Whatcom READS Art Challenge & Cultural Festival Showcase

Allied Arts of Whatcom County is delighted to present a compelling array of artistic talents for the annual Whatcom READS Art Challenge, in collaboration with the Bellingham and Whatcom Libraries’ Whatcom READS program. Local artists embarked on an inspiring journey inspired by this year’s chosen book, Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk by Sasha taqwšeblu LaPointe. Each artist brings their unique perspective to the challenge by creating art that reflects their own personal legacy. Applications to participate in the exhibition are available at https://www.alliedarts.org/exhibits/#whatcom-reads Featured artists include: Akiko Victorson, Anita Merina, Jason LaClair, Lucia Enriquez, and Vina Brown.

Akiko Victorson presents the captivating world of Shodo – the art of Calligraphy, where the act of writing characters beautifully goes beyond aesthetics, evolving into a profound form of expression using the elegant combination of black ink and brushwork.

Anita Merina proudly showcases the modern fine art glass and jewelry, expertly fused, cast, and sculpted to capture the essence of color, texture, shape, and form.

Jason LaClair is a proud descendant of his ancestors from numerous Coast Salish Nations, which includes Lummi, Nooksack and Skokomish in the U.S., as well as Leqamel and Musqueam in B.C. It wasn’t until about 5 years ago when Jason decided to learn and practice the Designs of His Coast Salish Ancestors/People, and Mr. LaClair said that this transformation was out of necessity to represent his People in the True style of this Beautiful Coast Salish Territory.

Lucia Enriquez has been creating art inspired by indigenous myths and creation stories and is now expanding this exploration to delve into the subtle energies and the intangible aspects of nature and the landscapes that surround them.

Vina Brown is greatly influenced by culture, land, sky, and water, presented in an authentic Indigenous jewelry brand, Copper Canoe Woman, that creates modern on-trend pieces in house on Lhaq’temish territory in acrylic, wood, abalone, furs, hide, and more.

Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery, all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the arts in our community.

For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact Xandra Blackburn at 360-676-8548 or gallery@alliedarts.org.