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A supplement to the Anacortes American and the Skagit Valley Herald

Table of Contents 3............................................................................Welcome 4................................................................... The Essentials 4....................................................................... The Mission 5......................................................................... The Poster 6...............................................The Arts. Simple and Pure. 8.................................................................Art at the Depot 12........................................................The Performing Arts 13................................................ Entertainment Schedule 16........................................................The Art of Discovery 19.............................................................The Culinary Arts 22............................................................The Art of Service

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2 Anacortes Arts Festival 2026

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Welcome to the 2026 Anacortes Arts Festival!

n a world that sometimes feels unsure and complicated, we welcome you to escape to the Anacortes Arts Festival for a few hours or a few days. Our community, our artists, and our festival team are all ready to share the joy that is found when art is celebrated in a beautiful small town.

Whether you are admiring a painting, listening to live music, watching an artist at work, or creating something yourself, these shared experiences remind us of what we have in common.

As you explore the festival, we encourage you to slow down and notice the moments that make this We know that every visitor comes event special. Strike up a converwith a hope of finding a perfect pair sation with an artist. Cheer on of earrings, dancing to their favorite a young performer. Gather with the things that bring you joy. Thank band, or eating a giant corndog. friends and family beneath the you for being part of this tradition This year, we invite you to also summer sky. The memories we creand for helping make the 2026 come with the intention of finding ate together are every bit as importAnacortes Arts Festival a celebrabeauty, joy, and community. ant as the artwork we take home. tion of creativity, community, and For more than six decades, Pablo Picasso said, “Art washes connection. the Anacortes Arts Festival has away from the soul the dust of brought people together through everyday life.” During your time creativity. Art has a unique ability here, I hope you find opportunities Sincerely, to connect us across generations, to wash away a little of that dust, to Meredith McIlmoyle backgrounds, and experiences. be inspired, and to reconnect with Executive Director goskagit.com

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Anacortes Arts Festival 2026

The Essentials

65th Anacortes Arts Festival Festival Dates: July 31 - August 2 Festival Hours: Friday and Saturday 10am – 6pm; Sunday 10am – 5pm

The Mission

s one of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest and largest arts festivals, the Anacortes Arts Festival is committed to putting its support behind the arts. Festival proceeds help fund art specialists in Anacortes elementary schools, provide arts education opportunities for students, support community arts programs, and bring exciting public art projects to life. The Festival also administers the Anacortes Creative District, a thriving hub in downtown Anacortes where creativity is part of everyday life. From public art and galleries to live music, dance, museums, festivals, and artisan food, the district showcases the talent, culture, and creative energy that make Anacortes a truly special place. Please remember that as you support the Festival with your purchases you are also helping us support the arts, artists, and youth education in our community.

NO DOGS ALLOWED

General Festival Information

If you would like to support our mission, please visit AnacortesArtsFestival.com to donate.

rift Voted Best Th ! 26 20 r fo Shop 2026

e have a policy of NO DOGS at the Festival. Please be kind to your pet and respectful of our artists and other festival goers by leaving your furry friends at home. The main Festival Information Booth is located on 5th Street. Friendly volunteers are on hand to answer questions about the Festival and our community, assist in emergencies, and help with any concerns. Looking for Festival merchandise? You can purchase t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags here, and also report lost items or missing children or husbands. 4 Anacortes Arts Festival 2026

The Soroptimist Thrift Shop is a non-profit business managed and run by members of Soroptimist International of Anacortes and volunteers from the local community. Since 1948 proceeds from sales have enabled us to give back to our community by helping women, children and families locally and around the world. We are located at 1107 3rd Street in Anacortes. Come see us for a great selection of clothing, housewares, beautiful jewelry, and much more! Thrift Shop Hours: Tuesdays 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Fridays 11 am - 6:30 pm Donation Days/Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays 8:30 am - 11:00 am and 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Please check our website: soroptimistanacortes.org or our Facebook Page for more information. Your clean, smoke-free, re-salable donations gladly accepted. Skagit Publishing

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The Poster

he 2026 Festival Poster Artist is Kelli MacConnell, a printmaker based in Chimacum, Washington, whose work is inspired by the diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Through bold contrasts, minimal color palettes, and expressive linework, she creates dynamic compositions that capture the beauty and energy of the natural world. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, MacConnell discovered her passion for printmaking while earning her BFA from Portland State University. Now a full-time artist, her work is featured in galleries, publications, and private collections worldwide. She exhibits at premier fine art and craft shows across the country, serves on the board of Art in the Pearl, and mentors emerging artists, using printmaking to foster a deeper connection between people and the natural environment. Posters, t-shirts, and more are available at the Festival Information Booths on 5th Street.

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Anacortes Arts Festival 2026

the country showcase The Arts. Simple across their work. Visitors can explore and Pure. an incredible variety of

Booth Artisans

Commercial Ave, 10th St to 3rd St

reativity takes many forms. Whether it’s a striking work of art, handcrafted jewelry, whimsical garden décor, or breathtaking photography, the Festival offers endless opportunities to discover and celebrate artistic expression. At the heart of the Festival in historic downtown Anacortes, more than 220 Booth Artisans from the Pacific Northwest and

Alan Higinbotham Pottery

mediums, including painting, photography, jewelry, wearable art, fiber, ceramics, glass, wood, metal, artisanal foods, and sensory-inspired creations. This year, we’re excited to welcome many new artisans whose fresh perspectives and innovative styles add even more energy to the Festival experience. With so much creativity on display, you’re sure to find something that inspires and celebrates creativity.

Ian Ely Fine Art Photography

Cats Dogs Words

Looking for a specific artist? Use the QR code for a detailed location guide or stop by the Festival Information Booths for assistance. 6 Anacortes Arts Festival 2026

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Tim Wistrom Fine Art Paintings

Ali Hancock Studio

Richard Curtner Art

Scan for Booth Artisan Listing and Locations

Creative Carved Art

Two Dog Studio

Sunspot Creative

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Noelle Dass Artimals Studio

Firesmith Copper

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Anacortes Arts Festival 2026

Art at the Depot

– The Crown Jewel of the Festival Historic Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave

he Art at the Depot | Fine Art Exhibition, in its third year at the historic train station, will showcase 100 Pacific Northwest artists and their museum-quality artwork. This year’s Juror, Christian Waguespack, joined the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) in 2025 from the New Mexico Museum of Art and Vladem Contemporary, where he curated more than 20 exhibitions. As MoNA’s leader of curatorial affairs, he oversees the museum’s collection, exhibitions, research, and scholarship while advancing community engagement with Northwest art. Fine art awards total $6,500, with an additional Arts in Schools purchase sponsored by Keith Sorenson. In our second year, an Artist to Artist Award will be presented to a juried artist, selected by sculptor Tracy Powell. This award honors both Tracy for his many contributions to community arts and another artist who he selects.

Art at the Depot | Fine Art Exhibition Opening:

David Novak

Saturday, July 25 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Art at the Depot - Fine Art Exhibition Hours: Monday, July 27th through Thursday, July 30th from 11am-4pm Friday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1st from 10am-6pm Sunday, August 2nd from 10am-5pm Komkrit Phutong

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Jacqueline Moseley

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Corinne Humphrey

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Participating juried artists include: Scott Anstett Kolette Beckert Tom Bell-Games Thomas Benenati Rian Berry Judy Bishop Tiffany Blaise Amber Braxton Jill Cockrum Aleta Critchley Elizabeth Cunningham Julie Sevilla Drake John Ediger Jo Edwardsen Steve Eirschele Glenn-Anne Espedal Carol Farnsworth Kathleen Faulkner Persis Gayle William Ginn Brian Goodman David Halpern Kenneth Henke Crystal Hering Marius Hibbard Dru Hill Lori Hill Bob Hogan John Howard

Jan Hoy Corinne Humphrey Martha Hurst Kristen Ingman EE Jacks Donna James RK James Steve Jensen Ella Johnson Jessica Johnson Mark Jordan Theresa Jovanovich Laurie Kallsen-George Jess Kerr Michael Lane Richard Lawson Jason Litts Richard Longstreet Katrina Lyon-Smith Ari Madian Nicole Mamola Jill McDougall David Mensing Claudia Meyer-Newman Darlene Mindrum Kayleigh Montgomery Jazz Morgan Jacqueline Moseley Melissa Newell David Novak Leo Osborne Kristen Ingman

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Craig Pedigo Patrick Penna Bill Pfeifer Joshua H Phelps Komkrit Phutong Frank Port Suzanne Powers Jan Priggee Polly Purvis Dona Reed Ann Chadwick Reid David Repyak Ava Reynolds Kyle Reynolds Cynthia Richardson Sue Roberts Daniel Rosa Susan Sanders Cathy Schoenberg Mark Seeger Lolly Shera Tracy Spain Satya Ma Teasley Brittany Was Donna Watson Craig Weakley Carolynn Wicker M Lee Woodfin Suze Woolf Ryan Worsley Jack Wray Kenneth Henke

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Join us for a free Docent Tour at noon on Wednesday, July 29th for informative insights about the artists and pieces in the show.

John Howard

Craig Weakley

Julie Sevilla Drake

Kolette Beckert

Thomas Benenati

Persis Gayle

Susan Sanders

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Jack Wray

Steve Eirschele

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Allen Family Focus Gallery

e are reintroducing the Focus Gallery this year, that includes three talented artists selected from last year’s juried exhibition. The three women have taken inspiration from each other for this show, showcasing a variety of media. Tia Whitney Kurtz Libby Sullivan Gabriela Norino Ceramic figurative and Narrative mixed-media Contemporary textile using animal sculpture exploring paintings informed by the organic fibers and traditional relationship natural world weaving

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The Performing Arts

rom Friday morning through Sunday afternoon, two stages come alive with an incredible lineup of live entertainment. Enjoy everything from jazz, blues, swing, Americana, folk, and country to energetic dance performances and crowdpleasing favorites. Featuring acclaimed regional artists, local talent, and performances for all ages, the Festival soundtrack will keep you tapping your toes all weekend long. Kick back, soak in the music, and enjoy the Festival atmosphere while savoring

craft brews, cocktails, and fine wines in the lively beer and wine gardens located right next to the stages. MAIN STAGE (3rd St) features high-energy performers, including Pop/Rock, Indie, Oldies, Country, and Americana. Music will continue until 7pm on Friday and 8pm on Saturday. JAZZ STAGE (10th St) – This stage, sponsored by the Manieri Endowment, features modern and traditional Jazz and blues. Music will continue until 8pm on Friday.

Where

Handcrafted

Really Means Crafted by Hand

Fresh, delicious food made from scratch by real bakers, butchers, and cooks.

Downtown Mount Vernon skagitfoodcoop.com | 360.336.9777

Art of the Gemstone! See us about Sapphires! See us We just received a new shipment of natural color sapphires! about Visit Burton Jewelers during the Arts Festival and see our We feature the one-of-a-kind “Sculptured” gemstones from amazing collectionSapphires! of loose gemstones! We have fabulous ruby, the Munsteiner family of Germany. They pioneered this sapphire, emerald, tourmaline and many other gem varieties. revolutionary style of gem cutting in the late 1970’s and we have of your choice! Stop in to see the rare and valuable alexandrite that changes been friends with them ever since. We import the loose stones Please work by appointment color in different lighting! Select any gemstone during the and design custom mountings around the gems with you! by calling 360-293-6469. festival and receive 20% off the custom mounting with us.* Come by to see the current selection and learn more. Walk-ins accommodated as time and staff allow. *If orderedof by your 9/30/2026. choice! Current hours Tues.-Sat. 10:30-5:00. Please work by appointment Open 10:30-5:00 Tuesday - Saturday bythat calling We ask you360-293-6469. work with us by appointment as much as possible. Walk-ins accommodated Walk-ins accommodated as time and staff allow. as time and staffing allows. Please call for appointment! Current hours Tues.-Sat. 10:30-5:00. 145997-1

7th and Commercial in Anacortes Washington • 360-293-6469 burtonjewelers.com burtonjewelers.com• •Contact Contactus usat at info@burtonjewelers.com info@burtonjewelers.com

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2026 Entertainment Schedule MAIN STAGE

(Located at 3rd St next to the Hideout Bar)

Sunday, August 2

11:30am - 1:00pm | Pacific Twang 1:30pm - 3:00pm | Great American Trainwreck 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Friends for the Ghost

JAZZ STAGE

(Located at 10th St next to the Reunion Wine Bar)

Friday, July 31

Sunday, August 2

12:00 - 1:30pm | Danned If We Do Quartet 2:00 - 3:30pm | Bill Anschell Trio 4:00 - 5:30pm | Sarah Shea Quartet 6:15 - 8:00pm | Alex Dugdale & DecaDance

11:30am - 1:00pm | Brushes and Bass featuring Jon DeLucia & Brent Jensen 1:30pm - 3:00pm | Pearl Django 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Cyrus Nabipoor

Saturday, August 1 11am - 12:30pm | Skagit Swings Big Band 1:00pm - 2:30pm | Jack Radsliff Quartet 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Holly Pyle & Dmitri Matheny 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Comfort Food Band goskagit.com

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Anacortes Arts Festival 2026

2026 Entertainment - Main Stage

MAIN STAGE - Bluesfish

MAIN STAGE - Midlife Crisis and the Alimony Horns

MAIN STAGE - Pacific Twang

MAIN STAGE - Great American Trainwreck

Ye 31 ar s

Es 94 19

MAIN STAGE - Steve Aliment and Annie O’Neill

GATATHELFRAMEMAKER LERY MAIN STAGE - Friends for the Ghost

fine art & custom framing Open Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 5pm

420 Commercial • Anacortes 360-293-6938 • scottmilo.com 14 Anacortes Arts Festival 2026

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2026 Entertainment - Jazz Stage JAZZ STAGE - Cyrus Nabipoor

JAZZ STAGE - Alex Dugdale & DecaDance

JAZZ STAGE - Comfort Food Band

JAZZ STAGE - Pearl Django

JAZZ STAGE - Dmitri Matheny

JAZZ STAGE - Sarah Shea Quartet

Located: Booth 522 - C - In front of the Post Office At the intersection of 6th & Commercial

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The Art of Discovery

Working Studios 7th St to the Historic Arts Depot Center

on’t miss the Working Studio at the Anacortes Arts Festival—a vibrant space where there is a true celebration of art and craftsmanship. It’s a rare chance to see creativity unfold before your eyes and hear firsthand the stories and techniques behind each craft. Experience the magic of art in action and connect with the artists themselves!

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Included are: Ceramics - Sasha Polonko Ceramics - Ola Lessard Chainsaw Carving – Steve Backus, Charlie Campbell, Heather Hoovatar and Ben Zender Chalk Art – Betsy Diamond Fabric Marbling – Marius Hibbard

Piano-cortes – Cal Robinson & Chelsea Wirtz Weaving – Whidbey Weavers Guild Woodworking – Northwest Washington Wood Turners and Northwest Corner Woodworkers Association Scan for Booth Artisan Listing and Locations

Folk Art Painting- Gustavo Vargas Leatherwork – Michael Staum at Bandana’s Studio 102

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Twisted Ginger Jewelry Rainforest Stories in Silver goskagit.com

New collection debuting at the festival

Booth 315C · Between 3rd & 4th

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TwistedGinger.me/Anacortes Anacortes Arts Festival 2026

Youth Discovery Area 6th St & Commercial

he Anacortes Arts Festival is a vibrant experience for all ages, and our Youth Area is a testament to that! Thanks to the invaluable support of the City of Anacortes, the Anacortes Music Project and all our area partners, we’ve created a fun space for the whole family. Let their imaginations run wild with engaging craft projects, a performance stage for the young thespians, space to create music, and endless creative possibilities in the giant sandbox. Spend some time in the Youth Area, where kids of all ages find their creative joy. (sponsored by John L. Scott)

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The Culinary Arts

A Vast Assortment of Cuisine 3rd St & Commercial, 7th St & Commercial and various intersection locations throughout the Festival

ome hungry! The Festival features a delicious variety of food trucks and vendors serving everything from Pacific Northwest favorites and international cuisine to sweet treats and classic fair fare. Whether you’re craving a corn dog, shaved ice, BBQ, gyros, kettle corn, roasted nuts, ice cream, specialty lemonades, or something entirely new, there’s something to satisfy every appetite. Visitors can also enjoy the many downtown restaurants and cafés located throughout the Festival, offering outdoor seating and even more dining options in the heart of Anacortes. With so many flavors to explore, the Festival is a feast for the senses.

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Beer and Wine Gardens

et ready to tap your toes and snap your fingers as the electrifying beats pulse from two live performance stages. The two stages are adjacent to the beer and wine gardens! These spots are perfect for relaxing and soaking up tunes from an extraordinary lineup of regional artists. Each garden brings its own unique vibe, serving up the perfect mix of craft beer, fine wine, and cocktails to keep the good times flowing.

Hideout Bar – 3rd St – the main Festival

beer garden features micro-brews, wine and fun cocktails in a can.

Reunion Wine Bar – 10th St – a lineup of regional varietals from Maryhill Winery – plus beer.

June 20 - September 20, 2026 Ross Palmer Beecher: Speaking in the Vernacular At the Seam: The Museum of Northwest Art’s Permanent Collection Creative Constellations: MoNA’s Youth Education Programs

MONAMUSEUM.ORG 20 Anacortes Arts Festival 2026

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DISCOVER SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL, CREATIVE & ONE-OF-A-KIND Visit Ember & Elegance in historic downtown Oak Harbor — a creative boutique filled with handmade gifts, artisan goods, home décor, craft supplies, and inspiration around every corner. From locally made treasures and unique art pieces to scrapbook papers, mixed media supplies, paints, yarn, DMC floss, Tim Holtz, Graphic 45, Dixie Belle Paint, IOD, and more — we are a destination for makers, collectors, and anyone who loves creativity.

Shop • Create • Be Inspired We also offer creative classes, workshops, and a welcoming craft studio where community and creativity come together. Ember & Elegance

Handmade Gifts • Craft Supplies Home Décor • Creative Classes Downtown Oak Harbor, WA www.ember-and-elegance.com Follow us on Facebook for classes, new arrivals, and special events! goskagit.com

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The Art of Service

he Anacortes Arts Festival would not be possible without the dedication of more than 250 incredible volunteers. From serving as art ambassadors in the Fine Art Show and staffing information booths to delivering meals to vendors, giving artists a well-deserved break, and assisting in the beer and wine gardens, their contributions touch every part of the Festival experience. These volunteers are the heart of our organization, generously sharing their time, energy, and enthusiasm to help create a welcoming and memorable event for everyone. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and proud to be supported by such an engaged and passionate community.

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Anacortes Arts Festival 2024

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