Bellevue Arts Museum facts for kids
Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) in 2007
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| Established | 1975 |
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| Location | 510 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue, Washington United States |
| Type | Art museum |
| Architect | Steven Holl |
The Bellevue Arts Museum, often called BAM, is a special place in Bellevue, Washington. It's a museum that shows modern art, cool crafts, and interesting designs. BAM started in 1975 as a group that helps the community. It brings different art shows to people. Since 2001, the museum has been in a unique three-story building. A famous architect named Steven Holl designed it. Sadly, the Bellevue Arts Museum closed its doors on September 4, 2024. This happened because of money problems.
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How the Museum Started
The museum's story began way back in 1947. It started as a group called the Pacific Northwest Arts and Crafts Association. They showed art at local street fairs. In 1975, the group became a formal nonprofit organization. This means it's a group that works for the public good, not to make money.
After being in a few temporary spots, the museum moved. In 1983, it found a home on the third floor of Bellevue Square. This is a big shopping center in downtown Bellevue. Then, in 2001, BAM got its very own building. This new building was designed by the well-known architect Steven Holl. Many people in Bellevue think this building helped change the downtown area. It helped turn it from a place with many simple shops into a cool city with lots of cultural spots.
Challenges and Changes
Later, the museum faced some money troubles. It had to close to the public in September 2003. But people worked hard to save it! They raised $3 million, which is a lot of money. After some changes inside, the museum opened again on June 18, 2005. It had a new goal: to focus on art, craft, and design. It also wanted to show off artists from the Pacific Northwest area.
Unlike many art museums, BAM does not have a permanent collection. This means it doesn't own a lot of art pieces that stay there all the time. Instead, it focuses on teaching and letting people get involved. It offers many classes and workshops. Since the late 2010s, BAM has been known for its unique and high-quality art shows. These shows often feature artists from the Pacific Northwest.
Helping During Tough Times
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bellevue Arts Museum helped its community. It gave out over 7,000 art and craft kits. Children and families could use these kits at home. The pandemic caused more money problems for the museum. It had rising debt and fewer people giving money. Also, it relied on money from traveling shows that couldn't open in 2020 and 2021.
In February 2024, BAM started an emergency fundraising effort. They raised $349,000 to keep the museum running. But on September 4, 2024, the museum announced it was closing for good. This was because they still didn't have enough money. However, plans for the BAM Arts Fair in 2025 are still going forward.
What You Could See at BAM
The Bellevue Arts Museum has shown many different types of art. These include visual design, modern crafts, and fine art. Some past shows featured works from famous people like architect Louis Kahn (in 2016). Cartoonist Simon Hanselmann had a show in 2019. There were also works by wood sculptor Humaira Abid (in 2017) and artist Tariqa Waters (in 2020 and 2021).
Since 2010, the museum has held the BAM Biennial. This is a special show that looks at art made from one specific material. For example, they might focus on art made from glass, fabric, wood, or clay. The museum has also shown solo exhibitions. These are shows featuring only one artist. Some artists who had solo shows include ceramic sculptors Tip Toland (in 2008) and Patti Warashina (in 2013).
Museum Leadership
From 2004 to 2008, Michael Monroe was the director of the Bellevue Arts Museum. Stefano Catalani was in charge of art, craft, and design starting in 2010. Benedict Heywood became the executive director on September 18, 2017. He left in March 2021. Leigh Ann More then became the temporary executive director in April 2021. In February 2022, E. Michael Whittington was named the museum's executive director.
