New space on Cornwall Avenue offers more neighborhood connection
Murmurs of “excuse me,” “sorry,” and “oops” were heard at the crowded opening of an exhibit of works by longtime Bellingham photographer Tore Ofteness in the cozy gallery of Allied Arts of Whatcom County, as guests politely elbowed each other during the First Friday Art Walk on Dec. 6.
That will change in January, when Allied Arts will move from its current location at 1418 Cornwall Avenue to a new space at 1213 Cornwall Avenue, across from the Hotel Leo.
“When the five-year lease was expiring we looked at the pros and cons of the current facility,” said Kelly Hart, who’s been executive director of the nonprofit organization since 2008.
The new location rents at a similar price but fits the organization’s needs better, she added. And although it’s smaller, it’s a better use of space.
Former tenant Piper Music redid the interior for its music performance spaces and lesson rooms, and they are all soundproof. Veritas Media, who took over the space, recently moved out.
The new location “represents far more than a physical move; it will help in our mission of supporting the arts throughout Whatcom County from arts education programs to festivals, exhibits and collaborations with other organizations,” Hart added.
The grand opening on Feb. 7 for the annual Members’ Show will feature work from nearly 100 Allied Arts members, including professional artists, students and new and emerging artists. The event will not only celebrate the new location, it will also be the 45th anniversary of the organization.
Highlights throughout the year
Among Allied Arts highlights throughout the year, the Arts in the Schools Program has three Indigenous teaching artists focused on the Time Immemorial elementary school curriculum. This program culminates with the annual Children’s Art Walk throughout Downtown Bellingham each May.
The annual Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival in spring celebrates the diversity of cultures in Whatcom County.
The winter Holiday Festival of the Arts showcases works by more than 130 local vendors.
RARE — the Recycled Art and Resource Expo — provides a platform for eco-friendly artists to showcase their art created from recycled materials each April. RARE also promotes art organizations and facilities that incorporate sustainability in their facilities and programs. One of its main objectives is to educate the community on the role that the arts can play in the sustainability movement.
The Whatcom Reads! Art Challenge is a participatory exhibit that’s designed in conjunction with the Whatcom County Library System.
The art supply thrift store hosts classes and presentations, and has a “pay what you can” section and a “one free bag a month option” for those working with local social service organizations.
The new location has direct sidewalk access to a space with gallery-quality lighting and hardwood floors, which will connect to the art supply thrift store and class area.
A designated loading dock and increased parking access will streamline logistics for accepting and distributing artwork, donations and supplies. Inside,dedicated quiet spaces for staff and volunteers will foster productivity and collaboration.
New neighborhood, new projects
In partnership with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Allied Arts will present Creative Spaces, a juried show of temporary art exhibits and installations that will enliven the darkened windows of vacated facilities along Cornwall Avenue with art from the community and create an attraction along this primary downtown corridor.
Deb McCunn is working on an exterior public art sculpture project funded through a donor from the Whatcom Community Foundation. She’s been involved with Allied Arts as a working artist for almost two decades and served on the board long ago.
McCunn said that “arts and culture are vital to any region wanting to thrive. A vibrant group of artists will stimulate the economy, build social inclusion, improve education as well as strengthen community pride and identity.”
She added that “retaining and nurturing local artists is a vital element in preserving our own unique identity. Investing in the cultural life of our community and promoting a local environment that can incubate creativity is essential to the long-term health and economic success of Whatcom Count
Support and visibility
Allied Arts raises visibility for the local arts community through its Art News 360: Creative Culture Community Connections, a listing of events and celebrations for all ages; a participatory events calendar in which readers can add events; and an Arts and Culture Guide, a listing of venues, creative spaces, and organizations in Whatcom County.
Board member Holly Witte uses the metaphor of parents who put their childrens’ art on their refrigerator.
“I think of Allied Arts as the highest-end ‘refrigerator’ possible in Bellingham,” Witte said, “displaying and supporting the many artists among us.” As someone who appreciates a variety of arts, both visual and performing, she believes that Allied Arts makes people feel part of the community.
“ Art — all art,” she said, “ has a way of living on for generations.”
She encourages people to participate in the arts, to buy what you like when you can, tell friends, donate goods to the Allied Arts Thrift Store and money to the organization.
Photographer John D’Onofrio agrees. He’s enjoyed collaborations with Allied Arts for more than 30 years on a multiplicity of levels — as a photographer, filmmaker, writer and publisher.
“In a community like ours,” he said, “where art is such an integral part of living in Cascadia, Allied Arts has provided a venue for artists to share their work and — by extension — to develop as artists.”
Hart said that “this move holds great significance, as we have carefully considered input from stakeholders and our space needs after three decades in our current venue.
“These assessments, along with the generosity of our community, have led us to this transformative opportunity to design a space that aligns with the vision of our growing organization and deepens our engagement with our vibrant arts community.”
There are two ways to support this transition to the new facility: by making a direct donation; or by joining the tile sponsor wall by supporting a tile in the new space.
See Allied Arts’ website or call 360-676-8548 for more information.
— By Margaret Bikman