography can be a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and creative expression. Through themed photography exercises, participants [...]

May 2025

Silk Scarf painting class

Silk Scarf painting class

May 3, 2025    
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
In this class, we will be painting on a medium-weight, 100% silk scarf with a hand sewn rolled edge. The fabric has a wonderfully smooth [...]
Happy Little Fundraiser - A Bob Ross Inspired Celebration

Happy Little Fundraiser - A Bob Ross Inspired Celebration

May 4, 2025    
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Join us for an art-filled, joy-packed, nostalgia-fueled fundraiser inspired by the one and only Bob Ross! This isn't just a party—it's a happy little experience designed [...]
06 May

WAG Mixed Media Group

May 6, 2025    
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monthly meeting of the WAG Mixed Media special interest group
Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course

Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course

May 7, 2025    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join me for a six-week guided course exploring how photography can be a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and creative expression. Through themed photography exercises, participants [...]
08 May

WAG Watercolor Group

May 8, 2025    
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Watercolor special interest group
12 May

WAG Fiber Arts Group

May 12, 2025    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Fiber Arts special interest group
Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course

Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course

May 14, 2025    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join me for a six-week guided course exploring how photography can be a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and creative expression. Through themed photography exercises, participants [...]
Make the Most of your Cell Phone Photography: From Basic to Creative

Make the Most of your Cell Phone Photography: From Basic to Creative

May 15, 2025    
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Learn how to boost your cell phone photography by learning about some of the hidden and underused features of Smartphones, then take your Smartphone photography [...]
Night Skies with Embroidery Painting and Beading

Night Skies with Embroidery Painting and Beading

May 16, 2025    
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
In this class we will use paint and textiles to make a picture of an evening or sunset sky with trees! We will first use [...]
19 May

Healing Through Art

May 19, 2025    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Healing Arts special interest group
Whatcom Art Guild Monthly Meeting

Whatcom Art Guild Monthly Meeting

May 19, 2025    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monthly meeting of the Whatcom Art Guild. This meeting special guests are artist duo Lori Marshall of ZenWrockz and Swil Kanim violinist/keynote speaker. Lori Marshall [...]
20 May

WAG Portrait Group

May 20, 2025    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Portrait special interest group
Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course

Healing Through the Lens: A Photography-Based Personal Growth Course

May 21, 2025    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join me for a six-week guided course exploring how photography can be a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and creative expression. Through themed photography exercises, participants [...]
From the Mountains to the Sea - Childrens Art Exhibit

From the Mountains to the Sea - Childrens Art Exhibit

May 24, 2025    
11:00 am - 5:30 pm
The theme is “From the Mountains to the Sea”, encouraging students to explore and depict the beauty of our region’s landscapes, from the peaks of [...]
From the Mountains to the Sea - Childrens Art Exhibit

From the Mountains to the Sea - Childrens Art Exhibit

May 25, 2025    
11:00 am - 5:30 pm
The theme is “From the Mountains to the Sea”, encouraging students to explore and depict the beauty of our region’s landscapes, from the peaks of [...]

Jun 2025

03 Jun

WAG Mixed Media Group

June 3, 2025    
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monthly meeting of the WAG Mixed Media special interest group
09 Jun

WAG Fiber Arts Group

June 9, 2025    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Fiber Arts special interest group
12 Jun

WAG Watercolor Group

June 12, 2025    
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Watercolor special interest group
19 Jun

Healing Through Art

June 19, 2025    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Healing Arts special interest group
24 Jun

WAG Portrait Group

June 24, 2025    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Portrait special interest group

Jul 2025

01 Jul

WAG Mixed Media Group

July 1, 2025    
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monthly meeting of the WAG Mixed Media special interest group
10 Jul

WAG Watercolor Group

July 10, 2025    
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Monthly recurring meeting of the WAG Watercolor special interest group