"Art flourishes where there is a sense of adventure."
~Whitehead~

For a small town, Anacortes has many activities centered around The Arts. If this is of special interest to you, there is plenty to keep you occupied! Members and volunteers are welcome.

THE ARTS COALITION OF ANACORTES
The coalition is an informal network of designated representatives from non-profit and volunteer arts and cultural organizations. They meet to enhance communications among member groups and to compile and produce this arts guide.

ANACORTES ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL
The Anacortes Arts and Crafts Festival is held in downtown Anacortes on the first weekend in August.

ANACORTES JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Anacortes Jazz Festival is held at The Port of Anacortes Labor Day weekend.

THE DEPOT ARTS CENTER
The Depot is the official Arts Center for the City of Anacortes. Located in the restored Great Northern Train Station, it is administered by the Anacortes Arts Foundation. In addition to restoring and managing the building, the Foundation serves as the umbrella organization for four cultural groups. Visit their website.

ANACORTES PUBLIC LIBRARY
A collection of 60,000 books and one of the highest circulation ratios in the Pacific Northwest. 1209 Ninth Street (360) 293-1910. View their website.

THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Sponsor children's programs, book sales, and paperback book distribution as part of the library outreach program. (360) 293-8653

ANACORTES MUSEUM - CARNEGIE GALLERY AND W.T. PRESTON

Dedicated to preserving the history of Fidalgo and Guemes Islands and increasing the interest, understanding, and appreciation of the cultural and maritime heritage of the community. (360) 293-1915. Gallery: 1305 8th Street; W. T. Preston: 703 R Avenue. View their website. THE FRIENDS OF THE MUSEUM Membership and volunteer group committed to the preservation, operation, and support of museum activities. (360) 293-5220

ANACORTES YOUTH ARTS
Founded by the Anacortes Arts and Crafts Festival to encourage artistic development in children through classes, performances, and community activities. (360) 299-9366

ANACORTES COMMUNITY THEATER This volunteer production company presents six regular and five fringe productions per year. Corner 10th Street & M Avenue (360) 293-6829 or email at act@anacortes.net ARTISTS NORTHWEST Open to all visual artists, offers monthly work sessions, critiques, and schedules art-related trips for its members. (360) 293-7657

THE CULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
A committee that functions as a part of the Anacortes School District, sponsors artists and performers in the schools. These are partially funded by the Washington State Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. (360) 293-1200

IMAGES
The Anacortes High School Art Club, is designed to help students develop their artistic awareness and skills and find opportunities to exhibit their work. (360) 293-8415

MADRONA
A curriculum for the arts, promotes art and art education,co-sponsors Artwalks and serves as a patron group for other arts education groups. (360) 293-0681

SKAGIT PERFORMING ARTS COUNCIL
Unites, coordinates and promotes performing arts and performing arts organizations in Skagit County. (360) 299-8305

NORTHWEST DEPARTURES GALLERY The City's only public art space, is managed by ART DEPARTURES, a volunteer group dedicated to providing a showcase for a wide variety of art. (360) 293-3663 VELA LUKA DANCERS A traveling professional troupe, introduces Croatian music, dance, instruments, and cultural traditions to Puget Sound and other areas of the world. (360) 293-3663

NORTHWEST SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
Offers professional instruction at all levels. Class schedules are available at the Depot Arts Center and the Chamber of Commerce. (360) 293-3663

CELTIC MUSIC & OLD TIME FIDDLERS GROUPS
(360) 293-2064

SENIOR TAP DANCERS
(360) 293-1190

INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCERS
(360) 299-0935

While enjoying this part of the Skagit Valley, you won't want to miss the charming town of La Conner, once a sleepy seaside fishing village on the Swinomish Channel. Quaint as old New England, it serves as an art, antique and dining destination.