7 Art Experiences in Stanwood-Camano
Art enriches life, and it abounds here.
Art is simply in the DNA of Stanwood and Camano Island. World-renowned artist Dale Chihuly chose the Stanwood area in the 1970s to found the Pilchuck Glass School. Today, glass art lives in local hot shops and summer festivals.
Camano, known as the Easy Island, invites visitors and residents to enjoy a slower pace. This leisurely approach fosters a healthy appreciation for the finer things in life.
If you plan to visit, you’ll want to make sure to visit one or more of the destinations below. Or, mix and match for the ultimate Stanwood-Camano coastal art experience!
Venues
1. Matzke Sculpture Park
2345 Blanche Way, Camano, WA 98282
Matzke Sculpture Park is a remarkable work of interactive outdoor art. The graceful site embodies a geometry of playfulness where trees, walls, lawns, and flowers come together to form a brilliant frame for outdoor sculptures. The park is open to the public Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 11 to 5, or weekdays by appointment.
2. Cassera Gallery Premiers
26915 102nd Dr NW, Stanwood
The Cassera Gallery is curated by a New York-based family. The Casseras have been collecting, curating, and appraising art since 1960. They participate in art gallery exhibitions around the country and specialize in indigenous, contemporary, and modern artworks. They have a beautiful gallery space located in the lobby and office areas of the Design Northwest Architects building in Stanwood, WA.
3. Stanwood House Gallery and Studios
9915 270th St. NW, Stanwood
The Stanwood House Gallery is also a private residence – please call or email ahead of your visit to coordinate a showing. This Colonial Revival-style house is owned and operated by a world-traveling husband and wife artistic duo. The space is filled with paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and independent publications. Experience a stroll through historic Stanwood as well as a healthy dose of aesthetic, international inspiration.
4. The Loft at Camano Commons
848 N Sunrise Blvd Ste C, Camano Island
Just off of Highway 532 on Camano Island sits a barn-like rustic modern structure. The Camano Commons Marketplace is home to, among other things, The Loft. It’s an upstairs gallery filled with fine art, home decor, and gifts – all handcrafted by Pacific Northwest artisans. Downstairs you can treat yourself to espresso, pastries, ice cream and more.
Events
Seasonal art events abound along the coast! Here are your best bets.
5. Camano Island Studio Tour (May)
Spring brings visitors in droves to various galleries around Camano and Stanwood. Explore multimedia works including woodworking, leather, textiles and glass. You can access the full map here.
6. Camano Island Summer Solstice Art, Beer and Wine Festival (June)
Ring in the longest, most beautiful days of the year on the West Coast. Celebrate by mixing locally-crafted beer and wine with art. Now that’s a winning combination.
7. Art By The Bay (October)
This event, put on by the Stanwood-Camano Arts Guild, is a three-day sale of goods by local artists. Buy bespoke and handmade holiday gifts for the artistic person in your life.
