Art Gallery

The Make.Shift Gallery is committed to engaging the community by showcasing artwork that is fresh & innovative.

We support local & regional emerging artists by providing a quality space, acting as a supportive platform for artists of all experience levels, & encouraging arts patronage in our community.

SKATEBOARD ART SHOW OPEN CALL DEAD LINE FEBRUARY 28!!

OPEN CALL SUBMISSIONS 

Show Parameters for open call art: 

• All open call art submissions will be displayed at Make.Shift Art Space with a sale price of $100 for one month. 

• All proceeds will benefit the construction of the new Bellingham,Wa Skatepark. Funds will be collected and distributed by North West Skate Collective.  

• Submissions can be dropped off to Make.Shift Art Space 306 Flora St Bellingham WA  Thursday-Saturday 1pm-6pm. Please reach out to Kelly Sorbel if you have scheduling conflicts or questions: gallery@makeshiftartspace.org 

• Local submissions have the option to pick up or donate their artwork if it is not sold in the March exhibition. There will be a brief info form to fill out when you drop off your artwork. 

• We accept submissions by mail under the following provisions:

• Make.Shift Art Space/North West Skate Collective/ Unknown Boardshop are not responsible for return shipping. All pieces shipped will be a donation to the March exhibition and if not sold will be used in future fundraising events. 

• Do not send submissions directly to Make.Shift Art Space. We have limited hours and staff and don't want to lose your art!  If you are interested in shipping art please reach out to Kelly Sorbel : gallery@makeshiftartspace.org for the proper shipping address. 

• Subject matter

• Make.Shift Art Space is an all ages art gallery and music venue with a motto of “No Drugs No Booze No Jerks”. We do not want to censor anyone's art but like artists to think about the following when considering subject themes:

• Consider the above messaging of the institution and patrons.

• If using violence, nudity, drugs or alcohol please provide an artist statement  about your given subject matter. 

It's our favorite community art show of the year! Announcing the call for art for the 9th annual Samish Woods Montessori X Make.Shift Art Space Kids Art Walk! 

 25 students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade will create a written portion and a watercolor piece for local artists to use as inspiration to create their own art pieces of any medium. Each artists “response piece” will be displayed next to the students piece that inspired it.

The theme this year is The Butterfly Effect. The butterfly effect is a scientific theory that describes how the single flap of a butterfly wing can affect the atmospheric pressure in a completely different area causing a larger scale reaction. Our interpretation of this scientific phenomenon focuses on how one small action or choice can lead to a chain reaction of effects and has led us to notice the interconnectedness of community, nature, and each other. 

Choosing to be kind to someone can lead to greater change than we can imagine, picking up a piece of litter can start  an environmental awareness movement, etc. The students have started brainstorming their own cause and effects, they will write a story, and create a watercolor piece in tandem with their stories. 

Interested? Please reach out to gallery@makeshiftartspace.org to participate!

Current and Past Exhibitions

All Make.Shift gallery exhibitions are available to view online. Click the calendar image to view the virtual gallery for each month’s show. The gallery rotates exhibitions on a monthly basis and every show opens on First Friday Art Walk.

For Art sale inquiries please email: Gallery@Makeshiftartspace.ORG

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

Want to Show Your Art at Make.Shift?

Proposals for 2026 are closed at theis time. PLease submit your art work to our anual open call shows!

MARCH-SKATEBOARD SHOW!-submissions due Feb 28th.

MAY - Kids art walk -submissions due April 25th

October- Halloween group show

Reach out to gallery@makeshiftartspace.org with any questions!

Please sign up for our newsletter (scroll to the bottom of the page) or follow us on Instagram to receive information on upcoming gallery opportunities.

Before applying to show your work at Make.Shift, please see our hanging requirements.

Other Cool Stuff!

In 2022, the Make.Shift gallery partnered with the Whatcom County Health Department to bring public art into the Whatcom County Crisis Center. Learn more by clicking the button below.

Interested in partnering with Make.Shift for your project? Reach out to: director@makeshiftartspace.org.