The Whatcom Museum is home to more than 200,000 archival images, some of which date back nearly as far as film photography itself. And now, thanks to a Downtown Activation and Beautification Grant from the City of Bellingham and the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, people and pets are popping out of the archive’s files and onto the wall of Old Fire Station No. 1, next to Old City Hall, in a new mural that helps connect the Arts District to the waterfront. BTV filmed the first days of installation, which began on August 12.
The “This Way to the Bay” mural was initially conceived as a wayfinding guide by Whatcom Museum Collections Director Maria Coltharp, who saw a blank canvas when looking at the side of the building that houses the extensive archive collection. Executive Director Patricia Leach enthusiastically championed the idea.
“We were inspired by Mayor Lund’s call to action earlier this year when she set forth her vision for reactivating downtown Bellingham,” said Leach, “and it was important to me that the exterior of our buildings be as inviting and enjoyable as our exhibitions.”
Explained Coltharp, “The best and most scenic walking route from downtown Bellingham to the waterfront is a path between two of our buildings – Old City Hall and Old Fire Station No. 1.” The path between the buildings leads to stairs and a children’s slide down into Maritime Heritage Park, as well as to amazing views of Bellingham Bay. “We want more people to explore this area and feel welcome on the museum’s campus,” Coltharp added.
Chief Curator Amy Chaloupka envisioned the mural’s archival motif and suggested a wheat paste application that would work with – not against – the wall’s aging façade. Audrey Negro of Treble Creative partnered with the museum team to create the final concept, including working with Archivist Jeff Jewell to select people and animals from among the museum’s historic images that could help point the way from Prospect Street to Bellingham Bay. Exhibitions Coordinator (and artist/muralist) Scott Kolbo is leading the installation process, which includes digitally editing each image so it can be printed at life-size scale, then safely adhering them to the stucco wall. Images are placed creatively to take advantage of the wall’s unique characteristics – such as cracks, ledges, and corners – not cover them up. There are also smaller images hidden around the building’s exterior for visitors to discover.
“What I love about this project is that it has been a true team effort and vision,” added Chaloupka. “It’s fun and playful, and I hope that in addition to serving as useful downtown wayfinding it also leads people to wonder who these historical figures are and come visit the archives to learn more.”
The Whatcom Museum archives, which include extensive collections from noted regional photographers Darius and Tabitha Kinsey and James Sandison, are located at 201 Prospect St., next to Old City Hall, and are open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1 – 5 pm. Visitors can meet with Jewell, who will help them navigate the archives and search for specific images or explore various local history resources. And if they do, they’ll be in good company: the Whatcom Museum counts acclaimed historian and filmmaker Ken Burns among the many researchers who have worked with the archives over the years.
The museum is also hosting its annual gala on September 13, and this year’s theme is Archival Revival. Proceeds from the fundraising event will not only support the museum’s award-winning exhibitions, events, and educational programming but also the continued preservation of the photo archives and expansion of its services. Tickets are on sale now.
About the Whatcom Museum
The Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, WA, is an American Alliance of Museums-accredited museum and a Smithsonian Affiliate. Notable projects have included the 2019 retrospective exhibition WANTED: Ed Bereal for Disturbing the Peace, featured in The New York Times; the co-curated exhibition Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea, on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., in 2023; and the newest exhibition, Under the Inspiration Tree: Celebrating the Work of Thomas Wood, which opens Sept. 28, 2024.
The Whatcom Museum spans three buildings in downtown Bellingham: the Lightcatcher, Old City Hall, and Old Fire Station No. 1. For more information about our exhibitions and admission visit whatcommuseum.org.
