The final 2.7-mile section of Mount Baker Highway (SR 542), known as the road to Artist Point, is now closed for the winter season.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 28, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:
peggy@whatcomartcenter.org
360-739-1591

Bellingham Illuminations Art in a New Light

A Dazzling Nine-Day Art Experience That Will Light Up the Pacific Northwest 

November 1–9, 2025 | Whatcom Art Center | Bellingham, WA

This fall, prepare to be illuminated. The Whatcom Art Guild proudly presents “Bellingham Illuminations—Art in a New Light,” a groundbreaking nine-day art event that promises to transform the way you experience creativity. From November 1st through November 9th, 2025, the new Whatcom Art Center in Bellingham’s historic Fairhaven district will glow with wonder, welcoming visitors from across the Cascadia region to explore a radiant world of light-infused art.

Celebrating its 61st anniversary, the Whatcom Art Guild invites you to step into a realm where phosphorescence, fluorescence, and LED-lit masterpieces converge in a mesmerizing display of two- and three-dimensional works. This immersive exhibit will feature glow-in-the-dark installations, interactive blacklight experiences, and a hands-on luminary station where guests of all ages can craft their own glowing keepsakes—complete with a complimentary flameless votive.

"This event will truly transform how people experience art—it’s not just a show, it’s a journey into the luminous imagination of our artists," said Peggy Alexander, spokesperson for the Whatcom Art Center.

Whether you're an art lover, a curious traveler, or a family looking for a magical outing, Bellingham Illuminations offers something truly unforgettable. Visitors will have the chance to: - Meet the artists at the opening reception - Explore luminous artworks that come alive under blacklight - Create and take home their own glowing luminary - Support local art and education, with 25% of all art sales benefiting the Whatcom Art Guild’s WWU Scholarship Fund.

Located at 1105 11th St., Bellingham, WA, the Whatcom Art Center sits adjacent to the beloved Whatcom Art Market, a cooperative gallery showcasing nearly 50 local artists. The exhibit will be open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, spanning two weekends of autumn enchantment. The opening of the exhibit and the meet the artist event that the press is welcome to come to is Nov 1 at 1-3pm. 

Come for the glow—stay for the magic. Whether you're traveling from Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, or beyond, Bellingham Illuminations is the must-see art event of the season. 

        We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Visitor Center Located at I-5 Exit 253 - Check Hours
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: 360-671-3990
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