Bellingham National Juried Art Exhibition and Awards
Acts of Healing and Repair

The Whatcom Museum is seeking submissions by artists of all backgrounds who respond to the theme of healing in their work for this year’s Bellingham National Exhibition titled Acts of Healing and Repair.

This fourth biennial Juried Art Exhibition and Awards will take place at the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building, and will open to the public Sunday, November 12. The guest juror of this year’s “Bellingham National” is Grace Kook-Anderson, the Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Curator of Northwest Art at the Portland Art Museum.

Artists may submit up to three artworks for consideration for this exhibition. Application fee of $35 is a one-time fee.

Important dates to note:

August 11: Deadline for Entries. Apply online.

September 25: Juror’s selection for the Bellingham National 2023 will be announced via email and the CaFÉ website

October 23 – 28: Artwork received at Whatcom Museum via shipment or personal delivery

November 11: Exhibition preview reception

November 12: Exhibition open to the public

February 25, 2024: Exhibition closes and artwork is returned


Essence of Bellingham Photo Competition

Each year, the City of Bellingham and the Whatcom Museum sponsor the “Essence of Bellingham” photo competition. Entries that capture the “essence” of Bellingham are showcased and added to a collection documenting Bellingham and the diverse nature of life in our city and county. It’s a fun, free way to help preserve what life in Be​llingham is like for future generations.

  • All entries will be added to the Museum’s photo archives and may appear on BTV, the City of Bellingham website, and in other City publications.​
  • All residents of Whatcom County are eligible to participate.
  • Entries will be accepted through May 1, 2023.

Visit the Essence of Bellingham website to learn more.