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Arts Commission

Arts Commission Brings New Mural to Downtown Ferndale

The Ferndale Arts Commission has commissioned a new mural at 2050 Vista in the heart of Downtown Ferndale. This new piece by local artist Matt French is titled “Train Terrain” and was funded by the Ferndale Arts Commission with assistance from the building owner. 

French shares a special connection with Ferndale. His uncle actually worked in this building when it was a machine shop and French’s early awakening as an artist has roots in Ferndale. In his youth, he was arrested in Ferndale for graffiti. While he served his brief jail time, he drew on envelopes which lead to his envelope art getting published in Thrasher Magazine, a skateboarding publication. He has been the art director at Pocket Pistols Skateboards for the last 15 years. His work includes designing shoes for Nike, creating collections for Volcom and Vans, and a standing-room-only art show in Tokyo. Next year, he will be returning to Tokyo to promote SK8FACE, a movie on the history of skateboard art which is coming to Netflix next year.  

The Ferndale Arts Commission has added eight murals to the downtown core in the last two years to bring life, interest and beauty to Ferndale. They are looking for future locations. Interested building owners or artists can contact City Clerk Susan Duncan for more details.  

July 10, 2020

Arts Commission Installs Illuminated Bird Installation

At the intersection of Washington St. and Vista Avenue

This weekend, the Ferndale Arts Commission installed a brand new temporary art installation on the corner of Washington Street and Vista Avenue. Former Councilmember Rebecca Xczar and Arts Commissioner Kyle Deming filled the tree with solar-powered illuminated birds transforming the tree into an art piece.

The Arts Commission is currently looking for more members to help add arts to our community. For more information, click here.

February 18, 2020

City Boards and Commissions Seek Volunteers

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.

To apply for one of these positions, please fill out this application and email it to City Clerk Susan Duncan at susanduncan@cityofferndale.org. Click the links below to learn more about each board or commission.

Here are the positions currently seeking volunteers:

October 17, 2019

Cherry Blossom Festival Requests Quilters


Greetings All Quilters!

You are invited to submit one or more quilts for display during the Ferndale Cherry Blossom Festival 2020 on Saturday, March 28th. The quilts will be displayed in Pioneer Pavilion Community Center for a stunning visual of your unique art works.

Choose to participate in this community event that provides experiential opportunities to collectively learn about, honor and celebrate Japanese culture. For a Submission Form call 360 384-0050.

  • It is preferred that quilts be made of Japanese fabrics. Traditional and Contemporary styles are welcome.
  • Quilts should be sized Double Bed and smaller.
  • Sleeves are preferred.
  • There is no entry fee.
  • Quilts will be judged by festival attendees.
  • First, Second, Third and Honorable Mention Prizes will be awarded.
  • Submission Forms and quilts must be dropped off at the Ferndale Public Library on THURSDAY, MARCH 5th, 6-7:30 p.m. or SATURDAY, MARCH 7th, 10-11:30 a.m.
  • Prioritization will be given to sequenced submissions due to a large but finite space for display purposes.

Questions? Concerns? Call 360 384-0050.

October 3, 2019

Ferndale Adds Multiple New Murals to Downtown

The Ferndale Arts Commission‘s Downtown Mural Project has added several new murals. Visitors to downtown Ferndale will find art in three alleyways off of Main Street, and on buildings on Second and Third Avenue.

These murals were designed by local artists and installed by the artists themselves or through a volunteer effort coordinated by the Arts Commission. They were funded with a combination of a Project Neighborly grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation, city funds and private donations from the property owners.

“Adding art is an essential part of making Ferndale’s downtown the incredible, vibrant place we all want it to be,” said Councilmember Rebecca Xczar, who organized the project on behalf of the Arts Commission. They are planning to install at least one more commissioned mural this summer.

An ideal time to visit the murals is during this year’s Ferndale Street Festival occurring Friday Aug. 23rd and Saturday Aug. 24th on Main Street in Ferndale. The festival includes live music, food vendors, kids activities and entertainment.

August 20, 2019

Arts Commission Mural Project (Aug 17th-18th) Seeks Volunteers

The Ferndale Arts Commission seeks volunteers to help with their Downtown Mural Project on Aug. 17th and 18th.

Click here to sign up for a volunteer shift

Help install alley murals on the alley between Second and Third Avenue on the south side of Main Street, next to US Bank.  Check out the volunteer slots below, sign up and show up. The murals will be completed as swiftly as possible based on the number of volunteers so make sure to show up early in the shift so you don’t miss out. For any questions, please call Communications Officer Riley Sweeney at (360) 685-2353. 

August 13, 2019

Boards & Commissions Vacancies

There are numerous ways residents of the City of Ferndale can participate to help enhance the community they live in. One such way is volunteering to serve on city advisory bodies that help form public policy and make Ferndale a prosperous place to be.

We currently have an opening on the Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board (PRTAB), the Arts Commission and the Tree Board. If you are interested in serving on one of these bodies, please fill out the Boards and Commissions application and submit it to City Clerk Susan Duncan. You can find the application here.

All these meetings are open to the public. Appointments to these advisory bodies are made by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

For more information contact the City Clerk Susan Duncan
Email: susanduncan@cityofferndale.org
Phone: (360) 685-2354
Fax: (360) 384-1163

August 1, 2019

Ferndale Completes New Mural in Downtown

Artist Brenda Goddard-Laurence and her helper Ron Kino

Ferndale Completes New Mural in Downtown

The Ferndale Arts Commission’s Downtown Mural Project has a newly completed piece of art, titled “Spirit of Kulshan”. Visitors to downtown Ferndale will get to enjoy a sweeping landscape from Brenda Goddard-Laurence, of Brenda Goddard Designs, on the side of 5685 3rd Ave, adjacent to Luxe Thai.

While last summer’s Downtown Mural Project at the City Annex was painted with volunteers, this new mural is the first commissioned piece. This mural was funded in collaboration with the Ferndale Arts Commission and the building owners, Ted and Dale Schrader who are also the owners of the Subway at 5675 3rd Ave.

“Adding art is an essential part of making Ferndale’s downtown the incredible, vibrant place we all want it to be,” said Councilmember Rebecca Xczar, who organized the project on behalf of the Arts Commission. They are planning to install at least one more commissioned mural this summer.

The Arts Commission is also coordinating a volunteer alley mural project, funded by a Project Neighborly grant from Whatcom Community Foundation and are looking for volunteers. The installation will occur July 13th and 14th, those who want to help with the painting can sign up on the city website at www.cityofferndale.org/murals.

June 27, 2019

Ferndale Arts Commission Receives Project Neighborly Grant for Downtown Murals

Aaron Brown, Vice-Chair of the WCF Board, poses with Ferndale Arts Commission Members Rebecca Xczar, Andrew Hansen and Colleen Harper

Alleyways throughout downtown Ferndale are about to receive some color courtesy of a grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation. Earlier this year, the Ferndale Arts Commission was awarded a “Project Neighborly” grant to install murals in several alleyways in downtown Ferndale.

Similar to the water tank beautification project last year, these murals will be designed by the Ferndale Arts Commission and installed by volunteers.

“Public art is essential to a vibrant downtown. They prevent graffiti and make our community a more attractive place to live, shop or dine,” said Councilmember Rebecca Xczar. “I’m grateful for the Whatcom Community Foundation’s support for this project and am ready to roll up my sleeves and make it happen.”

Members of the public who are interested in helping install the murals should follow the Ferndale Arts Commission facebook page for updates and volunteer opportunities.

May 6, 2019