Monthly meeting of the Whatcom Art Guild. This month’s special guest speaker: Jason LaClair, indigenous artist from Bellingham and the Pacific Northwest.
Jason LaClair, a lifelong resident of Whatcom County, draws from his Lummi and Nooksack heritage to create art that resonates deeply with Indigenous traditions and modern aesthetics. Initiated into the art world by family members who were master carvers and working artists, LaClair has journeyed from creating small prints sold door-to-door to designing impactful public murals in Bellingham, Ferndale and San Juan Island. Committed to community engagement, he aspires to pave the way for future Indigenous artists, emphasizing the transformative power of art to connect communities and preserve cultural heritage.
LaClair stands as a prominent figure in the Pacific Northwest art scene, drawing from his Lummi and Nooksack heritage to create powerful works that honor his ancestors while speaking to contemporary audiences. As a lifelong resident of Whatcom County, LaClair has spent nearly three decades developing his distinctive Coast Salish artistic style, transforming from a self-taught artist selling door-to-door prints to becoming one of the region’s most sought-after muralists and cultural educators.
His work is characterized by a simple yet deliberate style with linear designs that were used for spindle whorls and expressions of spirituality. LaClair’s art seamlessly blends traditional Coast Salish elements with contemporary sensibilities, creating pieces that resonate with both Indigenous communities and broader audiences.
In 2023, LaClair undertook his first carving project, finishing a ceremonial story pole originally begun by Samuel Cagey, Jr., a carver and Lummi tribal elder. The project, displayed at Hotel Leo as part of “QwotQwem” (meaning “noisy waters” in Xwlemi Chosen), represents LaClair’s expansion into three-dimensional work. “Samuel is one of our spiritual leaders, so seeing something like this through is huge for him,” LaClair said of his predecessor.
Guests are welcome to attend and get connected with other local artists, see what we do, and decide if they would like to join… :)
Meetings take place at the Whatcom Art Center! Located in Fairhaven, at 1105 11St, Bellingham, WA
Bring art for Artist of the Month competition
There will be a drawing for a $10 gift certificate from Dakota Art Store
The librarians will be there with the WAG DVDs, etc. Please bring any tapes or books you have borrowed in the past.
