The Whatcom Artist Studio Tour is adding something new in 2026: a spring preview event. For the first time in the tour's history, 25 local artists will open their working studios to the public on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and no registration is required.
The annual Whatcom Artist Studio Tour has been a fall staple in the region for years, typically held the first two weekends in October and featuring a larger roster of artists. The new spring edition is designed as a preview of that fall event, offering visitors a chance to explore studios and connect with local artists during a slower season when the weather often cooperates and crowds are thinner.
Artists participating in the spring tour are located at a variety of sites across Whatcom County, including locations in Bellingham's downtown Arts District, Fairhaven Village, and other communities throughout the county. Participating studios span a wide range of media, including painting, ceramics, sculpture, fiber arts, and photography. A full map and list of participating artists is available on the tour's website at studiotour.net.
The studio tour format is one of the best opportunities local art enthusiasts have to see where and how working artists actually create their work. Unlike gallery shows, which present finished pieces in a curated setting, studio visits let visitors see the tools, materials, works in progress, and the physical spaces where art gets made. Many artists are present to talk about their process, making it as much a conversation as a viewing experience.
Whatcom County has a well-established arts community, supported by organizations including Allied Arts of Whatcom County, the Jansen Art Center in Lynden, and the Whatcom Art Market, which hosts regular markets and programs for local creators. The spring tour builds on that foundation by giving artists another touchpoint with buyers and supporters earlier in the year.
For visitors planning to attend multiple studios over the weekend, the tour's website provides maps organized by geographic area, making it easier to cluster visits and minimize driving. Studios are self-guided, meaning visitors can move through the tour at their own pace and spend as much time as they want at each location.
The fall Whatcom Artist Studio Tour typically features significantly more artists and spans two full weekends. This year's fall edition is scheduled for the first two weekends in October. Visitors who attend the spring preview and want to see more of the same artists, or discover artists who aren't included in the spring lineup, will have that opportunity again in the autumn.
Whether you're an experienced collector, a curious first-timer, or just looking for a weekend activity that gets you off the beaten path in Whatcom County, the spring tour offers a low-pressure way to engage with the local creative community. Bring your curiosity and, if you're inclined, your checkbook. Original art from the tour makes its way into Bellingham homes every year.
