The Arts Community in Sequim
How a small town on the Olympic Peninsula became one of Washington's most vibrant arts destinations. A look at the people, institutions, and landscape that made it happen.
Olympic Peninsula Arts Community
Where Creativity Meets the Olympic Peninsula
Sequim Arts brings together painters, sculptors, ceramicists, and makers of all kinds across the Sequim-Dungeness Valley. Since 2004, we've championed local artists and built one of the most vibrant small-town arts communities in Washington State.
Explore our programs →Our Programs
From First Friday Art Walks to outdoor painting festivals, our programs connect residents and visitors with the creative spirit of the Olympic Peninsula.
First Friday Art Walk
Stroll through downtown Sequim galleries on the first Friday of every month. Meet artists, see new work, and enjoy an evening of culture and conversation. The Art Walk runs from 5 to 8 PM year-round, with rotating exhibitions across more than a dozen participating venues.
Learn more →Community Workshops
Hands-on classes in watercolor, ceramics, printmaking, fiber arts, and more. All skill levels welcome, from curious beginners to practicing artists. Our workshop schedule rotates quarterly, with both single-session introductions and multi-week intensive courses.
View workshops →Youth Arts
After-school programs, summer camps, and mentorships that nurture the next generation of Olympic Peninsula artists. Serving young people ages 6 through 18 with painting, ceramics, printmaking, and mixed media. Financial aid available for families who need assistance.
Youth programs →Artist Residency
A four-week retreat for visual artists seeking focused creative time on the Olympic Peninsula. Residents receive studio space, a modest stipend, and opportunities for community engagement including a public exhibition and workshop.
Apply now →Plein Air Festival
Artists paint the Sequim-Dungeness Valley outdoors during our annual September festival. Participants work at locations across the valley, from lavender farms to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Culminates in a juried exhibition and collector sale open to the public.
Festival details →Why Sequim?
Tucked in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Sequim (say "skwim") receives less than 17 inches of rainfall a year, making it one of the driest spots in western Washington. That persistent sunlight draws plein air painters, photographers, and sculptors who thrive on natural light.
Beyond the weather, Sequim offers something harder to quantify. A tight-knit community that genuinely values creative expression. Fields of lavender in July, elk herds in the valley, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca stretching toward Vancouver Island. For artists, these aren't background scenery. They're the reason people stay.
The town has built a gallery district that punches well above its weight. More than a dozen galleries and studios line downtown streets, supported by arts organizations, an engaged resident base, and the steady flow of visitors heading to Olympic National Park.
About Sequim Arts →From the Blog
Stories, profiles, and reflections from the Sequim arts community.
Artists of the Olympic Peninsula
Profiles of painters, sculptors, and makers whose work is shaped by mountains, water, and Northwest light. From watercolorists in Sequim to woodworkers on the coast, the peninsula produces distinctive creative voices.
September 2024Lavender and Art in Sequim
The connection between Sequim's lavender heritage and the artists who capture it on canvas and clay.
August 2024Watercolor Traditions of the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest has a rich tradition of watercolor painting shaped by the region's unique light, water, and landscape. From the early twentieth century through today, the medium holds a particular significance here.
Pottery and Ceramics in Washington State
From functional stoneware to sculptural installations, pottery and ceramics have deep roots in the Pacific Northwest.
How to Support Local Artists
Practical ways to support artists in your community, from buying original work to volunteering at events and spreading the word.
July 2024Art Therapy and Creative Practice
How making art supports mental health, reduces stress, and improves wellbeing. Research findings and community perspectives.
Our Supporters
City of Sequim • Clallam County Arts Council • Washington State Arts Commission • Sequim Lavender Growers Association • Olympic Peninsula Visitors Bureau • First Federal Savings • Sunny Farms Country Store • Nash's Organic Produce • Wind Rose Cellars • Olympic Theatre Arts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sequim First Friday Art Walk?
The Sequim First Friday Art Walk is a free monthly event held on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 8 PM. Visitors can explore downtown galleries, meet local artists, and enjoy live demonstrations. The event runs year-round and features rotating exhibitions across participating venues.
How can I get involved with Sequim Arts?
There are many ways to participate. You can become a member, volunteer at events like the Art Walk or Plein Air Festival, sign up for community workshops, or apply for our Artist Residency program. Visit our Volunteer page or contact us at [email protected] to learn more.
Does Sequim Arts offer programs for children and teenagers?
Yes, our Youth Arts program serves young people ages 6 through 18 with after-school classes, summer camps, and mentorship opportunities. Programs include painting, ceramics, printmaking, and mixed media, and are offered at reduced rates for families who need financial assistance.
Where are the art galleries in Sequim, Washington?
Sequim has a thriving gallery district concentrated along Washington Street and Sequim Avenue downtown. The area features more than a dozen galleries and artist studios, ranging from cooperative spaces to solo exhibitions. Our Downtown Galleries guide provides a complete directory with maps and hours.
When is the Sequim Plein Air Festival?
The annual Sequim Plein Air Festival typically takes place in late September, coinciding with the beautiful autumn light on the Olympic Peninsula. Artists paint outdoors at locations across the Sequim-Dungeness Valley, with a culminating exhibition and sale. Registration opens each spring.