New to SLU: Gage Academy of Art

Seattle’s vibrant art community is set to flourish with the grand opening of Gage Academy of Art’s new South Lake Union campus. This celebrated nonprofit, a cornerstone of Seattle’s art education for 35 years, has relocated from its Capitol Hill home to an exciting new space at 2107 Westlake Avenue. Nestled in Amazon’s re:Invent building, the 14,000 square-foot facility is designed to provide a dynamic and accessible learning environment for aspiring artists of all skill levels.

The new location promises to expand Gage’s reach, serving a larger, more diverse body of students. With modern classrooms, art studios, multimedia rooms, and communal areas, Gage offers a flexible, enriching environment for students to explore visual arts. Whether you’re just starting or looking to hone your craft, Gage provides a wide range of classes, including offerings such as “Hybrids, Beasts, and Imagined Landscapes,” “Drawing Birds,” “Composition and Film,” and “Creative Cartography.” If you’re looking for something more immersive, be sure to explore Gage’s globally recognized Atelier programs.

As part of its mission to foster community engagement, Gage Academy is launching an exciting lineup of events, starting with the new After Hours series.

“Every third Thursday, Gage will host a 21+ evening event: Art History Lecture, Drink & Draw, and Art Lab,” said Gage’s marketing director Angel Coburn. This series is designed to offer creative opportunities for adults to unwind, connect, and explore their artistic potential after a busy day in the city. These events rotate between Gage’s new space in SLU and its second location in Georgetown.

In addition to the After Hours series, Gage is gearing up for its next exhibition, “Introductions,” which will feature artwork from the talented teaching artists of the Adult and Youth Programs at Gage. The exhibition will run from October 24, 2024, to November 29, 2024, with an opening reception on Thursday, October 24 from 6pm to 8pm at the South Lake Union campus.

And don’t miss the return of Drawing Jam, Gage Academy’s beloved all-day community arts festival, happening on December 7, 2024. This event is a celebration of creativity for all ages, offering dozens of hands-on drawing, painting, and sculpting activities, live artist demonstrations, free art supplies, live music, a pop-up café, and a small works art market. The day will conclude with a fun “After Hours” party featuring a wine and beer bar for those looking to wind down after a day of artistic exploration.

For those looking to become more involved with Gage Academy, membership offers early class registration, discounted or free admission to events, and access to a community newsletter, making it easier than ever to stay connected to Seattle’s flourishing art scene.

With its new home in South Lake Union, Gage Academy is ready to inspire a new generation of artists while continuing its commitment to providing high-quality art education.