Sarah Clark-Langager
Director
Western Gallery
Western Washington University
Bellingham ,WA 98225
(360) 650-3900


Outdoor Sculpture Collection


College of Fine and Performing Arts

Questions and comments

Information
(360) 650-3900





    Welcome to the Western Gallery

      Although located in the Fine Arts Complex, the Western Gallery's mission is to reach out to the entire University and its community. The Western Gallery is not a museum with permanent exhibits. Rather, it is a center for temporary exhibitions, about 2 each quarter.

    Current Exhibits

    Major Lectures

    Location

      Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, approximately 90 miles north of Seattle and 50 miles south of Vancouver, B.C. Take I-5, exit 252 to McDonald Parkway. The Western Gallery is in the Fine Arts Complex, centrally located on campus and across from Carver Gym.

    Hours

      The Western Gallery is open during the university's sessions, except during the summer. The gallery observes the university's calendar and holidays. Hours are: Monday-Friday, 10am - 4pm, except Wednesdays, 10am to 8pm; Saturday, 12-4pm.

    Admission

      Fee: none

    Photography

      Permission to photograph any exhibit is handled through the Director's Office.

    History of Exhibits

      The Western Gallery has extensive files on exhibitions since it began in 1938. The Western Gallery was first called the Studio Gallery, College of Education. In 1950 the Western Gallery was moved to the 2nd Floor of the Fine Arts Building when this new building opened. In the late 1980s a wing for the new Western Gallery was added to the Fine Arts Building. Files from 1950 to the present are located in the Director's Office.

    Mission

      The Western Gallery provides diverse experiences in the visual arts for its constituencies, encompassing the University community and region while providing a point of reference to the national and international art scene. Through historical, contemporary and experimental art exhibitions, through the outdoor collection of contemporary sculpture, through publications and through interpretative interdisciplinary programs, the Western Gallery is committed to creating an environment for learning. The gallery acts as a center for discussion and exchange of ideas on critical issues in contemporary art. The Western Gallery recognizes its role in expanding its audience's awareness of the visual arts as central to the dynamic and pluralistic nature of our society.

    Space

      The Western Gallery has 4,380 square feet of exhibition space. Wall space varies from 250 running feet to 500, depending on the addition of portable, modular units. The gallery has full security and temperature and humidity control.

    Collections

      The Western Gallery Director acts as curator of the university's visual art collections: (1) Western Gallery Collections primarily consist of 19th and 20th century American and European prints and drawings, and the Whittington Collection of Asian Ceramics. One section of the prints and drawings collection is the Helen Loggie Archives. (2) The Outdoor Sculpture Collection is a public art collection displayed throughout the entire campus. Internationally famous artist's works are placed to compliment the design of architecture and landscape. (3) Interior Public Art focuses specifically on examples of art which have been designated for (a) permanent interior spaces and (b) portable works for public display. (4) The Chair Collection focuses on 20th century chairs created by internationally famous designers.

    Friends of the Gallery

      Friends of the Gallery is a patron group which supports the activities of the Western Gallery and promotes the appreciation of contemporary art in Northwest Washington. Friends enjoy all activities at the Individual ($25.) and Family ($50.) membership levels. The higher levels of membership include: Supporting, $100; Sponsor, $500; Patron $1,000 and above.

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