it's not a very large museum, i'd actually call it a gallery. there are also numerous details like exposed power strips and outlets, various bits of discolored floor and ceiling tile, as well as a sort of unfinished feeling to the upper floor. but still, the exhibitions that were present when i visited were recent, which makes me think that there's a frequent rotation. the exhibitions were varied in format, medium, and context. i was pleased with the variety of artists in this space. the building itself encourages the patron to explore. there are sweeping curved stairways and broad rooms as well as small corridors to guide patrons. i felt the space was used very well. the curators were actively engaging patrons and were very knowledgeable about the exhibitions and the artists, i was very impressed with this as well as the overall demeanor of the curators.
i get the impression that the exhibitions rotate frequently. if so, this is a unique offering to the area. i have only visited once so i can't really say, but if so, the museum offers something unique. i intend on visiting again, but i had a good birthday of it, and i can also vouch for several worthwhile bars and restaurants in...
Read moreThe Bellevue Arts Museum used to be housed in the uppermost floor of the Bellevue Square Mall, and it kind of shows. Not in the architecture, which is modern and light - in the topics. Most of the art is very user-friendly, with a focus on crafting.
I have nothing against crafting - I'm a crafter myself. It's that hand crafts are the true focus of this place.
If you're a King County resident and have a KCLS library card, there at least used to be a program where you could get two free tickets a month. (This may change by the time you read this.) I highly recommend taking advantage of this benefit, and donating the money you'd save to KCLS and the BAM later.
The art is lovely, from antique quilts to beadwork to wooden polygons. It's nicely curated, and you can usually expect to find something delightful if you haven't been in in a while. It's a fairly small museum if you're one of those people that generally breezes through exhibits, but you can still spend a half hour in here then be happy to continue shopping.
It's not the SAM, but it's lovely in...
Read moreIt is nice a nice museum with interesting exhibits. I really enjoyed my visit and they have free first Friday of every month. They even have an area for kids to do craft on that first Friday. My friends and family enjoyed their visit.
My niece also got a scholarship to attend their summer art camp and it was a wonderful experience for her. From being too afraid that other kids have more art skills and not wanting to attend (she is 9 year old and the age group is 8-10 year old) to can’t wait to come back every day of art camp and for years to come after her first day. Her teacher Natalie was wonderful and so was Julia Miller, Director of Learning & Public Programming, for providing scholarships for kids. The hours were 9 am - 3 pm and with extended care till 5:30 pm. I was able arrange my schedule to take her and I am so glad we got the opportunity to attend. We just felt incredibly blessed she gets to be surrounded by her peers and to be creative. I just love the opportunity that this place...
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