Submitted by: SpringHill Suites Bellingham
SpringHill Suites Bellingham is partnering with Allied Arts of Whatcom County to bring the local art scene to hotel guests and the surrounding community during its 4th annual ArtNight event Friday, October 20, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
“SpringHill is a brand that is all about the arts, and it shows right when you come in the lobby,” shared General Manager Keith Coleman. The space itself is artfully designed, encouraging guests and visitors to get creative. ArtNight further elevates the space by transforming part of the hotel into a gallery for an evening.
“ArtNight is a relaxed chance to dress up a little and go look at great art and enjoy some amazing local music,” shared Coleman. The evening is completely free and includes appetizers, delicious drink specials from the Chuckanut Lobby Bar and live music performed by Whitney Mongé.
ArtNight gives hotel guests the unique opportunity to connect with the local community and appreciate great art together. Past art pieces have included jewelry, metal work, paintings and photography. This year, artists have been asked to bring a current piece so guests can see each artist’s process live and in person. While artists have until September 30 to submit their request to show their work, we have confirmed several artists for this years’ event, including Kevin Forrester Coleman, Jessie Chandler, Peter James and Suzannah Gusukuma.
“It is my third time around,” shared local artist, and WhatcomTalk Community Relations and Business Development Manager, Kevin Forrester Coleman. Kevin was pleased with the opportunity to share his art and make connections to the community. “It was a good turnout with a variety of works for all types of people. I think it’s a great way for artists to come together and share what they do in an upscale environment.”
In addition to being an inspiring evening out, ArtNight is a great opportunity to give back to the community via SpringHill Suites by Save Art! program, which gets much needed funding for arts education into schools.
Research has shown that art education has a tremendous impact on the developmental growth and academic success of children. The introduction of the arts in early education teaches valuable life-skills such as creative problem solving, decision making and articulating a vision, and helps to build self-esteem and self-confidence. In spite of this, many schools are facing severe budget cuts that minimize or eliminate their art programs.
In partnership with Fresh Artists – a non-profit organization that brings quality art supplies and innovative art programs to teachers in need – SpringHill Suites will provide art materials to local schools in communities across North America. October is National Arts & Humanities Month, so it’s the perfect time for local hotel guests and community members to make a donation that will go toward purchasing art kits for Cordata Elementary School. Donations in excess of $20 also receive a special gift. SpringHill Suites Bellingham has proudly donated $2,000 each year for the last four years to local schools.
If you can’t make it to ArtNight on Friday, October 20 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., you can drop by SpringHill Suites anytime through the end of the year to make your contribution to supporting the arts at Cordata Elementary School.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott is located at 4040 Northwest Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225.
