jansen art center

Jansen Art Center was renovated about two years ago I'm told. Wow have they ever done a wonderful job in renovating. The restoration, choice of colors on the walls, the beautifully restored wood floors, furniture and addition of the Firehall Cafe was a REAL TREAT!Each room displayed a different artist's work. Each room had it's own feel and personality. The art work was pleasantly displayed. Not crowded. Comfortable. You just don't find many of these grand old buildings with their architectural grandeur that you don't find in buildings built today.In addition, the Firehall Cafe was a real treat. The lower level seating was done up in bold red chairs, tables with painted canvas tops covered by glass and the Barista bar faced with corrugated polished steel with wonderful accent colors, textures and artifacts were a nice touch. The upper seating provided for (if I remember right) wing-backed conversation chairs and tables with an access to an outdoor raised deck with tables chairs and umbrella's. Very well done again.I really enjoyed our visit to this old gem of a building and art center.

What a great addition to Lynden. Loved the art on display, and admire the vision of the Jansens for creating not only a gallery but a hands-on learning center for arts of all kinds. The little cafe's a plus, though the food offered here needs refining and upgrading to achieve the sensory satisfaction of what's hanging on the walls--food can be art, too.

The remodel of the old City Hall was a genius idea. Everything was done with high quality materials in a very tasteful and artistic manner. The rotating art shows have been worth the trip to the county, I wish more of my Bellingham friends would make the trip out there. Great classes available for all ages, there is a full ceramic studio, jewelry studio, weaving studio and painting studio. There are dance rooms, music rooms, and a wonderful little cafe where beer and wine is also available. Big deal for Lynden if you know the anti-alcohol history of the town! The small gift shop has lovely Whatcom County handmade articles for sale from some of the top artists in the county. Well worth a trip, check it out!

I was surprised to find this delightful creative retreat in the middle of small town WA. A feast for the eyes and spirit. Can't wait to take an art class.

Jansens spared nothing to make this building first class. The building is worth the trip itself. The art (all types imaginable) is a bonus.I also love the red leather chairs to kick-back with free wi-fi and enjoy something from the quaint cafe. I love the quiet. Why is every food establishment so noisy these days? Not here.Great staff.

Recently repurposed pioneer era City Hall building. Full of fascinating nooks and crannies. Beautiful, high quality art through out the building. It has artist studios, music and dance performing space. The gift shop has things you would be proud to own or give as gifts. My most recent visit was with my book club. We went to hear a lecture given by David Guterson regarding a county-wide read of Snow Falling on Cedars. The old City Council Chambers are now being used for presentations. There are a number of classes being offered. There is a cafe open during breakfast and lunch hours. When the weather is warm it flows onto the sidewalk, as well as having an outdoor deck on the back of the building. It is continually evolving. On an earlier visit we needed to use handicap access. It was a little challenging, we had to contact the gift store staff person to open the access door. She was most gracious and during an event the door may be unlocked.

I can't speak for the programs they offer but there were some happy looking kids hanging around. There was some good art on display and a couple of pieces that blew me away. The building is full of little rooms and hidden areas open to just wandering around for a while which the friendly staff welcomed me to do even after "official" closing time. Looking forward to coffee on the back deck when the weather gets better.