Calling all arts enthusiasts!

Showcasing the incredible creative talents of artists from around the country, the beloved Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend returns July 24^th through July 26^th in downtown Bellevue. Carried forward by Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) and celebrating 80 years of the original fair, more than 350 artists will exhibit and sell handcrafted works across 15+ mediums, accompanied by live performances, food trucks, and hands-on programming.

New this year is the launch of Living Traditions: Japanese Art and Resilience in the Pacific Northwest. A highly interactive multicultural exhibition, this special series is designed to highlight the communities, artistic practices and cultural traditions that continue to shape the Pacific Northwest. The series is supported by King County 4Culture and co-curated by Dr. Anna-Marie Moblard Meier and Shizu Usami.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Japanese artistic traditions and creations, encountering calligraphy, woodblock printing, ceramics, ikebana flower arrangements, haiku poetry, taiko drumming, and much more. As an additional way to teach people about the rich history of Japan, an online exhibition is also offered, featuring an evolving archive of the region's cultural heritage.

Starting off the event on Friday, Inochi Taiko will perform a memorable experience that delights all senses. As much visual as it is sonic, with choreography, rhythm, energy, and dynamic arrangement coming together in a stunning and empowering experience, Living Traditions co-curator, artist Shizu Usami will also stage with her brush. The final brushstroke completes as the music reaches its close – two traditions, one moment.

Beyond this exciting new exhibit, visitors will be able to peruse stunning pieces from a variety of artists such as Brandon Cook, Chris McNulty, Lockwood Sculpture, Darah Lundberg Ceramics, Totally Blown Glassworks, Palmer’s Workshop, and many others. After reveling in the creative talent of artists of all kinds, event guests can take a break to fill their bellies and experience the mouthwatering flavors of different foods ranging from cotton candy, scones, ice cream, traditional Mexican cuisine, east African fare, Nepali street food, Seattle’s famous roasted corn on the cob from Kornman of Washington, and much more.

Sharon Mead from the Bellevue Arts Museum shared, “The creative energy that you'll experience at Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend is something you'll want to experience. From the artists to the live performances, to a variety of cultural demonstrations, you are certain to be inspired. It's a weekend that celebrates the shared joy of creating."

This year, the fair weekend offers an easy to use mobile app to guide visitors through the plethora of activities, announce live entertainment and artist-in-action presentations, and provide access to the artist directory. Learn more about the event and plan your visit here.