4 Art Galleries in Ellensburg
Ellensburg is filled with art and creativity, so there is no surprise at the amount of admirable art galleries and museums that bring the town life. If you want to get in touch with your creative side, Ellensburg has many art destinations for you. For example, the Clymer Museum of Art is a haven for Clymer art fans, with one of the largest collections of John F. Clymer originals. Another popular destination is Gallery One, a nonprofit public visual arts center dedicated to showcasing local, national and international artists. You can’t forget about the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University, where some of the freshest, developing art talent can be found. Explore the past and step into the old west with fine art and western artifacts at the Goodey Gallery operated by the famous Western Art Association. These galleries and museums are all special and unique in their own way, and they all promote the expansion and appreciation of beautiful art located right in Ellensburg.
Clymer Museum of Art
Ellensburg’s Clymer Museum of Art celebrates and presents the art of John Ford Clymer. Clymer and his wife would collaborate together to research exciting concepts and historic events for Clymer to paint. His paintings depict the beauty and intricacy of Northwestern life and present knowledge of events that had once been never captured before. The museum empowers the western art world by preserving, collecting, and interpreting Clymer’s art and life, as well as his contemporaries and future generations of artists that depict and focus on Clymer’s vision of America. An esteemed collection of Clymer’s work and history is on display as well as rotating exhibitions of selected talent. The museum has a registry for artists interested in future exhibits and also looks for local artists that correlate with the same perspective as Clymer. Admission is free and the Clymer Museum of Art even participates in the monthly First Friday Art Walk, hosts events, and offers wonderful trinkets in their gift shop. If you have a passion for art, now is your chance to visit the Clymer Museum of Art.
Gallery One
Located in beautiful downtown Ellensburg, Gallery One Visual Arts Center is the focal point for artists, art patrons, students, community members, and tourists to interact with the visual arts. This gallery offers visual exhibitions from local and international artists, art classes, artist studio spaces for resident artists, and events that provide educational programs and networking opportunities. There is even a quality gift shop that features handcrafted art by Washington State and Pacific Northwest artists. Items for sale include unique jewelry, ceramics, paintings, original prints, and photographs. Gallery One actively participates in the community through hosting lectures and shows for Central Washington University art students, First Friday Art Walks, hosting events like Paint Ellensburg, Art About, Jazz in the Valley, Brewfest, and more. Their website has tons of information about current exhibitions, tours, art classes, job and volunteer opportunities, and monthly creative art events. Please check out Gallery One for an art experience in Ellensburg like no other!
Sarah Spurgeon Gallery
The Sarah Spurgeon Gallery, named after a beloved past Central Washington University art professor, was created as an avenue to showcase the artwork of CWU students, faculty members, and local artists. The mission of this gallery is to offer the campus of Central Washington University and the community the opportunity to view and experience art first hand. The gallery displays a large variety of mediums, including photography, painting, jewelry, sculpture, collage, mixed media, pen and ink, lithographs and more. The gallery’s exhibitions and related outreach programs, which include workshops, artist lectures, and interpretive programs, are designed to enhance, engage, and challenge the viewer’s knowledge and understanding of art and design. The Sarah Spurgeon Gallery also presents artists and viewers alike with opportunities to explore culturally diverse ideas in an academic atmosphere. This gallery allows you to enjoy the rich and impactful art of the community, while experiencing the lovely Central Washington University. Exhibitions and shows held at the gallery are continually changing and evolving, which provides visitors with something different to admire every time.
Western Art Association & Goodey Gallery
The Western Art Association (WAA) was formed in 1972 to promote interest in western art and artifacts, while also preserving the unique western heritage of the city of Ellensburg. This non-profit organization is dedicated to being a resource for emerging and established artists alike, and strives to be beneficial to the community based on the special heritage of art in Western America. WAA operates the Goodey Gallery in Ellensburg which features original fine art by nationally recognized artists. The gallery hosts artist meet and greets, displays renowned exhibitions, and sells intricate and handmade pieces of art. The Goodey Galley Facebook page has lots of info on featured exhibits and pieces for sale. The gallery is an Ellensburg gem that you must go see during your visit!
