The charming downtown core of Kirkland offers a pedestrian-friendly blend of locally owned businesses with a lively and growing arts scene. Our scenic waterfront is home to numerous restaurants, public parks, beaches, art galleries, a collection of public art, and an arts center.

The Kirkland art scene started with The Kirkland Arts Center, originally opened in 1892, and formerly named the Peter Kirk building after the founder of Kirkland. The building went through various uses before being purchased by the Creative Arts League in 1962 when it became an art school and remains today with the addition of a gallery on the first floor. At its height, Kirkland was home to 13 galleries, however, due to the economic downturn in 2008, several galleries closed or moved. In spite of several economic downturns since its beginning, Kirkland has been very resilient. In recent years, Kirkland has seen a return to the arts; galleries have begun moving back, some returning and others for the first time. The five that can be found in Kirkland today include: Gunnar Nordstrom Fine Arts and La Petite Galerie, Kirkland Arts Center, NYB Fine Art Gallery, Parklane Gallery, and ryan james fine arts. Each gallery is curated with unique work, and caters to vastly different styles and tastes.

  

The city of Kirkland has the claim to most public works on the Eastside, numbering more than 30 pieces to date. Included in these numerous public pieces are the six sculptures found on Parklane, which rotate yearly. The Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission has a yearly open call to artists for the six works selected; these works are for sale, with all proceeds going to the artist. KCAC uses a grant from 4Culture for the installation of the works.

The city of Kirkland has a rich history in the arts. We hope you visit our historic downtown art community!

Parklane Gallery has been at the heart of the Kirkland/Eastside fine-arts community since 1991, as a leader in distinctive contemporary artwork including paintings, photography, sculpture, glasswork, and jewelry. Located across Lake Washington from Seattle in downtown Kirkland, WA, its 40 resident Northwest artists cater to a rich diversity of taste. 

ryan james fine arts, founded by Ryan James, represents 15 artists working in the modern, abstract, and conceptual style. Joined by Jessica Kravitz, these partners cultivate a gallery that fosters the careers of known and emerging artists alike, who focus on an ideal set of principles while building a unified body of work. 

 

The Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery is an intimate space located in the heart of downtown Kirkland in the Marina District just steps away from Lake Washington nestled among shops and restaurants. With an emphasis on whimsical and expressionist work, local patrons frequently choose the Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery as the Eastside’s favorite gallery.

NYB Gallery is a Fine Arts Gallery located lakeside in Carillon Point Plaza. NYB’s Art Gallery exhibits museum quality contemporary fine art through our ongoing solo and group exhibitions. We invite both experienced collectors and those looking to enjoy contemporary fine art as a new experience to our gallery. 

The Kirkland Arts Center Gallery supports local artists and curators by providing a space for engaging exhibitions. These shows inspire art appreciation and creativity in the arts community. Featuring several shows per year in a variety of media on diverse topics. KAC Gallery is free and open to the public, including opening receptions.