Close up of a woman's hand holding a paint brush and painting.

Artists


Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Visual Artists

It’s easy to see why visual artists flock to these gorgeous shores, and island scenery has adorned many a blank canvas. Painters are drawn to plein air, photographers can’t resist the wildlife, and assembly artists scour the secondhand shops. Blown glass, so famous in the region, is created in all manner of whimsical shapes. Blank walls become colorful murals. Locally renowned chainsaw art sits side-by-side with world-renowned bronze sculptures. You can wear this art, bring it home, or walk amongst it in the woods.

People painting a mural on the side of a building.
OHHS graduate, Kat, working on her 2023 Algire Project mural recognizing cycling culture and tourism on Whidbey Island. Photo: Sarah Schacht.

Performance Artists

Residents of the islands never lack entertainment with so many talented types around. Check out local venues and tasting rooms for year-round musical performances. In the summer, that extends to markets, festivals, and street corners, with island musicians livening up every event. Plentiful dance schools inspire locals and visitors alike.

Annual music festivals draw crowds. Audio performances, local podcasts, and screen productions are made here. Actors can take the stage at any age. From classic Shakespearean tales to contemporary new plays, these experiences of human creativity are fleeting and transformational.

Two women in old-lady costumes watch a man edit a video of them on a computer.
Whidbey Playhouse cast checking out filmed scene from Whidbey Playhouse’s production of “Having Our Say.”
Men singing and playing instruments while people watch.
Shifty Sailors at Musselfest
People playing musical instruments on an outdoor stage.
Trio Nouveau at the Oak Harbor Music Festival

Literary Artists

For plenty of solitude to aid concentration and a lively natural setting for inspiration, of course, writers would choose the islands. Many accommodations bill themselves as writers’ retreats for good reason, and there are also numerous groups and classes available. Authors, screenwriters, playwrights, and songwriters have all put pen to page and shared their ideas. Incredible local non-profits aim to support writers of underrepresented backgrounds. Readers and writers both can enjoy the six exceptional Sno-Isle libraries located in island communities.

A display of Whidbey authors and artists’ works at Moonraker Books in Langley.

This listing is part of our Cultural and Heritage Guide.

Look for the guide at Visitor Centers throughout Whidbey and Camano Islands.

Download this Listing

Click image to download as a PDF

Download the Guide

Click image to download as a PDF

Get more Whidbey & Camano Islands news in your inbox!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.