Grants & Funding

Securing funding is one of the most practical challenges artists face. These organizations offer grants, fellowships, and financial support relevant to artists working in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) -- Offers individual artist fellowships, project grants, and organizational support. Check their website for current application deadlines.
  • National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) -- Federal grants for individual artists and arts organizations. Programs include Art Works, Challenge America, and Creative Writing Fellowships.
  • Clallam County Cultural Commission -- Local grants for arts projects that benefit Clallam County residents. Applications are typically due in the spring.
  • Artist Trust (Seattle) -- A statewide nonprofit that provides funding, professional development, and career resources for Washington artists. Their EDGE program and GAP grants are worth knowing about.
  • 4Culture (King County) -- While focused on King County, their resources and networking opportunities are valuable for Washington artists broadly.

Exhibition Opportunities

Finding places to show your work is essential for any practicing artist. Here are avenues specific to the Sequim area and broader Olympic Peninsula region.

  • Sequim First Friday Art Walk -- Participating galleries accept proposals for featured exhibitions. Contact individual galleries directly for submission requirements.
  • Sequim Plein Air Festival -- Open to all outdoor painters. The juried exhibition at the end of the festival is a significant showcase.
  • Sequim Museum & Arts Center -- Maintains a rotating gallery that features local and regional artists. Exhibition proposals accepted year-round.
  • Port Angeles Fine Arts Center -- Located 17 miles west of Sequim, this museum and sculpture garden hosts contemporary exhibitions and an outdoor art park.
  • Bainbridge Island Museum of Art -- A regional museum that exhibits Pacific Northwest artists. Accessible via the Bainbridge ferry from Seattle.

Art Supply Sources

Working artists need reliable access to materials. The Sequim area has a few local options, and several online retailers serve the Pacific Northwest efficiently.

  • Olympic Stationery & Office Supply (Sequim) -- Carries a selection of artist papers, sketchbooks, and basic painting supplies.
  • Swain's General Store (Port Angeles) -- A legendary general store that stocks a broader selection of art materials than you might expect.
  • Artist & Craftsman Supply (Seattle) -- Full-service art supply store. Orders can be shipped or picked up on Seattle trips.
  • Dick Blick Art Materials (online) -- Comprehensive selection with reliable shipping to rural Washington addresses.
  • Jerry's Artarama (online) -- Competitive pricing on professional-grade supplies. Free shipping on orders over a certain threshold.

Professional Development

Building a sustainable art practice requires more than talent. These resources address the business, legal, and professional dimensions of being an artist.

  • Artist Trust EDGE Program -- A two-day professional development workshop covering marketing, financial planning, and business skills for artists. Offered in various Washington locations throughout the year.
  • SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) -- Free business mentoring available in Clallam County. Particularly useful for artists starting a gallery, studio, or online sales operation.
  • Washington Lawyers for the Arts -- Provides legal education and services for artists, including contracts, intellectual property, and nonprofit formation.
  • Sequim Arts Community Workshops -- Several of our workshops include professional development components such as portfolio review sessions and artist statement writing.

Regional Arts Organizations

Connecting with the broader arts ecosystem in Washington State opens doors for collaboration, exhibition, and funding. These organizations are active in our region.

  • ArtsWA (Washington State Arts Commission)
  • Allied Arts of Clallam County
  • Olympic Peninsula Art Association
  • Northwind Arts Center (Port Townsend)
  • Centrum (Port Townsend) -- Residencies and workshops in writing, music, and visual arts
  • San Juan Islands Museum of Art

Studio & Workspace

Finding affordable studio space is a perennial challenge for artists. A few options in the Sequim-Dungeness area:

  • Sequim Arts shared studio hours -- Members can access shared workspace during designated open studio sessions. Check the events calendar for current hours.
  • Private studios for rent -- Several downtown buildings offer studio spaces. Check with the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber or inquire with our office for current availability.
  • Home studio zoning -- The City of Sequim permits home-based art studios in most residential zones. Check with the city planning department for specific regulations regarding signage and customer visits.

Have a Resource to Suggest?

This page is a living document. If you know of a grant, organization, supply source, or opportunity that belongs here, please email us at [email protected]. We update this resource guide quarterly.

For more information about what Sequim Arts offers directly, visit our Programs overview or contact our office.