Art Exhibits
2026 - Current Art Exhibits & Art Shows
* * * See Previous Art Exhibits & Art Shows below... * * *
- October 3rd-4th & October 10th-11th, 10am-6pm 2026 Whatcom Artist Studio Tours (WAST) @FABstudios Location: 314 E Holly St, suite 201A and C (upstairs), Bellingham, WA. Find the WAST Map on WASTtour.net
- September - October 24th 2026 Creative Currents Art Exhibit @Cordata Gallery Location: 465 W Stuart Rd, Bellingham, WA
- August - September, 2026 Ferndale Art Tour at Leader Block Trattoria Location: 2026 Main St, Ferndale, WA
- August - September, 2026 WAST Art Exhibit at Voxel Gallery, Fri-Sun 12-4pm Location: 312 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA
* * * See Previous Art Exhibits & Art Shows below... * * *
Artist Statement & Bio
Residing in the Pacific Northwest ever since she was a child, Rachel Simpson's life has always involved art. The community of Bellingham, the outdoors, travel, diversity, and her family are a big part of her life and inspiration. She has a wealth of experience in many forms of fine arts. In 2007, she enrolled at Whatcom Community College, and started volunteering at Allied Arts of Whatcom County. Shortly after, she went onto the Woodring College of Education for Fine Arts in Education K-12 as a student at Western Washington University. In the fall of 2013, Rachel was given the opportunity to be a fine arts student teacher in England, at an international school called Box Hill. There, she was able to meet and work with a fine group of teachers in the art department, with a diverse group of students from all over the globe. She graduated from WWU in December 2013 with her certification in fine arts education (K-12). Rachel is a huge fan of Bellingham with its strong community of artists and has continued her love of the arts and education in many ways, including a Teaching Artist in both Whatcom and Skagit Counties.
Teaching Experience: Over the past 10 years, Rachel has been working and teaching with various different organizations, Non-profits, and groups that are focused on equality, diversity, and creativity. These includes being a Teaching Artist, AAWC Board Member, a Volunteer with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham Pride, Bellingham PFLAG, Bellingham Roller Betties, tutoring at Explorations Academy, substitute teaching for the Bellingham School District and Pioneer Montessori School in Ferndale, WA, and teaching at many art workshops throughout Bellingham & Whatcom county. Currently, she’s teaching art classes as a Teaching Artist with the Museum of Northwest Art’s Creative Connections in Skagit County, and with Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s EduArts Program, and an independent Art Teacher for After School Enrichment Programs at Elementary Schools in Bellingham, WA.
Artist Philosophy:
“Art is and always will be a part of my life. With my passion, I will bring forward all my experiences, skills, techniques, and enthusiasm to my students. To me, art and education provide a feeling of newness and growth, whenever and wherever we look for them. Everyone should have the chance to learn new things, use their imagination, communication, and be a student in life. Learning through hands-on experience, gaining valuable life skills such as problem-solving, seeing the beauty in everything, being part of a community, meeting new people, and exploring through nature and our environment are all a part of living life to its fullest, which is art. If you can have a moment in time that was unique, an experience that affected your life, then you have felt that newness that I speak of. Each student in life can overcome challenges, gain insight, and find that it can be so very rewarding. I believe that everyone can learn to express themselves with use of their imagination and communication through the arts. All these things are important to me in life, art, and education.” – Rachel Simpson-Cunningham
Teaching Experience: Over the past 10 years, Rachel has been working and teaching with various different organizations, Non-profits, and groups that are focused on equality, diversity, and creativity. These includes being a Teaching Artist, AAWC Board Member, a Volunteer with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham Pride, Bellingham PFLAG, Bellingham Roller Betties, tutoring at Explorations Academy, substitute teaching for the Bellingham School District and Pioneer Montessori School in Ferndale, WA, and teaching at many art workshops throughout Bellingham & Whatcom county. Currently, she’s teaching art classes as a Teaching Artist with the Museum of Northwest Art’s Creative Connections in Skagit County, and with Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s EduArts Program, and an independent Art Teacher for After School Enrichment Programs at Elementary Schools in Bellingham, WA.
Artist Philosophy:
“Art is and always will be a part of my life. With my passion, I will bring forward all my experiences, skills, techniques, and enthusiasm to my students. To me, art and education provide a feeling of newness and growth, whenever and wherever we look for them. Everyone should have the chance to learn new things, use their imagination, communication, and be a student in life. Learning through hands-on experience, gaining valuable life skills such as problem-solving, seeing the beauty in everything, being part of a community, meeting new people, and exploring through nature and our environment are all a part of living life to its fullest, which is art. If you can have a moment in time that was unique, an experience that affected your life, then you have felt that newness that I speak of. Each student in life can overcome challenges, gain insight, and find that it can be so very rewarding. I believe that everyone can learn to express themselves with use of their imagination and communication through the arts. All these things are important to me in life, art, and education.” – Rachel Simpson-Cunningham
Art Shows and Exhibits
Artist - Rachel Simpson
2026
47th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts. Whatcom Artist Studio Tour (WAST). Ferndale Art Tour & Taste of Ferndale, Leader Block Trattoria, Ferndale, WA. Creative Currents Art Exhibit at Cordata Gallery, Bellingham, WA. WAST Art Exhibit at Voxel Gallery, Bellingham, WA. WAST Art Show at Blind Bird Gallery, Blaine,WA. Pop-Up Art Show at LMInspired, Mount Vernon, WA. 46thAnnual Holiday Festival of the Arts. FABulously Festive Art Event Art Walk.
2024
Solo Art Show at Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham, WA. Flights of Fancy Art Show Art Walk #201 Gallery at The FAB Studios, Bellingham, WA. Monarch Butterfly of Hope art donation/fundraiser for Whatcom Center for Early Learning - Disability Pride Art Project, Bellingham, WA. 46th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts (AAWC), Whatcom Artist Studio Tours (WAST) Art Exhibit at Mt Baker Theater, Bellingham, WA, Mystic Tarot Art Exhibit – Invocation at AAWC Gallery. The FAB Studios First Fridays Art Walk & Annual Fabulously Festive Art Event. WAST Art Exhibit at Whatcom Museum, Bellingham, WA. WAST Art Exhibit at Dakota Art Gallery, Bellingham, WA.
2023
Whatcom Artist Studio Tour (WAST). WAST Art Exhibit at Chuckanut Bay Gallery. Solo Art Show at Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham, WA. Whatcom
Cultural Arts Festival with Allied Arts of Whatcom County (AAWC). 45th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts AAWC, Bellingham, WA. Fall Art Exhibit at Jansen
Art Center, Lynden, WA. Bellingham’s Old City Hall Museum, WA. Gallery Exhibit Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA. Chuckanut Bay Gallery,
Bellingham, WA. The FAB Studios, Fabulously Festive Art Event at 201 Gallery, Bellingham, WA
2022
Whatcom Artist Studio Tour (WAST). WAST Chuckanut Bay Gallery & Sculpture Garden, Bellingham, WA. Gallery Syre Art Exhibit - "All You Need Is Love", Bellingham, WA. Jansen Art Center Winter Exhibit, Lynden, WA. Allied Arts 44th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, Bellingham, WA. Holiday Art Exhibit Gallery AAWC, Bellingham, WA. Whimsical Art Exhibit at The FAB Studios, Bellingham, WA. Painted Door in the Art Alley, Bellingham Downtown Partnership, WA, Painted Bench for the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, Group Show of Painted Art Benches, “What Does Peace Mean to You?”, in Bellingham, WA
2021
Allied Arts Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, Bellingham, WA. Art Exhibit at MW Soap Works, Bellingham, WA. Fin and Feather Art Show at Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery, Bellingham, WA. Bellingham Downtown Art Walk & Art Exhibit - The FAB Studios Gallery, Bellingham,WA. Members Art Show Allied Arts of Whatcom County,Bellingham,WA
2019 - 2020
Allied Arts Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, Bellingham, WA. Bellingham Downtown Art Walk & Art Show - Imagine It Now Studio, Bellingham, WA. Holidays Art Show - Meadows Montessori, Ferndale, WA. Fairhaven Art Show at Fairhaven Reality, Bellingham, WA. Art 'Xtravaganza! Heliotrope Hotel, & 40th Anniversary Celebration - Allied Arts of Whatcom County featuring Art Installation: Collaborative with Artist Kevin Forrester Coleman. Fairhaven Art Walk Art Show at Blessings Salon Spa, Bellingham, WA. Curator & Artist of the Pride Art Show at the Sylvia Center for the Arts, Bellingham, WA. Seattle Recycled Arts Festival, Juried Art Show at Theoria Gallery, Seattle, WA. Bellingham Handmade Makers Market, Bellingham, WA. Art Show at Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Bellingham, WA. RARE Art Show - Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery, Bellingham, WA. Members Art Show with Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery, Bellingham, WA. Allied Arts Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, Bellingham, WA. Solo Art Show at Joy of Pilates Studio, Bellingham, WA
2018
Scepter Awards Bash with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Bellingham, WA. Art Show - Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA. Art Show & Art Walk at Bank of Pacific, Bellingham, WA. Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA. Art Display at Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Bellingham, WA. Art at Sea Feast, Bellingham, WA. RARE Show at Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery, Bellingham, WA. Members Art Show at Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery, Bellingham, WA
2017
6 X 6 Art Exhibit & Fundraiser at Dakota Art, Bellingham, WA. Art at SeaFeast, Bellingham, WA. RARE Show (Recycled Arts & Resource Expo) - Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA. Members Art Show at Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s Gallery, Bellingham, WA
2016
6 X 6 Art Fundraiser Show at Dakota Art, Bellingham, WA. Stoneycreek Glassware Art Show, Bellingham, WA. Honey's Hunny Exhibit - Honey Salon, Bellingham, WA. RARE – Recycled Art Show & Art Workshops with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA
2015 - 2014
Annual Holiday Arts of the Festival with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. Art Show at The Black Drop Coffee House, Bellingham, WA. Jansen Art Center Annual Juried Cup Show, Lynden, WA. RARE (Recycled Art & Reuse Expo) - Allied Arts of Whatcom County (AAWC) Gallery Group Show. AAWC Gallery Membership Show, Bellingham,WA
2013 - 2012
RARE Art Exhibit at Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s Gallery (AAWC). AAWC Creative Spaces Art Installation, Bellingham, WA. Make Shift Art Show, Bellingham, WA. Western Washington University (WWU) Gallery #2. WWU Installation on Sehome Trail, Bellingham, WA. WWU Marine Life Center, Shannon Pointe, WA
2008
WWU Art Exhibit, Bellingham, WA. AAWC Gallery Show, Bellingham WA. Art Show at Whatcom Community College SYRE building, Bellingham, WA.
2026
47th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts. Whatcom Artist Studio Tour (WAST). Ferndale Art Tour & Taste of Ferndale, Leader Block Trattoria, Ferndale, WA. Creative Currents Art Exhibit at Cordata Gallery, Bellingham, WA. WAST Art Exhibit at Voxel Gallery, Bellingham, WA. WAST Art Show at Blind Bird Gallery, Blaine,WA. Pop-Up Art Show at LMInspired, Mount Vernon, WA. 46thAnnual Holiday Festival of the Arts. FABulously Festive Art Event Art Walk.
2024
Solo Art Show at Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham, WA. Flights of Fancy Art Show Art Walk #201 Gallery at The FAB Studios, Bellingham, WA. Monarch Butterfly of Hope art donation/fundraiser for Whatcom Center for Early Learning - Disability Pride Art Project, Bellingham, WA. 46th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts (AAWC), Whatcom Artist Studio Tours (WAST) Art Exhibit at Mt Baker Theater, Bellingham, WA, Mystic Tarot Art Exhibit – Invocation at AAWC Gallery. The FAB Studios First Fridays Art Walk & Annual Fabulously Festive Art Event. WAST Art Exhibit at Whatcom Museum, Bellingham, WA. WAST Art Exhibit at Dakota Art Gallery, Bellingham, WA.
2023
Whatcom Artist Studio Tour (WAST). WAST Art Exhibit at Chuckanut Bay Gallery. Solo Art Show at Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham, WA. Whatcom
Cultural Arts Festival with Allied Arts of Whatcom County (AAWC). 45th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts AAWC, Bellingham, WA. Fall Art Exhibit at Jansen
Art Center, Lynden, WA. Bellingham’s Old City Hall Museum, WA. Gallery Exhibit Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA. Chuckanut Bay Gallery,
Bellingham, WA. The FAB Studios, Fabulously Festive Art Event at 201 Gallery, Bellingham, WA
2022
Whatcom Artist Studio Tour (WAST). WAST Chuckanut Bay Gallery & Sculpture Garden, Bellingham, WA. Gallery Syre Art Exhibit - "All You Need Is Love", Bellingham, WA. Jansen Art Center Winter Exhibit, Lynden, WA. Allied Arts 44th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, Bellingham, WA. Holiday Art Exhibit Gallery AAWC, Bellingham, WA. Whimsical Art Exhibit at The FAB Studios, Bellingham, WA. Painted Door in the Art Alley, Bellingham Downtown Partnership, WA, Painted Bench for the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, Group Show of Painted Art Benches, “What Does Peace Mean to You?”, in Bellingham, WA
2021
Allied Arts Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, Bellingham, WA. Art Exhibit at MW Soap Works, Bellingham, WA. Fin and Feather Art Show at Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery, Bellingham, WA. Bellingham Downtown Art Walk & Art Exhibit - The FAB Studios Gallery, Bellingham,WA. Members Art Show Allied Arts of Whatcom County,Bellingham,WA
2019 - 2020
Allied Arts Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, Bellingham, WA. Bellingham Downtown Art Walk & Art Show - Imagine It Now Studio, Bellingham, WA. Holidays Art Show - Meadows Montessori, Ferndale, WA. Fairhaven Art Show at Fairhaven Reality, Bellingham, WA. Art 'Xtravaganza! Heliotrope Hotel, & 40th Anniversary Celebration - Allied Arts of Whatcom County featuring Art Installation: Collaborative with Artist Kevin Forrester Coleman. Fairhaven Art Walk Art Show at Blessings Salon Spa, Bellingham, WA. Curator & Artist of the Pride Art Show at the Sylvia Center for the Arts, Bellingham, WA. Seattle Recycled Arts Festival, Juried Art Show at Theoria Gallery, Seattle, WA. Bellingham Handmade Makers Market, Bellingham, WA. Art Show at Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Bellingham, WA. RARE Art Show - Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery, Bellingham, WA. Members Art Show with Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery, Bellingham, WA. Allied Arts Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, Bellingham, WA. Solo Art Show at Joy of Pilates Studio, Bellingham, WA
2018
Scepter Awards Bash with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Bellingham, WA. Art Show - Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA. Art Show & Art Walk at Bank of Pacific, Bellingham, WA. Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA. Art Display at Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Bellingham, WA. Art at Sea Feast, Bellingham, WA. RARE Show at Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery, Bellingham, WA. Members Art Show at Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery, Bellingham, WA
2017
6 X 6 Art Exhibit & Fundraiser at Dakota Art, Bellingham, WA. Art at SeaFeast, Bellingham, WA. RARE Show (Recycled Arts & Resource Expo) - Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA. Members Art Show at Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s Gallery, Bellingham, WA
2016
6 X 6 Art Fundraiser Show at Dakota Art, Bellingham, WA. Stoneycreek Glassware Art Show, Bellingham, WA. Honey's Hunny Exhibit - Honey Salon, Bellingham, WA. RARE – Recycled Art Show & Art Workshops with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA
2015 - 2014
Annual Holiday Arts of the Festival with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. Art Show at The Black Drop Coffee House, Bellingham, WA. Jansen Art Center Annual Juried Cup Show, Lynden, WA. RARE (Recycled Art & Reuse Expo) - Allied Arts of Whatcom County (AAWC) Gallery Group Show. AAWC Gallery Membership Show, Bellingham,WA
2013 - 2012
RARE Art Exhibit at Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s Gallery (AAWC). AAWC Creative Spaces Art Installation, Bellingham, WA. Make Shift Art Show, Bellingham, WA. Western Washington University (WWU) Gallery #2. WWU Installation on Sehome Trail, Bellingham, WA. WWU Marine Life Center, Shannon Pointe, WA
2008
WWU Art Exhibit, Bellingham, WA. AAWC Gallery Show, Bellingham WA. Art Show at Whatcom Community College SYRE building, Bellingham, WA.