Of the artistry born in or inspired by the Evergreen State, including the music of Jimi Hendrix, the glasswork of Dale Chihuly and the blockbuster Twilight series written by Stephenie Meyer, this year it’s the fictional town of Twin Peaks that is taking center stage.
From the bizarre, avant-garde mind of director/writer David Lynch, Twin Peaks, featuring the Snoqualmie-based Salish Lodge & Spa as the Great Northern Hotel, is a cult classic that’s enjoying a 2017 reboot after 25 years.
Beyond Twin Peaks groups can discover a variety of arts experiences to spark creativity among attendees.
Seattle and Puget Sound
Seattle, the cultural hub of the Pacific Northwest, offers many arts opportunities, including must-visit attractions that accommodate off-site events.
Among them are the Seattle Art Museum and its Olympic Sculpture Park, the Seattle Center-based Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).
“MoPOP’s SkyChurch is great for receptions because of the space itself, but also because of the large state-of-the-art projection screen,” said Alisa Carroll, director of public relations for Visit Seattle. “This is the museum that features everything from a Jimi Hendrix collection to a permanent Star Trek exhibit.”
During an event at Chihuly Garden and Glass, groups can arrange for a glassblowing demo. Meanwhile, Pratt Fine Arts Center offers group classes in lampworking.
Groups meeting in the Seattle Southside area can check out the schedule at the Tukwila-based Foster Performing Arts Center, which hosts a wonderful range of concerts, from pop music to the Rainier Symphony.
In Bellevue, east of Seattle, groups can join docent-led tours at the Bellevue Arts Museum, which has several event spaces, including the Court of Light—a great setting for a cocktail reception—and the Forum, which can accommodate dinners.
Located in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country, just 20 minutes from downtown Bellevue, is MoltenWorks, a glass studio where groups can create their own fused glass creations.
In Kirkland, located nearby Seattle on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, groups can book hands-on art-making activities and art demonstrations lead by professional artists at Kirkland Arts Center.
Olympia’s Washington Center for the Performing Arts is another terrific venue for both performances and meetings.
“Hold a reception in the black box to get that behind-the-scenes theatrical feeling for your event, or make a presentation on center stage in the theater,” said Moira Davin, director of marketing and communications for Experience Olympia & Beyond.
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In Tacoma, where Dale Chihuly grew up, “glass art is in our DNA,” said Nick Mann, group marketing manager for Travel Tacoma + Pierce County.
The Bridge of Glass connects downtown Tacoma to the Museum of Glass, where lobby receptions and demonstrations in the on-site glassblowing hot shop can be arranged.
After visiting the museum, groups can visit Tacoma Glassblowing Studio or Area 253 Glassblowing for hands-on experiences.
And in Snohomish County is the Pilchuck Glass School, where groups can take a tour and watch a demo of the Chihuly-inspired “team approach” to glassblowing, said Kristine Vannoy, group sales manager for the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau.
Another group option, the Edmonds Center for the Arts, a restored 1939 performing arts venue, offers a calendar filled with entertaining performances as well as flexible meeting space.
Bellingham and San Juan Islands
At Bellingham-based Whatcom Museum, which offers a rotating schedule of art exhibits, groups can arrange for a docent-led tour as well as events in settings such as the modern Lightcatcher space and the Victorian-era Old City Hall building.
A wonderful lineup of movies are screened year-round at the Pickford Film Center, which is housed in a remodeled historic building that accommodates group events, according to Annette Bagley, director of marketing for Visit Bellingham.
“Private screenings can be arranged,” she added.
Private docent-led tours and hands-on Art for Fun workshops are available for interested groups at San Juan Islands Museum of Art.
“Sip your favorite beverage and follow step-by-step instructions from experienced artists,” said Amy Nesler, communications assistant for the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. “While the parties have been focused on painting, other mediums may be included, such as jewelry or mixed-media collages, depending on the group’s interest.”
Central and Southern Washington
Groups meeting in Vancouver, Wash., around the last weekend in June are encouraged to check out the Recycled Arts Festival, an eco-conscious annual event featuring amazing works of art made from landfill-bound materials. At this free event, attendees can shop for artwork, jewelry and housewares made from recycled or repurposed materials.
Located at Richland-based Barnard Griffin Winery is the db Studio, which offers classes in creating fused glass items including vases and bowls.
“After class, teams can walk across the patio and enjoy a glass of wine and delicious food at the winery’s in-house restaurant, The Kitchen,” said Kris Watkins, president and CEO of Visit Tri-Cities.
Meeting groups can also enjoy a variety of performing arts in the Tri-Cities region, from ballet to musical theater at venues such as the Richland Players Theatre and the Uptown Theatre.
“During the warm summer months, local performing arts groups hold special performances at The REACH Museum’s outdoor amphitheater with the Columbia River as a beautiful backdrop,” Watkins added. “The REACH also serves as an excellent site for an off-site dinner or welcome reception.”
The recent calendar of performances at Spokane’s Art Deco Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox includes Lyle Lovett, Garrison Keillor and the Spokane Symphony.
Groups can also host an event at the theater in various spaces—the lobby is perfect for receptions; the Founders’ Gallery can accommodate board meetings and banquets; and the auditorium is great for keynote addresses, award ceremonies and more.
The Capitol Theatre in Yakima also hosts group gatherings, including meetings and receptions, and features a wide range of performances, from Broadway shows to the Yakima Symphony.
The Yakima Valley Museum is another standout arts option with impressive exhibits, according to Charlie Robin, CEO for the Capitol Theatre.
“With so many varied programs, classic movie nights, classes and presentations, check the schedule and make a point of adding the museum to your itinerary,” Robin said.
