Arts Commission

Arts Commission Brings New Sculpture to Griffintown Park

Arts Commission Brings New Sculpture to Griffintown Park

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.

June 8, 2023

Youth Art Installation Downtown- Decorate the garbage cans

Youth Art Installation Downtown- Decorate the garbage cans

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!

April 11, 2023

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

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.

September 30, 2022

Ferndale Arts Commission to Host “Art in Action!” Creativity Exhibition on July 9th

Ferndale Arts Commission to Host “Art in Action!” Creativity Exhibition on July 9th

Free Art Show and Sale! Join us for Art in Action on Sat. July 9th from 2PM-6PM at the Pioneer Pavilion.

Watch local artists build, paint, and create their pieces before your very eyes! Learn about the creative process and purchase art directly from local vendors.

Event hosted by the Ferndale Arts Commission. For questions or to participate as an artists, please email FerndaleArtsCommission@gmail.com

July 1, 2022

Ferndale Arts Commission Seeks Artists for Vinyl Wrap Project

Vinyl Wrap Example from Bellingham

The Ferndale Arts Commission is seeking designs that can be reproduced as a vinyl wrap and applied to traffic signal boxes throughout the City.

This opportunity is open to amateur and professional artists of all levels, working in any medium, as long as the final artwork can be translated and digitally reproduced on a 2-dimensional vinyl wrap. The project is designed to enhance the public realm by adding works of art by local artists to utilitarian surfaces that are often targeted by vandalism.

The wrapped boxes are intended to enhance neighborhood and community identity, turn ordinary spaces into community landmarks, and promote community dialogue.

The deadline for submissions is 7/31. There is no honorarium for this community engagement project. Artists are welcome to submit more than one design; there is potential for more than one design to be selected from an artist.

Templates are available for download here as a pdf. Illustrator file available upon request.

For questions and final submissions, please email FerndaleArtsCommission@gmail.com.

June 28, 2022

Free Make Your Own Dryer Balls Class

Learn basic felting techniques and make your own dryer balls with a free class on January 29th at 11AM from the Ferndale Arts Commission and Northwest Yarns.

All materials provided for the first 100 participants who sign up.

Send an email to FerndaleArtsCommission@gmail.com to register for the class and receive the Zoom link

January 14, 2022