Sequim has built one of the most concentrated gallery districts of any small town in Washington State. More than a dozen galleries and artist studios operate within a few blocks of each other downtown, showing work that ranges from traditional landscape painting to contemporary ceramics and mixed media. For a town of 8,000 people, the density of creative spaces is striking and well worth a visit.
Galleries in Sequim operate on different models. Some are artist cooperatives where member artists share the costs of rent and staffing. Others are privately owned spaces that curate rotating shows. A few are working studios that double as galleries, letting visitors watch art being made. This mix keeps the district varied and interesting no matter how often you visit.
Visiting the Galleries
Most downtown galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday, with hours typically running from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to see the district at its liveliest is during the monthly First Friday Art Walk, when galleries stay open until 8:00 PM with opening receptions, artist demonstrations, and refreshments.
Gallery visits are free. Parking is free throughout downtown Sequim. If you have limited time, start on Washington Street between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue, which has the highest concentration of galleries within a two-block stretch.
For Collectors
Sequim's galleries offer original artwork at a range of price points, from affordable prints and small studies to significant investment pieces by established Pacific Northwest artists. Because many galleries are artist-run, buying directly supports the person who made the work.
The annual Plein Air Festival collector sale in September is an especially good opportunity to acquire fresh work. The exhibition features paintings completed outdoors during the festival week, often capturing Sequim-Dungeness scenes that collectors find personally meaningful.
For Artists
Artists interested in showing work in Sequim should begin by visiting the galleries to understand each venue's focus, style, and membership structure. Cooperative galleries accept new members through a juried review process, typically held once or twice per year. Privately curated spaces accept proposals on a rolling basis.
Our Artist Resources page provides additional information on exhibition opportunities, including contacts for the Sequim Museum & Arts Center and regional venues.