A brilliantly lit collection of still life objects sit at the center of the mostly empty gallery. About a dozen people of all ages sit around the display, quietly sketching. Finished sketches are taped to the wall. In the dim lighting on the other side of the room, a queue of people wait to enter a small, carefully lit room. A docent allows them in a few at a time.
This was the scene this past Friday at Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building. People gathered to view “Verdant,” three French masterworks on long-term loan from the National Gallery of Art. The featured works are by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse and Auguste Renoir.
Whatcom Museum is one of 10 regional museums chosen to participate in the National Gallery’s “Across the Nation” program, which was developed to share iconic artworks across the US. The paintings on display were chosen specifically to match the lush and verdant landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
The small gallery allows eight people at a time to view Cézanne’s “The Battle of Love,” Matisse’s “Still Life with Sleeping Woman” and Renoir’s “Picking Flowers” – paintings that also represent the movements that were defined by these artists.
Whatcom Museum offers many other short term and permanent installations.
On display in Old City Hall is “The Exquisite Veil,” a collection of works by painter Alfredo Arreguín. This collection of paintings are large and vibrant, showcasing the artist’s unique style.
Arreguín spent most of his life in the Pacific Northwest, earning a Masters of Fine Art from the University of Washington. The influence of the area is apparent in much of his work.
Of the more than a dozen paintings on display, six will remain at the museum when the exhibit closes. When Arreguín died in 1923 his estate donated these six paintings to Whatcom Museum’s permanent collection.
There is still plenty of time to enjoy both exhibits. “Verdant” remains on display until Feb. 14, 2026. The “Exquisite Veil” will be on view until July 6, 2025. Visitors can go any time or take advantage of the Museum’s Free First Fridays each month.
The next Free First Friday is on April 4, and May’s First Friday coincides with the Children’s Art Walk, featuring art created by children from across the county.
The Museum’s Free First Fridays always coincide with downtown Bellingham’s First Fridays – a monthly celebration showcasing local artists and galleries, dining, shopping, live music and more – and a great opportunity for a date night.
