News

New Orca Mural Completed in Downtown Ferndale

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.

Arts Commission and Downtown Association Partner to Install Youth Art Throughout Downtown

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.