Every two years, Western Washington University’s art department comes together to put on a gallery celebrating the artwork made by faculty and staff. For the 2026 biennial, 20 artists were featured in the exhibit, with works ranging from paintings, photography and sculptures to videos and installations.
The gallery is located in Western’s Fine Arts Building in room 124, and is open to the public through May 2. The exhibition runs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
Offering free admission, the biennial creates opportunities for the community, artists and students alike. Community members and students are invited to stop by and enjoy the artistic space, where contributors have the chance to proudly display their hard work.
Jennifer Anable, a featured artist in the gallery, cited the importance of art students viewing the exhibit. It shows the next stage of life in the art world and stands as an example of their teachers’ work-life balance, Anable said.
As for the artists themselves, the gallery is an opportunity for participants to gain exposure.
“You never know who could see it,” Anable said.
It’s not uncommon for artists to be commissioned after having their work viewed at exhibits.
Anable’s additions to the gallery were “Tulip Vase (Hell Fire),” “Vase (Screaming Ladies)” and “Tulip Vase (UFO’s).” She described her inspiration as influences from Skagit Valley, and wanted to tie in dark humor and the strange times the world is facing.
Although the Western Gallery is separate from the rest of the art departments, Department of Art and Art History Manager Amanda Richeson described the gallery as an “excellent representation” of the faculty and staff’s work.
Every staff member in Western’s art department is invited to submit for the gallery, and the result is a carefully curated exhibit. This makes each biennial one-of-a-kind.
Unique in many ways, the most prominent distinction this year was the gallery’s new director.
Western hired Kelly Lindner as gallery director in 2025. This year’s exhibit was Lindner’s first time directing Western’s art gallery, and her goals were to present and recognize the faculty’s work accurately and effectively.
Lindner explained that the purpose of the gallery is to show art students their teachers' lives as working artists, as well as to show the community the art they worked hard to create. She emphasized the engagement the gallery offers by bringing people together.
Before the gallery’s opening reception on April 16, Anable shared her excitement. The experience was fun, smooth and celebratory, Anable said, and it was an honor to be in the showcase.
Aside from exposure, the biennial also fosters collaboration between artists and viewers. A few pieces depend on the viewer’s interaction, including physical touch and sound experiences. Another featured artwork had two artists, emphasizing cooperation and teamwork.
Looking forward, Lindner is considering turning the gallery into a triennial to give artists more time to prepare their pieces. For now, she encourages everyone to come to the show.
Maevis Croteau (she/her) is a first-year reporting student and campus news reporter for The Front this quarter. When she doesn't have her face glued to her laptop, she's usually out enjoying a sunset or staying up ridiculously late to cuddle with her hamster, Bolt. You can reach her at maeviscroteau.thefront@gmail.com.
