Behind the much loved Bellevue Festival of the Arts, there is a compelling story that has made the Festival what it is today - a leader in its field. Some twenty-six years ago, when the Fair was nothing more than an idea, a group of artists took their growing disenchantment with an established festival and decided to create a fair that fellow artists would be excited to be a part of. The founding ideas of what would become the Craft Cooperative of the Northwest were simple - do away with the for-profit commissions they were being charged and give any proceeds collected from the flat fee back to the community that supported them. This appealed to the local landlords and they chose to show their support through generous financial donations, without requesting public recognition. A jury of artists was employed to ensure quality and fair selection of art. The model that was created and continues to this day has resulted in a respect and admiration between the staff and the artists who share their work. These ideals have not only proven to be a blueprint for our success, but they have inspired other festivals in the area to follow our lead and provide a place for the public to commune with artists and their art.
Through diligence and respect for the community that supports it, the Festival has blossomed into what it is today. With each passing year we grow and solidify our place within the neighborhood. The Bellevue Festival of the Arts is a product of its environment. We have remained mindful of this and it has served us well. Our success will continue as long as we recognize our obligation as stewards to the artists, the local community, and the greater community that we are all a part of.
We serve the local community by providing a venue for talented artists, local food vendors and live music to share their most recent works with the public. We offer this free of charge and with our gratitude for allowing us to return year after year. We serve our fellow artists by treating them as only other artists can. We are sensitive to their needs and open to their concerns as well as their criticism. Our selection process consists of a jury of peers that know and appreciate the alchemy of talent and hard work that is required to create compelling and beautiful art. All proceeds are donated to local and global charities as a service to the greater community, thus completing the circle and serving many parts of our community.
