Whatcom Art Center
The New Community Art Space in Whatcom County
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).
Art Studio available for Rent
$475 per month
- Available Immediately – 6 or 12 month lease
- First and last month’s rent required
- Rental insurance required
- Not allowed:
- Flammable materials
- Kilns or acetylene tanks
- Noxious materials
Contact: peggy@whatcomartcenter.org
Testimonials
Feedback from some of our happy class attendees!
Dear Belinda, Candice, and Kim
I cannot express how truly grateful I am to each of you for your amazing combined workshop yesterday. I love to see three creative friends not only gather to share in an educational experience, each bringing her own specialty to the day, but also, supporting each other, as well as the students, throughout the entire day. Such a collective spirit of mutual respect and love, and truly refreshing.
I appreciated the attention to detail you each took in preparing for the day…for inviting us to the demo table so to speak, by showing what would be created, talking about it, executing the task at hand, getting us super excited, and setting us free to play. Thank you as well for your generosity in the sharing of your supplies. They take time to gather, organize, are costly, and Belinda…my Lord…those pressed flowers…glorious.So…let’s just say this gal is ever so grateful to each of you. My brain was stimulated and excited to learn new things. I felt that creativity zen. It was a magical day. Thank You.Hugs
It was so much fun!! The best thing I’ve done for myself in quite a while. Thanks so much!
Too much fun!! Very memorable, can’t thank you enough for making it happen!!
“Once in a lifetime day” and really wants to keep working on our journals later. She truly had the best time and just adores you all- thank you all so much!!!
Calendar
Featured Events
Jan 2026
Whatcom Art Guild Monthly Meeting
Collage Connections
Feb 2026
STOP THE HUSTLE
BIPOC Valentines Art & Craft Fair
Gel Plate Printing - Free Seniors Class
Creative Hand Made Cards
Beginning Mono Printing on a Gel Plate
Mar 2026
Collage Connections
Apr 2026
May 2026
From the Mountains to the Sea K-8 Kids Exhibit
Jul 2026
Chicken Art for the Soul - Special Art Exhibit
Oct 2026
Bellingham Illuminations - Art in a New Light
Subscribe for our weekly ‘Brushstrokes’ email to get updates on new classes, art shows, and special events!
Plan Your Creative Getaway – Stay with our Hotel Partners!
We’re thrilled to share that Whatcom Art Guild has partnered with Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites by Hilton in Bellingham to offer a special discounted rate exclusively for our visitors, artists, and event attendees!
Whether you’re coming to town for a WAG-sponsored class, art exhibit, workshop, or to explore the Whatcom Art Market, these two welcoming and conveniently located hotels are ready to host you in comfort and style.
Why book through us?
- Exclusive corporate rate – only available through our partnership
- Quick and easy online booking with our custom link
- A perfect stay just minutes from galleries, markets, and downtown Bellingham
- Enjoy art-filled surroundings – both hotels will proudly display WAG artwork and event flyers!
This exclusive offer is part of our mission to make Bellingham a destination for creativity, inspiration, and connection. So come for the art—and stay in comfort.
Click here to book your special WAG rate now!
Please note: This special rate is available only through the Whatcom Art Guild and is not transferable to other organizations.
