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10 Central Washington Art Galleries & Museums
Central Washington is filled with tons of fun activities, some being exhilarating and some being a bit more relaxing. If you are looking for something on the more educational and creative side, try visiting one of Central Washington’s art galleries or museums! If you are wondering where to start, check out one of these locations!
CARPENTER FAMILY HISTORIC HOME & ART GALLERY (CLE ELUM, WA)
This 1914 mansion used to be the home of Cle Elum’s first successful banker and former mayor Frank Carpenter. It contains the Carpenter family’s original furnishing along with a High Country Artists art exhibit! Many stories are told through art here, so stop by to experience it all!
CLYMER MUSEUM OF ART (ELLENSBURG, WA)
The Clymer Museum of Art is dedicated to award-winning illustrator and painter John Ford Clymer. The museum features many of Clymer’s finest paintings, something that you cannot miss out on. You can see a plethora of different art works here, including paintings, photographs, ceramics, quilts, and sculptures!
WASHINGTON STATE SKI & SNOWBOARD MUSEUM - SNOQUALMIE PASS, WA
Snoqualmie Pass has a reputation for great snowboarding and skiing, so why not learn about its history at the Washington State Ski & Snowboard Museum? There are many historical collections here that include Ski Mountaineering, Washington Snow Sports Venues, and Olympians From the Area! Gold medals from Olympians, along with videos, artifacts, and photos will make this trip worthwhile for the ski and snowboard lover. You can learn so much about the history of skiing and snowboarding here as Snoqualmie Pass is one of the most visited locations in the state for those activities.
DICK AND JANE'S SPOT (ELLENSBURG, WA)
Dick and Jane’s Spot is unique, as it is an art gallery and a home! Dick and Jane have made most of the art located in the gallery and have also collected art to showcase. All of the art to be seen is located outside and can be viewed from the fence that surrounds the home. The other areas are private to the owners, so please be respectful of them during your visit. A great spot to stop by and see some cool art!
ELLENSBURG RODEO HALL OF FAME (ELLENSBURG, WA)
This non-profit organization was founded in 1997 and has preserved the history and traditions of the Ellensburg Rodeo! It celebrates the founding of the rodeo, women in the Ellensburg Rodeo, the role of Native Americans, trick riders and clowns, ropers, champions, and much more. A great location to visit for those who have a love for rodeos or are interested in our area’s rich Western tradition.
GALLERY ONE: VISUAL ARTS CENTER (ELLENSBURG, WA)
Gallery One has gone through many transformations over the years, but the love for art has been the same. Innovative and diverse exhibits from local and international artists are displayed and celebrated here. Gallery One also has a great gift shop, educational programs, art classes, networking opportunities, and studio space for artists!
KITTITAS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM (ELLENSBURG, WA)
The origin of the Kittitas County Historical Museum can be traced back to 1961 when a group of eleven local members created an organization to preserve the history of the Kittitas Valley. Today, the Kittitas County Historical Museum offers exhibits including an antique doll collection, Native American bag and basket collection, antique automobile display, items from early Kittitas County businesses, military history items, and more!
PACIFIC CREST CREATIVES (CLE ELUM, WA)
Pacific Crest Creatives features curated art that highlights regional and local artists! The art showcased here is unusual, unique, and collectible, making it an experience you won’t want to miss. Pacific Crest Creatives also offers classes, professional art supplies, a metalsmithing studio, and more!
SARAH SPURGEON GALLERY (ELLENSBURG, WA)
Named after a beloved Central Washington University art professor, the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery showcases CWU faculty and other artists’ artwork. The gallery shows off a wide variety of mediums such as photography, jewelry, sculpture, collage, painting, and more, so there is a ton to experience here!