In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Placemake Arts Northwest and the White Rock Arts Council (British Columbia) are co-hosting the Cross-Border Art Exchange – a month-long exhibition and programming series that brings together artists from Blaine, WA and White Rock, BC.

The exhibition opens March 1, 2026 at Blaine Art Gallery in Blaine and simultaneously at the White Rock Gallery in BC. Artists from both communities will present work exploring shared themes of coastal life, border identity, and the Salish Sea ecosystem.

Featured Events

• Opening Reception – March 1, 5-8pm at Blaine Art Gallery (simultaneous opening in White Rock)
• Artist Panel – March 8, 2pm – “Creating Across Borders” discussion with participating artists
• Plein Air Day – March 15 – Joint painting session at Semiahmoo Spit
• Closing Celebration – March 29, 5-8pm with live music and food

This program demonstrates the unique potential of Blaine’s border location to foster international cultural exchange and is a cornerstone of the city’s creative district application.

Placemake Arts Northwest is now accepting applications for our inaugural Creative Business Grant Program. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 to support creative businesses and arts organizations within the Ferndale and Blaine creative districts.

Eligible Uses

Grant funds can be used for equipment purchases, marketing and branding, workshop development, storefront improvements, or other investments that strengthen your creative business and contribute to the vitality of the creative district.

Who Can Apply

The program is open to creative businesses, artist studios, galleries, makerspaces, and arts organizations physically located within the Ferndale or Blaine creative district boundaries. Both new and established businesses are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through March 31, 2026. Visit our Support Us page for the application form and full eligibility requirements. Grant recipients will be announced in April 2026.

This program is made possible through funding from the Washington State Arts Commission and generous community donations.

Placemake Arts Northwest is pleased to announce that three new public art installations are planned for the Ferndale and Blaine creative districts in 2026, funded through a combination of state arts grants and community fundraising.

Planned Installations

Ferndale – “River Song” Interactive Sound Sculpture
A collaboration between local musicians and metalworkers, this interactive piece will be installed along the Nooksack River Trail. Visitors will be able to create musical sounds by interacting with tuned metal elements inspired by river stones and salmon.

Ferndale – “Harvest Table” Community Gathering Sculpture
A large-scale bronze and steel table sculpture at the Ferndale Community Center that will serve as both public art and functional community gathering space, celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage.

Blaine – “Currents” Waterfront Mosaic
A 200-square-foot mosaic installation at the Blaine Marina depicting the marine currents and ecosystems of the Salish Sea, designed by Kim Morris with community-placed tiles.

Get Involved

Community members are invited to participate in workshops for the “Harvest Table” and “Currents” projects. Visit our Support Us page to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

Mark your calendars! The beloved Beat the Winter Blues Art & Music Festival is back for its third year on February 15, 2026 in downtown Ferndale. This free community event transforms the downtown corridor into a celebration of local arts and music.

What to Expect

This year’s festival features live music at three stages, an indoor art market with over 25 local artists and makers, hands-on workshops, and food from Ferndale’s best restaurants. Highlights include:

• Live Music – Performances by Heidi V Wood, The Nooksack Ramblers, and more at Fringe Brewing, Sophia Grace Gallery, and Pioneer Park
• Art Market – Handmade art, ceramics, textiles, prints, and jewelry from Creative District artists
• Workshops – Drop-in pottery, printmaking, and natural dyeing sessions
• Kids Zone – Mural painting, mask making, and music activities for families

Event Details

Date: Saturday, February 15, 2026
Time: 11am – 8pm
Location: Downtown Ferndale (1st Ave corridor)
Cost: Free admission

For vendor applications or volunteer information, contact PANW.

Blaine has officially begun the process of applying for Washington State Creative District certification, with support from Placemake Arts Northwest and the Blaine Chamber of Commerce. The border town aims to leverage its unique cross-border location and growing arts community to earn the designation.

Blaine’s application will emphasize the community’s emerging waterfront arts scene, cross-border cultural programming with British Columbia, and the growth of creative businesses along Peace Portal Drive and Marine Drive. Public art installations like The Vigil and Passage have already established Blaine as a destination for outdoor sculpture and installation art.

Community Input Welcome

PANW will host a series of community listening sessions in early 2026 to gather input from artists, business owners, and residents. Your voice is essential in shaping Blaine’s creative district vision.

If you’re a creative professional, business owner, or community member interested in participating, please contact us or attend one of the upcoming sessions.

We are thrilled to announce that Ferndale has received official certification as a Washington State Creative District through the Washington State Arts Commission. This designation recognizes Ferndale’s vibrant arts community, creative economy, and commitment to using arts and culture as tools for community development.

The certification is the result of over two years of community engagement, planning, and collaboration between local artists, businesses, city government, and Placemake Arts Northwest. The application highlighted Ferndale’s growing public art program, thriving gallery scene, and the economic impact of creative businesses in the downtown corridor.

What This Means for Ferndale

As a certified creative district, Ferndale gains access to state resources, technical assistance, and networking opportunities through the Washington State Creative Districts program. The designation also positions Ferndale for creative economy grants and increased visibility as a cultural destination in the Pacific Northwest.

What’s Next

PANW will be working with the City of Ferndale and community stakeholders to develop a 5-year creative district action plan. Key priorities include expanding public art installations, supporting creative businesses, and developing arts education programs for residents of all ages.

Stay tuned for information about upcoming community meetings where you can help shape the future of Ferndale’s creative district.