Whatcom County

Public sculpture is essential to the fabric of Bellingham as well as an important component of local tourism and economic development efforts. Significant investment in Bellingham’s downtown including generous support of art and culture has made it an interesting, vibrant place for all ages to live, work and play. Bellingham’s growing public art collection is part of this commitment. The City of Bellingham has acquired, commissioned, or had donated over eighty sculptures by local and regional artists, all available for public viewing.

Boulevard Park Sculpture Tour
City Center Sculpture Tour
Cordata Sculpture Tour

Barkley Village

Barkley Village is a 250-acre urban village with a mix of residential, retail, office and civic uses located in Bellingham, just east of Interstate 5. The Barkley Company is owned by the Talbot family, who have been a part of the Bellingham business community since 1941.

Jacob Dahlgren
Constructing a New World
Enameled steel
This sculpture was commissioned and owned by the Barkley Company.

Sculpture Northwest arranged the exhibit and subsequent sale of the following three sculptures by Sebastian of Mexico City, one of the most famous urban sculptors in the world.

David Marshall
Fabricated by Sebastian
Variations on a Sphere
Enameled steelSebastian fabricated this steel and enamel copy of David Marshall’s “Variations on a Sphere” to be part of the “Tribute to David Marshall” exhibit. This sculpture is owned by the Barkley Company and is on permanent exhibit.

Sebastian: Mexico
Reclining Figure
Enameled steelThis blue enameled steel sculpture and donated it to Sculpture Northwest. This sculpture is owned by the Barkley Company and is on permanent exhibit.

Sebastian: Mexico
Tribute
Enameled steelThis red enameled steel sculpture and donated it to Sculpture Northwest to honor his friend David Marshall. This sculpture is owned by the Barkley Company and is on permanent exhibit.

Big Rock Garden Park

Nestled in a grove of evergreens overlooking Lake Whatcom sits a unique city park showcasing original sculptures in a 2.7-acre garden. The park exhibits over 35 permanent works by distinguished international and local artists. A striking geometrical sculpture by Mexican artist Sebastian and pieces by Canadian artist David Marshall highlight the diversity. The City of Bellingham purchased the park in 1993 from George and Mary Ann Drake.
Big Rock Garden Park Sculpture Tour

Nootka in Cornwall Park

“Nootka”, perhaps the most complex of all of David Marshall’s sculptures, has not been on public display since it was created in 1981. This 12 ton Nootka Sound marble sculpture was donated to the City of Bellingham by David’s widow, Carel Marshall. Sculpture Northwest organized and provided funds to bring the work to Bellingham. The sculpture is temporarily located in Cornwall Park until it is moved to the new 14 acre Klipsun Beach Park at the foot of Cornwall Avenue.

Western Washington University

Extending from the Western Gallery’s plaza is Western’s Outdoor Sculpture Collection. The first large scale sculpture installed in 1960 was Rain Forest by the major northwest artist James Fitzgerald. From 1967-69 Western commissioned internationally recognized Isamu Noguchi to erect his Skyviewing Sculpture in Red Square. Today, Western is nationally known for its leadership in the concept of art in the daily, living environment of an university community. The sculpture collection features major international, national and regional artists. Whether temporary installations or permanent objects, figurative or abstract in appearance, these works represent sculpture from 1960 to the present.

Western Gallery Walking Tours.

Whatcom Community College

On this 72-acre campus you will find an interesting collection of sculpture. Whatcom Community College is an accredited two-year college. It is rated among the top six community and technical colleges in the Washington State and recognized as one of the leading community colleges in the nation. Established in 1967, Whatcom has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1976.

Peace Arch Park

The Annual Peace Arch Park International Sculpture Exhibition is nestled within the park’s magnificent gardens where you will find sculptures created by international fine artists. An international artwork selection committee comprised of art experts, international park management, community and association members review and jury each exhibition.

Over 500,000 visitors tour this international historic site annually. The mission of the international fine arts program is to serve as a catalyst in the development of international fine artists, while creating a greater awareness and appreciation of the Peace Arch and the International Park.
International Sculpture Exhibition Information

Centenial Riverwalk

Walk by the Nooksack River in the area once known as Front Street, which has been transformed into the Centennial Riverwalk Park. The park provides beautifully landscaped public spaces with views of the Nooksack River and Mount Baker for all to enjoy while attending street fairs or public markets, pausing by the fountain or studying the hand-carved native totems.

‘Riverwalk Markers and Monoliths’ gives form to the spirit and energy of Ferndale. This project has provided the community an opportunity to share the excitement of the creation of a unique and site-specific artwork. The sculptures create an atmosphere and sense of place on the plaza and along the river where residents, visitors, and guests gather and are challenged by the artwork’s presence in the space. The design of the installation of sculptures creates a sense of movement, of wonder, curiosity, and discovery, inviting all to gently touch and experience the sculptures in multiple dimensions and interpersonally.