In April thousands of people have come to the La Conner Washington for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. La Conner is the center of all of this. The bright fields of different colored tulips stretch out in beautiful array. Painters have painted these fields. Photographers never tire capturing these flowers. The blue sky with sprinkles of clouds and trees and mountains far in the background make a getaway trip to La Conner a feast for the eyes. For those who miss the tulip festival, La Conner has a daffodil festival that fills their fields as well.
If you miss the festivals, however, there are still reasons to go to La Conner for a holiday. You will find restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and shops. You will also find art! Art is everywhere in La Conner. There are formal galleries and museums like MoNA, The Museum of Northwest Art which is dedicated to the works of the original artists of the Northwest School (art) whose artists became well known in 1953 after LIFE magazine featured them in article. There are more casual exhibits of art like you may find in “La Conner Sips” a local wine bar. There are galleries run by the artists themselves with lovely, inspiring, intriguing work filling the gallery.
It is said that artists were inspired by the ethereal light in La Conner. They are also inspired by the surrounding land, the variety of people living and working there like the fishermen, farmers, writers, musicians and…artists. The Swinomish Tribe lives across the channel and you can see their art in the museums and galleries. La Conner has an air of community. When you walk into the shops and restaurants people are friendly. Those who live in La Conner have a saying, “Once you visit, we know you’ll be back!” And it is true. Folks come back again and again for the flower festivals, the guitar festival, the art festivals like “Arts Alive” that will take palace November 5, 6, 7,8. Regardless of the season, there is always something to do or see in La Conner.
Kevin "Wah lee hub" Paul
Kevin "Wah lee hub" Paul (born 1960), enrolled tribal member, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community; resident of Swinomish and La Conner, Washington, USA. Kevin is a master carver of contemporary and traditional Native American carvings. Kevin taught his artistic craft in the La Conner School District from 1984 to Covid 2020. His artist-in-residencies includes: Whitney Elementary, Shoreline School District (for Northwest Folklife Festival), Bayview Middle School. Kevin and his art has been featured on KCTS 9 with a documentary and on the Discovery Channel. His local art is prominently collected and viewable at the Town of La Conner, the La Conner School District and the La Conner Boys and Girls Club. Kevin's art is available via private commission, which requires interested parties to contact Kevin directly. Art shows include the Edison Eye (2015) in Bow, Washington and in Art's Alive (2014) in La Conner, Washington. Current works include an 18 foot, old growth red cedar story pole for the La Conner Swinomish Library. Also currently is the Master Carver at Didgwalic Wellness Center, where he teaches art.
See kore of Kevin’s work - K Paul Carvings
Nancy Crowell has lived in the town of La Conner for more than two decades and has been photographing the flora, fauna and landscapes of the Skagit Valley for almost as long. Her work varies widely, from macro close-ups to sweeping landscapes to night skies, but the work she gravitates toward more frequently these days is recording birds and wildlife for the purpose of engaging the public in conservation. The consistent thread in all her subjects is a unique vision that evokes the emotional experience of her view. A writer, lover of Nature, and a Master Gardener, she brings all of her insight to bear in the images she shares.
Her work has decorated five-star hotels and private collections as far away as Australia. Custom prints are available via direct contact as she loves to work with clients to understand exactly what they want. She also offers prints at two fine art shows a year, one in Spring and one in Fall, at River Gallery in Mount Vernon. Additionally, designers seeking bulk orders or custom pieces for large spaces can access much of her work through her publisher, Third and Wall Art Group in Seattle.
To see her most current work, follow her on Instagram via @crowellphotography and @crowellwildlife, and follow her on Facebook. To subscribe to her mailing list, view show schedules and review her work, visit her web site at CrowellPhotography.com
I am an artist in soul, and a dancer in spirit. I am inspired by color, music, movement and dance. I like to think they all have the same considerations, just with different vocabularies. I use composition, color, line, and shapes much like sound or dance to convey mood, rhythm, texture, and space.
My intention is to embrace the "fiercely feminine" and trust the urge to be my authentic self. I take great joy in the act of creating. I am process oriented in my work. I have several pieces in various stages of developing at any given moment. Some happen quickly, others take years. I try to stay open, allowing intuitive impulses to guide me. Given the many choices, in art making, I choose to follow the FUN, often making messes. I do relish the revelations I may encounter along the way. For me, creating is an irrepressible urge, a journey of spontaneity, discovery and mystery. It defines who I am
See more of Charlotte’s artwork at Charlotte Slade Decker, Oil and Acrylic Paintings
Described as “third generation Northwest School”, O’Gormley’s work relates to elements of human experience and impact depicted through living forms. The work engages the timeless imagery of natural forms in articulating a fusion between the natural world and the human.
The inspiration for Angelorum is quite personal. This is a vision of the desire for our loved ones to be caught as they fall…an angel's flight…faster than falling, faster than terminal velocity ~200 mph (Peregrine Falcons in full stoop can reach speeds of up to 242 mph). I hesitate to use the term angel’s flight, as I subscribe to no doctrine, however the spirituality surrounding death has become visceral for me in the wake of my father's passing.
The imagery of Blood Hungry and the Other Very Small Voice, a wolf in tandem with the wing imprint and single feather left by a chickadee in the snow, describes the intensity of emotion elicited by severe injustice, coupled with the opportunity to respond with integrity.
The immediate and powerful urge to respond with ferocity, joined with the tiny, but clear voice, which speaks of responding with integrity, empathy, kindness, quiet strength, and clarity. The feather left in the snow is carved from a Minnesota moss agate found by my Father in his youth. For me the feather embodies the treasure of heart (that strength embedded in our souls by those who love us unconditionally). At the core of this most precious of gifts is an inner strength, and ability to allow that tiny voice to be heard…over and above the din of all others
I work primarily with wood, stone and bronze. The surfaces of the wood pieces are entirely hand carved, avoiding the use of sand paper in favor of finely honed blades. I work from my home studio outside of La Conner, Washington overlooking the Skagit Bay.
See more at Peregrine O'Gormley (peregrineogormley.com)
Margaret Carpenter Arnett was born and educated in England and has lived most of her adult life in the western United States. Artist, therapist, teacher, writer, mother, and grandmother, she is an accomplished and talented artist working in watercolor, pastel, collage and mixed media.
Her award-winning watercolors are hanging in collections in England and throughout the United States. She has participated in juried and invitational shows in the northwest and had many successful one-woman shows. In 1984 she published her first book, Seasons of Change, a thoughtful blend of words and watercolors. She is currently represented by galleries in Seattle, and La Conner Washington.
Believing that art facilitates healing both through self-expression, and as a key to the unconscious mind Margaret has worked as an art therapist in medical settings and in the community at large for the past thirty years. “To painting, writing, and therapy, Margaret brings the same philosophy within her work there is strength, gentleness, reality and a special faith that good will prevail despite hardship. Her work is neither contrived nor overly conceived. She paints what she sees and feels in an uncommon manner.”
Michael Eberhardt says that his inspiration comes from his immediate world. That is, "the beauty of the Skagit Valley and the surrounding area," he says. We think he is inspired by something within himself as well. To look at his paintings is to see the inner joy of someone who loves what he is doing and is pleased with his accomplishments.
The smooth richness of Michael's paintings brings a calmness to the viewer as well. Currently, Michael is using acrylics and oil pastels to achieve the graceful fluidity in his work. "I like these mediums because they allow me to layer colors nicely and create texture," he told us. He also says that his work has become looser over time, with less detail and more emphasis on color. "I work more now from my imagination, spontaneity and intuition," he says. It works.
Michael now has his own gallery this year, Local Color Art Gallery at 512 South 1st St. See more of Michael’s artwork at Eberhardtart.com
“Technology has played an important role in the development of my work as an artist. Though I consider myself primarily a painter, I feel that much of my most original and progressive work is in the newly emergent digital medium. I grew up artistically in Redmond, Washington, the heart of a global technological hub. This was central to the integration of technology with my art. I do not believe that technology is "the" future of art. I do believe however that technology, like every important innovation in art before it, is an exciting new aspect of modern art and I feel very honored and excited to be a part of that.” Marts Modern is located at 719 South 1st Street.
See more at MARTS MODERN | fine art, textile, clothing and jewelry design - Denisemarts.com
Many people don't know his name, but they know his paintings. He's often referred to as "the artist that paints Seattle underwater" or "the artist that paints peaceful post-apocalyptic scenes of cities." Still other people know him as the artist that creates amazing surrealism, so detailed it looks like a photograph. And many had the opportunity to watch him paint at Art Shows in the malls during the 70's and 80's - his original paintings were of boats, lighthouses, and Northwest scenes. His artistic career has spanned 52 years, and counting. He is that artist guy; Tim Wistrom - Artist, and yes, he's still doing it.
Tim works with acrylic paint on canvas, using paint brushes. There are no computers, no projectors, no airbrushes, not even a plumb line - only the paint and brushes. Every painting is done completely freehand, the old fashioned way. He is a natural artist, self-taught, showing his talent at a very young age. His career started in 1969, when he was still in high school, and continues today.
"Look at my paintings with a sense of humor and creativity, as my goal is to spark your imagination. Consider a world gone by and a world yet to be. Just Imagine! " -Tim Wistrom
See more of Tim’s artwork at Tim Wistrom Arts - Mybigcommerce.com
The Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) is an ADMISSION FREE art museum that exhibits artwork created in the Northwest, including Alaska, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Its gift shop features and sells work from over 100 local and regional artists working in jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and more.
MUSEUM & STORE, located at 121 South First Street, is proud to form part of its artistic and tourist landscape. Home to the Skagit County Historical Museum and the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum. With a diverse range of boutiques, shopping experiences, casual and fine dining, local art galleries, overnight lodging – all enclosed by breathtaking landscapes.
For more information on upcoming exhibitions, hours, and more, go to Museum of Northwest Art (monamuseum.org)
The Wood Merchant has been a fixture in La Conner for 38 years. The gallery represents the work of between 180 and 200 independent American artisans, with a strong focus on Northwest craftspeople. The vast majority of our suppliers are one and two person shops.
Fine woodwork has straddled the world of art and function for centuries, with each generation bringing new vision, tools, and techniques to the art. Today’s craftspeople have available the complete legacy of the art; but it is, as it has always been, the vision and creativity of the artist who makes the difference between the outstanding and the mundane. The Wood Merchant artists are at the top of their craft. Whether you are buying a bowl, an art mirror, or a dining room table, you will be getting a one of a kind creation of a great artisan. Located at 709 South 1st Street.
Brad Gallahar: Brad is a master furniture maker with style versatility from Craftsman era design to contemporary. He works in domestic hardwoods highlighted with the sparkling textures and grains of exotics. Brad makes dining and occasional tables, buffets and dressers, bedframes and living room furniture. He is outstanding at turning a customer vision into a warm living space. His techniques and finishing are pristine; a true artisan furnituremaker
Tim Layzell: Tim is a master at using both traditional and modern technology to create unusual, multi textured tables for any application. Tim is a “tree to table” artisan, which is quite unusual in the trade. He purchases newly felled trees and follows a a many year system of mills, kilns, drying racks, and multiple steps in cutting and finishing to bring each table to life. Tim enjoys using custom forged metal, contemporary epoxy resin and colored glass cut with a computerized waterjet to accent his pieces with several media. His pieces are stunning and one of a kind.
Dale Larson: Dale is a master wood turner who creates fine “salad” bowls from northwest wood. He works in maple burl, black and English walnut, and madrone. Madrone is a particularly difficult wood to work because of its instability, so there are few turners who create the type of fine, smoothly finished pieces in madrone that Dale does. He is also one of only a handful of craftsmen who turns oval (as opposed to circular round) bowls. Each of his pieces are multi-generational heirlooms. Visit the website at Northwest fine woodworking and gifts - La Conner, Washington -Woodmerchant.com
Waterfall Gallery
Waterfall Gallery is the newest venture for the owners of The Wood Merchant in La Conner. It is located in an historic building, originally Fletcher’s Saloon in 1895, which has been a gallery in some form for about 40 years. Newly remodeled and refurbished, the Waterfall Gallery features fine American craftsmanship in a variety of media. One goal is to showcase the use of a variety of textures and forms together in the home or workplace to create an elegant, artistic space which will be a feast for the senses. Glass, Metal, Ceramic, Shell, Stone, and yes, more wood all playing together! With the year we have all just been through, we feel like our collection is just beginning and will blossom from the core group we have been able to get together so far.
Evan Fumento: A Boeing Engineering Supervisor by day, Evan puts an engineer’s precision into both classic and contemporary designs. Since he has “a day job” and is early in his woodworking career, Evan is not a high-volume producer; but every piece is a treasure.
Jim Hannen: Jim started his artistic journey as a traditional stained-glass worker; both repairing classic stained-glass windows and foraging into his own colored glass creations. He came up with the concept of using vintage fishing floats in lighting as part of the leaded in piecing. And as they say, the rest is history. Jim’s lighting includes chandeliers and other ceiling mounted fixtures, wall sconces, table lamps, and nightlights. They are constructed by meticulously hand cutting floats and placing them with smaller handmade bubbles and creating the structure with traditional leading. Every piece is truly one of a kind.
Joe Kaftan: Like Jim, Joe started out with a very traditional glass art – that of glass mosaic. Joe’s father was a mosaic artist and taught Joe the basics. Joe’s technique challenges the limits of the classic pre-cut, usually square or triangle bits of glass which are grouted into a base. In addition, or instead of the traditional, Joe hand nips irregular shards of glass in a cacophony of color and shape, placing them to create multi-layer texture. He often constructs on an irregular wood base and eliminates the grout for a 3-dimensional effect. Joe’s images are often inspired by wildlife and the natural beauty of the Northwest; but will also do photo-accurate custom portraiture. Located at 701 South 1st Street
Housed in an 1891 Victorian Mansion, the Museum was founded in 1997. Our Mission is to present exhibitions and educational programs in all fiber arts that enrich and inspire, honor cultural traditions, and celebrate the creative spirit. Since our founding, we have presented over 220 exhibits, representing 1,180 artists from around the world, many who have also taught workshops and classes to our community, and our permanent collection has grown to over 700 pieces. We present an exhibit on each of the three floors of the Mansion, with one new exhibit installed each month. Exhibits range from traditional to contemporary quilts, needlework, knitting, paper, basketry, felting, and more!
Our exhibits have included a Japanese quilt exhibit every other year since 1998, as well as exhibits from countries such as Tahiti, Korea, Germany, Canada, Pakistan, India, United Kingdom and Australia. We have had 11 Quilt & Fiber Arts Festivals, presenting work from over 120 different artists in multiple countries each year, with entries from Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Our guest books reflect visitors from all 50 US states, all provinces of Canada, and from all seven continents – 38 different countries in all! In early 2015 a parlor on the first floor was re-named the Landmarks Gallery and dedicated to presenting a different local fiber artist or group of artists each month, representing the work of over 90 local artists! The Museum and Gift Shop hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm. Located at 703 South Second Street. See more at Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts QFAmuseum.org
That’s Knot All, DBA La Conner Artists’ Gallery a Cooperative Spirit was born the end of March 2012. Starting with nothing more than a space in an old building, some chairs and a mission to create a space for artists. Artists have come and gone but the business continued to grow so in April 2017 we had an opportunity to relocated to the front more visible location in the same building. Our artists requested to make a modification in our name to better reflect our business so we became also known as La Conner Artists Gallery a Cooperative Spirit. 2020 was a challenging year but not even Covid could stop the growth that we were experiencing, we were forced to close for two months but each month after reopening we have far exceeded every record previously set.
Today in the fall of 2021 we are planning a March/April 2022 celebration to honor our artists and the business’s 10 years of success. We are so fortunate to have 24 amazing artists in house and still room to grow. Our artists participate in the stores day to day operation. Whether you are shopping for yourself or someone else, you have the added benefit of meeting one of our artists. This artist-customer relationship invites participation in a refreshing and friendly atmosphere.
We are conveniently located at 128 South First Street directly across the street from the La Conner Post office. Our spring/summer business hours are 10:00 am to 5:30pm and fall/winter hours are 10:30 to 5:00 pm. Applications available upon request. Check us out on Facebook at @thatsknotallartists or our website at Art | La Conner Artists Gallery a Cooperative Spirit