December 16, 2024 witnessed a significant event as Allied Arts embarked on a move to a new space at 1213 Cornwall Avenue. This transition holds great promise for the organization and the local arts community.

Uniting Arts and Community in a New Era

New Space - A Gateway to Connection

Allied Arts staffers Liz Smyth and Lily St. Amant look forward to the move with excitement. The new space at 1213 Cornwall Avenue offers a unique opportunity for greater neighborhood connection. As guests politely navigated the crowded opening of the exhibit by Tore Ofteness during the First Friday Art Walk on Dec. 6, it became clear that a change was on the horizon. In January, Allied Arts will leave its current location at 1418 Cornwall Avenue and embrace this new space.This new location not only provides a more suitable environment for the organization but also comes with several advantages. It rents at a similar price but better fits the needs of Allied Arts. The interior, previously redone by former tenant Piper Music for its music performance spaces and lesson rooms, is soundproof. This ensures a quiet and focused environment for various artistic activities.

Annual Highlights - A Celebration of Arts

Throughout the year, Allied Arts offers a plethora of highlights. The Arts in the Schools Program focuses on the Time Immemorial elementary school curriculum with three Indigenous teaching artists. This program culminates in the annual Children's Art Walk throughout Downtown Bellingham each May, bringing art to the younger generation.The annual Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival in spring celebrates the diversity of cultures in Whatcom County. It showcases the rich tapestry of artistic expressions from different cultures.The winter Holiday Festival of the Arts features works by more than 130 local vendors, providing a wonderful shopping experience during the holiday season.RARE - the Recycled Art and Resource Expo - offers a platform for eco-friendly artists to showcase their art created from recycled materials. It also promotes art organizations and facilities that incorporate sustainability, educating the community about the role of arts in the sustainability movement.The Whatcom Reads! Art Challenge is a participatory exhibit designed in conjunction with the Whatcom County Library System, encouraging community participation and creativity.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. This provides a valuable resource for both artists and the community.

Partnerships and Projects - Enlivening the Neighborhood

In partnership with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Allied Arts will present Creative Spaces. This juried show of temporary art exhibits and installations will enliven the darkened windows of vacated facilities along Cornwall Avenue with art from the community. It will create an attraction along this primary downtown corridor, adding a touch of art to the neighborhood.Deb McCunn is working on an exterior public art sculpture project funded through a donor from the Whatcom Community Foundation. Her involvement with Allied Arts for almost two decades shows the importance of local artists in the community.She believes 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."

Support and Visibility - A Platform for Artists

Allied Arts raises visibility for the local arts community through its Art News 360: Creative Culture Community Connections. It provides a listing of events and celebrations for all ages, allowing people to stay connected to the arts. The participatory events calendar enables readers to add their own events, making it a dynamic platform.Board member Holly Witte uses the metaphor of parents putting their children's art on the refrigerator. She sees Allied Arts as the highest-end "refrigerator" in Bellingham, displaying and supporting local artists. She encourages people to participate in the arts, buy what they like, tell friends, and donate to the Allied Arts Thrift Store and the organization.Photographer John D’Onofrio has enjoyed collaborations with Allied Arts for more than 30 years on various levels. He believes that in a community like theirs, where art is an integral part of living, Allied Arts provides a venue for artists to share their work and develop.Hart emphasizes the significance of this move, considering input from stakeholders and space needs after three decades in the current venue. The generosity of the community has led to this transformative opportunity to design a space that aligns with the vision of the growing organization and deepens its engagement with the arts community.There are two ways to support this transition: by making a direct donation or by joining the tile sponsor wall. For more information, visit Allied Arts' website or call 360-676-8548.