Jansen Art Center

- 321 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264

Nestled in the charming town of Lynden, Washington, the Jansen Art Center (often affectionately referred to as 'The J') stands as a cornerstone of artistic and cultural life for Whatcom County and the wider Puget Sound region. Far more than a simple art gallery, The J is a comprehensive community arts center—a vibrant, inclusive destination where Washington residents can engage in the arts through appreciation, education, and creation. Its mission is deeply rooted in creating opportunities for the community to engage in the arts, actively working to remove financial barriers through scholarship programs and offering high-quality programs at low or no cost.

The center showcases a continually rotating array of art gallery exhibits, featuring the work of hundreds of local and regional artists in juried shows and solo exhibitions. But the experience here is not purely observational; it is participatory. Local Washington users can immerse themselves in learning through dedicated, well-equipped studios, including a bustling Pottery studio and a Fine Arts and Painting studio with inspiring views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding farmlands.

Beyond visual arts, The J is a critical hub for musical performance. The Jansen Jazz Orchestra, a credit to the Lynden arts community, regularly delivers captivating performances that fill the center with infectious energy, creating an intimate and special experience for attendees. The overall atmosphere has been likened by visitors to the eclectic, artsy venues found in larger metropolitan areas, making The J a surprisingly dynamic cultural destination right here in Northwest Washington.

Location and Accessibility

The Jansen Art Center is conveniently situated in downtown Lynden, WA, making it a manageable drive for residents throughout Whatcom County, including Bellingham, Ferndale, and nearby communities. Its location in a historic setting adds a layer of character to every visit.

The center’s address is:

• 321 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264, USA

Recognizing the importance of access for all community members, The J has made significant provisions for accessibility:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring smooth entry into the facility.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot, providing dedicated and convenient spaces.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom, making facilities comfortable for all patrons.

Its central location on Front Street allows for easy integration into a day trip exploring downtown Lynden, often in proximity to local dining and other historic attractions.

Services Offered

As a full-service art center, The J offers a broad range of programming that caters to various mediums and skill levels, appealing to both seasoned artists and those just beginning their creative journey.

Core services and offerings include:

• Art Gallery Exhibits: Quarterly juried and featured artist exhibits showcasing diverse works from the local art community across multiple gallery spaces.
• Pottery Classes: Instruction in wheel throwing and hand-building techniques, available for various skill levels.
• Painting Studio: Classes and workshops in fine arts, including oil, watercolor, acrylic, and encaustic painting.
• Ceramics Open Studio: Dedicated time for approved members to work independently using the studio's extensive equipment, including pottery wheels and kilns.
• Painter's Open Studio: Weekly independent sessions for painters in all mediums to work alongside peers.
• Live Performances: Regularly scheduled music events, prominently featuring the Jansen Jazz Orchestra, as well as various recitals and smaller showcases.
• Workshops and Classes: Programs in other disciplines like Jewelry/Metalwork, Textiles (including weaving and fiber arts), and Theatre arts.
• Facility Rentals: The unique and intimate spaces are available for corporate meetings, recitals, private parties, and other arts-related events.
• Financial Scholarships: Available for people of all ages to attend classes, exhibits, and performances, ensuring arts access is not limited by financial constraints.

Features / Highlights

The Jansen Art Center is distinguished by several unique features that elevate it beyond a typical art gallery experience in Washington State:

• Multidisciplinary Excellence: It successfully integrates visual arts (gallery, painting, pottery) with performance arts (live jazz, recitals), serving as a true center for various creative endeavors.
• The Jansen Jazz Orchestra: The consistently high-quality, vibrant, and versatile performances by the in-house orchestra are a major draw, fostering a strong local appreciation for jazz.
• Open Studio Access: Offering dedicated Open Studio hours for ceramics and painting allows local artists a place to practice and connect with a community of peers, utilizing professional-grade equipment not available at home.
• Inclusivity and Community Focus: The provision of a gender-neutral restroom and commitment to non-discrimination reinforces its mission as a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds. Furthermore, the supportive staff is known for being welcoming and encouraging of exploration among artists of all levels.
• Support for Artists: The juried exhibit submission process, including the option for artists to display work without the obligation of selling, fosters an environment that cherishes artistic exploration over pure commerce.
• Historic and Aesthetic Venue: Housed in the repurposed former Lynden City Hall and Fire Station, the building itself is a beautiful, historic backdrop for the arts, featuring magnificent views and an intimate setting.

Contact Information

For Washington State residents interested in attending a performance, submitting art, or enrolling in a class, The Jansen Art Center is easily reachable using the following details:

• Address: 321 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264, USA
• Phone: (360) 354-3600
• Mobile Phone: +1 360-354-3600

Further inquiries regarding performance schedules, exhibit submission deadlines, class registration, or facility rentals can be directed to the center via their phone line.

What is Worth Choosing the Jansen Art Center

For residents across Washington, particularly those in the northern regions, the Jansen Art Center is an exceptional choice because it offers the breadth of a large city arts venue with the intimacy and warmth of a dedicated community center. It provides unparalleled value by simultaneously serving three critical functions: a high-quality gallery for viewing art, a professional studio for creating art (pottery, painting, etc.), and an established venue for experiencing live music and performances.

What truly sets The J apart is its ethos of creative community and inclusion. Visitors frequently remark on the vibrant, eclectic atmosphere and the welcoming staff, which creates a low-pressure environment perfect for veterans and novices alike. If you are a Washington resident looking to deepen your involvement with the arts—whether by learning a new skill like pottery, showcasing your own drawings in a professional exhibit, or simply enjoying a captivating live jazz performance—The Jansen Art Center provides a professional, well-equipped, and profoundly encouraging home for all artistic endeavors. Its commitment to accessibility, from its physical layout to its financial scholarship programs, ensures that the arts remain a vibrant, open part of the Washington community.

Jansen Art Center

321 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264, USA