By Luisa Loi
La Conner Community News
La Conner’s prospects of joining the club of Washington Creative Districts are looking quite rosy.
Rebekah Tabah Percival and Aaron Semer, who are respectively the executive director and creative districts program manager at the Washington State Arts Commission, paid a visit to the town to see up close what La Conner has to offer.
The Washington State Arts Commission is a state agency that helps culturally and artistically rich communities attract visitors and boost their economy. Creative Districts receive a $10,000 startup operating grant, and up to $50,000 to pay for small capital projects, technical assistance and other resources, according to the commission, which is also known as ArtsWA.
After a day of touring the town, meeting artists and nonprofit leaders and visiting the Skagit County Historical Museum, the Museum of Northwest Art, the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum on Tuesday, Percival concluded La Conner is “a very, very strong contender” among a group of 10 communities hoping to get this designation.
“I knew it was going to be a nice town, but I think the Hallmark holiday feel of it is really there,” she said in an interview. “Also, for a small town, especially a small town of under 1,000 people… the curation that’s happening in here was truly a big surprise.”
Semer said the Arts Commission submitted a strong workbook and he sees no reason why La Conner wouldn’t be approved. He recommended involving local businesses in the decision-making process, developing a stronger economic development plan, and creating a succession plan for volunteers, which can be especially important in a small, aging community.
“I’m just so impressed with the town, the people, and how passionate they are and how welcoming they are, and how much there is to do,” Percival said.
Earning the creative district designation has been one of the art commission’s priorities for some time.
According to Sarah Dalton of the La Conner Arts Commission, the Town will send a letter of intent to apply in March. If it gets approval, the earliest La Conner would become a certified creative district is August 2027.
Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter at La Conner Community News.
Aaron Semer and Rebekah Percival of the state arts commission met with the La Conner Arts Commission and Arts Commission Advisory committee to learn about the Town’s art scene. Sarah Dalton (seated) gave a presentation after Holly Witte (standing) made introductions.
