A hub for creativity in downtown Edmonds, Graphite Arts Center operates with a deep belief that art is for everyone and should be accessible to all. Graphite Arts Center has a multi-faceted approach to making a creative impact in the community and inspiring the inner artist in us all.
A Place of Creativity and Community Building in Edmonds
Since its opening in 2022, Graphite Arts Center has been committed to the vision of making art a tool by which to build community and share many voices. The building serves as a testament to that vision, housing both a modern art gallery and plenty of communal spaces where visitors can spend an afternoon crafting and community building. While perusing the gallery, visitors can enjoy rotating exhibits featuring local artists or purchase a piece to take home.
The center also houses studio spaces, supply locker rentals, communal workspaces, and an art book library adjacent to the gallery, making it the perfect hub for networking and creating. A variety of classes are available for those who want to hone their artistic skills or try something new. Learn to make a portrait of your pet, try your hand at watercolor, or create a landscape painting. All skill levels are welcome, and you are highly encouraged to join.
Drop-in Sundays in the Studio sessions with Graphite Art Center owner and founder Mary Olsen provide an opportunity to explore creativity and experiment with various media. A variety of materials is available for exploration with friends around the table. Mary invites visitors to relax and try something new. Mistakes are most welcome.
“It is your piece. There is no wrong answer,” Olsen encourages. “Make a mess. We are allowing you to mess up. It is all okay.” The communal nature of Graphite encourages both the seasoned artist and the aspiring artist to relax and enjoy the process of creating together. “When people tell me that they are not an artist,” Mary summarizes, “I tell them that they just haven’t tapped into it yet.”
Art Start School Programs at Graphite Arts Center
Aligned with the mission to make art accessible to all, Graphite Arts Center’s Art Start School Programs opened in five high-need local elementary schools in 2023. Missy Hancock, School Programs Director, explains that with tightening budgets, very few teachers have the supplies and resources needed to bring art into the classroom. School Programs at Graphite bridge this gap, supplying teachers with free supplies, monthly lesson plans, free workshops, and continual creative support.
Teaching teachers to bring art into their classrooms has an exponential effect. “By teaching teachers,” Olsen explains, “we can get our ideas and our concepts to more people and therefore more kids.”
The highlight of the year arrives in the spring when over 300 pieces of student art are displayed for the families of the artists in the Graphite Art Center’s professional gallery setting. Watching the students glow with pride exemplifies the importance of creativity in the lives of the community. “There is something so legitimizing to have their art displayed in a space like this,” shares Hancock.
Future Plans for Graphite Arts Center
Exciting plans are in the works for the future of the School Programs at Graphite. Hancock explains that the expansion of existing teacher education programs to even more schools and grade levels is a goal for the future. Other plans include creating teacher workshops that are geared to different grade cohorts. This will allow teachers to learn projects that are specific to the grade they are teaching as well as facilitate networking and communication. “This space is community,” Hancock emphasizes. “We want teachers to build that community too.”
Support Edmonds Art and Art Education
Join the mission of Graphite and Art Start Programs by buying art from a local artist. A percentage of a purchase from the gallery at Graphite goes back into art education. Consider donating or contact Missy Hancock, School Programs Director, to see how you can get involved in the Art Start Program.
Hoping to expand their commitment to bolstering creativity in the community, both Olsen and Hancock are excited to include more students in the future. “Everyone has a different voice,” Hancock states.” Our artistic voice is the work that we make, and there is room for all voices.”
Bringing art, community, and art education into the heart of Edmonds, Graphite Arts Center is a space for all to access the creative part of themselves and their community. Wander the gallery, sign up for a class or a workshop, or pop in during open hours and enjoy a book in the library or a project at the table. Pull up a seat and enjoy the opportunity to create and mingle right in your own backyard of Snohomish County.
Graphite Arts Center
202 Main Street, Edmonds
425.510.1097
