Rendezvous — Small chapter in a big story
This Saturday September 12th, 2026
Detail from “The Visit” by Maggie Wilder
As the weekend show approaches, we wanted to share a little bit of the history that has inspired this unconventional exhibition series…
There’s something special about the Skagit Valley — the largest river delta in the Pacific Northwest — that has long drawn artists to devote their lives to creating, collaborating and exhibiting work here, partly out of reverence for this place.
In the late 1960s, at the mouth of the Skagit River, an off-grid community called Fishtown took root. Sculptors, painters, photographers, writers, and poets gathered there, inspired by the region's long cultural traditions and its spirit of place. In the late 1980s, not far from those modest dwellings and studios, the Barn Shows were born. For sixteen years, artists from the Skagit Valley and beyond gathered for this annual harvest celebration of art. Over the past sixty years, the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner and the many acclaimed galleries stretching between La Conner and Edison have nurtured and championed this talent. Today, the artist community here feels as strong as ever.
The Blanchard Mountain Rendezvous is a small chapter in this larger story, one deeply inspired by these people, events and this remarkable region. Artists Maggie Wilder and Allen Moe carry a special thread of experience and inspiration forward to the multi-generational artists gathered at the Rendezvous. We hope to continue that momentum: bringing artists and community members together to explore, collaborate, and forge lasting relationships — nurturing a shared sense of place that feels both familiar and magical.
Whether you're an artist, a lover of the arts, or simply curious, we invite you to join us and experience it for yourself. We look forward to sharing a bowl of soup and a spark of inspiration with you.
Warmly, Todd Horton & Aaron Loveitt
Thank you to all of the supporters through the last 6 years of events! From guest curators, soup chefs, shuttle drivers, art hangers, floor sweepers, musicians and participating artists, Thank You!
Guest curators: Eugénie Frerichs, Chloé Dye Sherpe, Tami Landis, Paper Whale and many who have gathered in council around the wood stove.
Soup Chefs: Jesse Kauppila & Ginger Jui, Oso Ghoffrani, Donna King, Nick Hartrich & Sienna Dawn, Lolo & Andrew, Jess Van Dusen & Kait Rhoads
Parking and Driving: The Bow Sanctuary, Matt Beres, Seth Warner, Pace Werder
Music: Jonathon Ehlinger, Michael Lerner, Sean Trafficante, Ries Niemi
Barn Show artists portrait by Kathy Stevens from the book “Barn Shows - 1987-2003 In Their Own Words”
… Join us for this year’s celebration of Art & Community! A one night exhibit presenting a diverse curation from 24 regional artists. Glimpse into the process, inspiration and collaborative spirit of Skagit Valley’s creative talent. Wood fired soup and fresh apple cider will be offered as we welcome the bounty of this turning season.
Saturday Sept. 12th from noon to midnight, rain or shine
Canopy Art & Iron located at 3273 Blanchard Rd, Bow WA
Shuttle service from the Bow Sanctuary starting at 5pm
Harvest soup prepared over the cauldron around 6pm
A collaborative celestially inspired installation by 9 sculptors
Indoor gallery and outdoor artwork, large and small
This is a free community event that happens only once a year!
Artwork will be available for viewing by appointment following the opening night.
Exhibiting Artists Include: Shelley Muzylowski-Allen, Rik Allen, Tina Aufiero, Lanny Bergner, Becky Fletcher, Eugénie Frerichs, Meg Holgate, Todd Horton, Sara Jacobson, Theo Jonsson, Jesse Kaupilla, Sheila Klein, Steve Klein, Cyndi Lewis, Aaron Loveitt, Fred Metz, Allen Moe, David Neevel, Ries Niemi, Camille Nordgren, James Reisen, Mandy Turner, Pieter VanZanden & Maggie Wilder
