The Ferndale Arts Commission will be hosting an Artist Pop-Up Shop on Saturday, September 2, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Fringe Brewing, 5640 3rd Ave.
Meet local artists, learn about their creations, and purchase unique gifts for yourself or others.
Featured artists:
Jason LaClair – Indigenous Art @jason.laclair.946
Káa Sháyee – Indigenous Art @kaashayee
Colin Molaski – Abstract Modern Painting @colinmolaski.art
Anna Waschke – Epitaph Assemblages @ponderingstar
AeroScorpian – Minifigurine Keychains @ThingsByAeroscorpian
In early 2023, Kevin Lee commissioned artist Káa Sháyee to paint a mural on his Ferndale location car wash. Kevin has owned Kevin’s Car Wash for nine years which is located in Ferndale by the Nooksack river bridge on Main Street. The Ferndale Arts Commission administered the mural project as part of the Downtown Mural Project and both the Arts Commission and Lee contributed funds to the project.
The 43′ wide mural is titled “Ancestral Spirits” and depicts an orca whale and eagle in Tlingit formline style design. Both Káa Sháyee and Lee are enrolled Tlingit Alaska natives. Káa Sháyee originates from Ketchikan, Alaska, and Lee is from Sitka, Alaska. The mural was completed in early July. Káa Sháyee hopes to collaborate with other local Native artists to do additional mural work in the surrounding area.
Lee is currently doing a facelift on this location, including fresh paint, new signage, and additional lighting. Another mural will be added on the opposite end of the building later this summer.
Earlier this month, volunteers with the Arts Commission installed thirty-eight pieces of art designed by Ferndale’s youth onto nineteen garbage bins throughout downtown Ferndale. After months of soliciting original art and hosting an in-person event, the final selections were printed and installed. Funding for the project was provided by the Ferndale Downtown Association.
“This project beautifies downtown, engages with local artists and saves taxpayer dollars by refreshing old garbage cans rather than replacing them,” said Art Commission chair Rebecca Xczar.
Artists were asked to consider “What Does Ferndale Mean to You?” or to utilize a Pacific Northwest Aesthetic. Over 100 designs were received as part of the project.
A complete map of art locations can be found by clicking here. Entrees that were submitted but not chosen are currently being displayed at downtown businesses including the former Lyndale Glass location, Subway, Barb’s Pie and Pastries, Sabor Latino and Uncle Jesse’s Pottery.
CANCELLED! Art in Action is canceled due to no power in the park. We’ll be rescheduling for fall.
Yesterday, the Ferndale Public Works crew installed the newest piece of Ferndale art in Griffintown Park (5786 Second Avenue) down near Edaleen Dairy. Standing fourteen feet tall, this piece is designed by local artist and former Bellingham Technical College welding instructor Don Anderson. His pieces, which have previously been displayed in Ferndale, are nature-inspired abstract metal sculptures. This piece, originally titled “New Hope”, was offered to the City at half price by the artist and fits with the art and other installations at Griffintown Park. The sculpture cost the City $10,000 and was already included as part of the Arts Commission’s annual budget.
“I’m grateful to see the work of the Arts Commission continue to serve and enrich our community so thoughtfully, and excited to see this sculpture contribute to the artistic landscape of our city,” said City Councilmember and liaison to the Arts Commission Ali Hawkinson.
The Ferndale Arts Commission hosts dozens of free community arts events, and brings murals, sculptures and music to Ferndale. To learn more about bringing art to Ferndale, the public is invited to join the Ferndale Arts Commission, which meets on the second Wednesday of every month at City Hall at 5PM. More information about the commission is available here.
Are you high school age or younger? We want you to participate!
The Ferndale Arts Commission, in conjunction with the Ferndale Downtown Association are soliciting for youth art with the theme, “What Does Ferndale Mean to You?” or a Pacific Northwest aesthetic.
36 designs will be chosen to be printed and installed on the side of the garbage cans throughout Downtown Ferndale.
There are several ways to participate:
1) In-person art event! 4/29 1pm-3pm, at the Pioneer Pavilion
Supplies will be provided. Just show up and create!
2) Can’t make it to the event? Templates can be picked up from the Ferndale library, 4/15-5/12
3) Want to create digital art? Email ferndaleartscommission@gmail.com and request a digital template
Completed pieces need to be turned in to City Hall by May 15th. Juried selection will happen the last week of May, and selected artists will be notified. Please put your name, age, and contact information (or parent’s contact info) on the back of your piece.
Even if your piece isn’t chosen to be printed, it will be on display downtown this summer. The Ferndale Downtown Association will be coordinating with local businesses to display submissions.
We look forward to seeing your amazing creations and excited for community youth art on display Downtown!
Residents and visitors alike may now enjoy some new public art along Ferndale’s streets. The Ferndale Arts Commission has installed several vinyl wraps on the public utility boxes located around the city with designs donated by local artists.
Local artists Lara Johnson, Justin Ketah, Todd Bruce, Monica Davis Altona and Jennifer Yates all contributed artwork to the vinyl wrap project, along with a replica of a mural created by the Ferndale Arts Commission. This artwork was reproduced onto vinyl wraps by Ferndale’s own TNT Signs and installed this week on utility boxes around the City.
“Public art transforms mundane spaces into something more, a place to love and treasure,” said Councilmember Ali Hawkinson, who serves as council liaison to the Ferndale Arts Commission. “We are proud to highlight some of the fantastic local artists who live and work in Ferndale.”
Seven utility boxes in the City of Ferndale have been decorated and are available for viewing throughout the city. Pictures of the pieces are available on the City’s social media channels.
