Arts Commission

Local Artists Add a Splash of Color to Ferndale’s Utility Boxes

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.

To register for the Zoom class, email FerndaleArtsCommission@gmail.com.

The Ferndale Arts Commission is collaborating with the Lhaq’temish Foundation to complete a Coast Salish mural project on the west side of the Pioneer Pavilion.
The whole project is planned to be complete by the end of summer of 2022. Two smaller murals are being completed this year as part of the larger project, the first of which is nearly finished and will be wrapped up early this week.

Jason LaClair is a 38 year old member of Lummi Nation. His design on the Pavilion is called “One From the Heart.” Jason has been practicing in the Northwest Coast Style for over 20 years, mainly focusing on creating logo designs for many Tribal entities in both Nooksack and Lummi. Jason has wanted to paint murals in Whatcom County to ensure the First Peoples of Whatcom and the Coast Salish Communities are recognized, as well as their Coast Salish ancestors. Jason has completed several murals before and is collaborating with Gretchen Leggit on an upcoming  mural for the City of Bellingham as well.

“The Ferndale Arts Commission is grateful to work with Jason and bring his art to the Pioneer Pavilion project” said Rebecca Xczar, Ferndale Arts Commission Chairperson. “We are so excited to bring this Coast Salish project to the Pioneer Pavilion, and we deeply appreciate the collaboration with the Lhaq’temish Foundation.”  

The second mural piece is planned to begin this week.

The city has a number of Boards and Commissions that work to advise the council on a broad array of subjects. These are volunteer positions but absolutely essential to providing quality input to the city decision-making process.

There are currently vacancies on the Arts Commission. The Arts Commission is charged with enhancing the community by advising on public art and community aesthetic enhancement. Examples of the Arts Commission’s recent events include: Star Park Revitalization, Yarn Art at Griffintown Park, the Downtown Mural Project, Zoom Painting Class, Zoom Murder Mystery, and many more! To apply for one of the vacancies, please fill out this application and email it to City Clerk Susan Duncan at susanduncan@cityofferndale.org. You don’t need to be an artist to be a part of this commission!