Venues for Artists in the Local Area
CURRENT & UPCOMING:
EVENTS • EXHIBITIONS • CALLS FOR ART
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Spotlight!
An exhibition of selected artists
from the Redmond Arts Festival.
Let’s keep the festival spirit going - come enjoy artworks from the 2026 Redmond Arts Festival!
Exhibition Dates: Saturday August 1st - Sunday September 13th, 2026
VALA Art Center is open every Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 2pm
8020 161st Ave NE, #104, Redmond, WA 98052 (map)
Spotlight! Reception: Sunday, Aug. 23, 2-4 pm
Want to see more from our talented Redmond Arts Festival exhibitors? Well, look no further! VALA Art Center is excited to be showcasing the work of selected festival artists in our Spotlight Exhibition! A further chance to enjoy original local artworks, the exhibition launches on the weekend of the Redmond Arts Festival and shows until early September. From landscapes to portraits to still life, there’s something for everyone in this show! Visit us today to celebrate the creative skills found in our local area!
Small Wonders
CALL FOR ART
Help us fit the whole world into one small art center!
VALA Eastside invites the artistic community to apply for Small Wonders - an exhibition of miniature artworks and short-form writing. We are seeking small-scale artworks that relate to your sense of “home”, including depictions of personal cultural heritage. However you got here, VALA is excited to share your journey and your art. Join VALA in celebrating our local melting pot by submitting to the Small Wonders show!
We are looking for:
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2D artworks, no more than 100 square inches in size, including frame
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3D artworks that fit in the palm of your hand
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Poetry or flash fiction, less than 100 words in length
We want to hear from you if:
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You are a local artist, creating small artworks with a big impact
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You are a local poet with a story to share in less than 100 words
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You are inspired by and connect with your own heritage and culture through art
Applications from LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community members are always welcomed, in line with VALA’s commitment to uplifting marginalized voices.
All applications will be reviewed by VALA’s Curator, Ella Woodward, and Board Member and artist, Eva Moon.
CALL FOR ART DEADLINES:
Application Deadline: Monday September 7, 2026
Finished Art Deadline: Friday September 25, 2026
Art Drop Off Dates: Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27, 2026
Art Pick Up Dates: Saturday December 19 and Sunday December 20, 2026. Alternative times for drop up and pick up arranged at Curator’s discretion.
EXHIBITION:
Exhibition Dates: Soft opening: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Friday October 9 - Sunday December 13, 2026
Opening Reception: 6-8pm Friday October 9, 2026
Entry Fee: $1 per piece submitted; up to 6 pieces per artist.
VALA Eastside never wants money to be a barrier to entry. The entry fee for this exhibition helps our organisation to cover the exhibition’s administrative and staffing costs. If you require financial assistance or want to discuss our fees further, please contact ewoodward@valaeastside.org with your queries.
Interested Artists
Please complete download and complete our Application Form (by either following the link to the Google Form, see below, or by emailing Ella for the PDF version of the form).
Email the completed form to Ella Woodward at ewoodward@valaeastside.org
Pay your entry fee to VALA Eastside’s Zelle account or contact Ella to discuss alternative payment methods.
Art Specifications:
Media: Original 2D and 3D artworks in any medium.
Dimensions: Size of 2D artwork should not exceed 100 square inches (i.e. 10”x10”) in size, including framing. 3D artwork should be able to be held in the palm of the hand.
Writing Specifications:
Short-form poetry or flash fiction; 100 words or less.
Written work must be printed professionally and be presented on either good quality cardstock or framed. Font size must be 12 point or larger. The framed/printed written piece should not exceed 100 square inches (i.e. 10”x10”) in size, including framing.
Gallery Artwork Requirements:
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All work must be original, and the artist must own the sole copyright to the artwork.
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Frames, mats, and wiring must be of a professional quality and in good condition.
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No saw tooth hangers. Wiring must be securely fashioned with D-rings and support the weight of the artwork.
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2D Artwork selected for exhibition MUST BE READY TO HANG.
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3D artwork must have a mount if needed.
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Not for-sale artwork will be considered for the show.
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All sales and sales inquiries will be handled directly by the artist. The Artists retain 100% commission on all exhibition sales of artwork in exhibition.
PAST EVENTS
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Soccer Lino Printing at the 'Meet Me at Marymoor Watch Party' - July, 2026
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Journey Through Identity Exhibition - June-July, 2026
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Writing Workshop with Author Joké Durojaiye - May, 2026
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Writing Workshop with Author & Poet Catherine Broadwall - May, 2026
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Free Workshop: Love in Bloom - Mother's Day Workshop- May, 2026
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Free Workshop: Spring Studio - Oil Pastel & Watercolor - April, 2026
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Free Workshop: Whimsical Jellyfish from Recycled Materials - April, 2026
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Recycled Dreams Exhibit - March-May, 2026
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Watercolor Hearts: Color & Emotion Workshop - February, 2026
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Meet the Founder followed by Somatic Ekphrasis Performance - January, 2026
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Art from the Founder's Collection: Reception & 16 Years of VALA Celebration - January, 2026
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Self-Portraits in Action: A Youth Art Exhibit - October, 2025
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Golu Exhibit: Kolam Art Workshop - September, 2025
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Golu Festival: Storytelling Performance - September, 2025
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Golu Festival: Storytelling and Art - September, 2025
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Redmond Art Festival Artist Showcase - July, 2025
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Redmond Art Festival - July, 2025
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Out of Isolation: A collaborative art show - June, 2025
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“Astitva: Giving Identity to Indian Artists” - May, 2025
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Love in Bloom: Mother’s Day Art with Flowers and Fragrant Accessories - May, 2025
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"Art is Me, Art is Us" Group Exhibit - April, 2025
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Artist Chat: "Art is Me, Art is Us" Group Exhibit - April, 2025
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Mindful Artist Critique with Ashwini Sadekar - March, 2025
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Holiday Craft Workshop - Tealight Coasters with gems - December, 2024
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"Worlds Aglow" - Celebrating Light & Community - December, 2024
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Holiday Postcard Making - December, 2024
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Book Event: The Mom Handbook with Lisa Vailencour - November, 2024
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Chinese Brushwork Painting: Navigating the Complexity of Cultural Identity - November, 2024
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Artist Chat & Poetry Reading - November, 2024
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"Worlds Aglow" Community Painting Workshop - November, 2024
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"Embracing the Dark" Group Exhibit - November, 2024
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Little Hope Gallery: Ukraine’s Children The Their Stories Through Art Exhibit - September, 2024
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Create postcards to send to Ukraine's children - September, 2024
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Downtown Redmond Art Walk: VALA Announces Featured Artist - September, 2024
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2024 Redmond Arts - July, 2023
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2024 Redmond Arts Festival Artist Showcase - July, 2024
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"A Story to Tell" Community Art Project - July, 2024
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Thrive: Queer Joy & Protest - June, 2024
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"In This Place: How Poetry Connects Us to the Past" - April, 2024
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Spread Your Wings Community Art Project - March, 2024
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Binding Brilliance! Learn the Art of Secret Belgian Bookbinding with Kay Bae - December, 2023
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"Little Vara wants a Puppy" Book Launch - December, 2023
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Merry & Bright - Window Decorating Party - December, 2023
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"I Am Not Cursed" Chapbook Release Celebration - November, 2023
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Forbidden Fruit Group Exhibit - November, 2023
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Worry Worm Workshop: Crochet for a Cause - October, 2023
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Dudley Carter on Paper - August, 2023
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2023 Redmond Arts Festival - July, 2023
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2023 Redmond Arts Festival Artist Showcase - July, 2023
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Momentary Magic - June, 2023
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Binding Brilliance! Learn the Art of Secret Belgian Bookbinding with Kay Bae - May, 2023
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VALA GALA - May, 2023
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Poetry Workshop & Open Mic Reading - May, 2023
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Stitching Together: A Mother's Day Workshop with Create2Help - May, 2023
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Worry Worm Workshop: Crochet for a Cause - April, 2023
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Through A Poet's Eye - April, 2023
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Empowerment through Metaphor: A Performance Writing Workshop with Balin Lusby - Feb, 2023
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Emerging from the Darkness - February, 2023
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Redmond Lights at VALA - December, 2022
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Carol Night - A Time of Joyful Noise - December, 2022
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Merry & Bright - Window Decorating Party - November, 2022
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Reviving | Artist Chat - November, 2022
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Felting Workshop - November, 2022
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Bookbinding Workshop - October, 2022
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Reviving Group Exhibit - October, 2022
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Bob Ross Workshop | Fundraiser - October, 2022
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Home Ground - September, 2022
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Redmond Public Art Intensive Informational Meeting - July, 2022
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2022 Redmond Art Festival - July, 2022
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2022 Redmond Art Festival Artist Showcase - July, 2022
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Silver Threads and Golden Needles Exhibit - April, 2022
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Art and Memory Exhibit - March, 2022
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Redmond Lights - December 2021
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We Are Here - 2021
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... And many more exhibits and projects since 2010