Three local arts nonprofits, Lee Arts Foundation (Carnation), Fall City Arts (Fall City), and North Bend Art & Industry (North Bend), are joining forces this summer to directly support more than 150 local artists through a collaborative outdoor exhibition where 100% of profits go back to the artists.
The Second Annual Art in Nature Walk will transform the scenic King County Snoqualmie Valley Trail (STV) into a vibrant open-air gallery from July 1 to August 31, 2026. This expanded, valley-wide partnership builds on last year’s successful inaugural event in Carnation and now includes Fall City and North Bend, tripling both artist participation and community reach.
Together, the three nonprofits will provide over 150 artists with wood rounds to transform into original works of art. These pieces will be displayed along the trail and throughout each participating community, creating a free, accessible public art experience for residents and visitors alike.
“We are so excited to be a part of this project. It’s not just an outdoor gallery; it’s a collaboration between our organizations, artists, and nature. Nature did the heavy lifting; we just showed up to decorate the masterpiece,” said Melissa Castillo, North Bend Art & Industry.
A virtual auction will accompany the exhibition, with all proceeds going directly to the participating artists, reinforcing the organization’s shared mission to invest in and uplift local creative talent.
“This collaboration is about artists supporting artists and communities supporting creativity,” said Simone Oliver, Lee Arts Foundation. “By working together, we’re able to create something larger than any one organization could do alone — a summer-long celebration of art that directly benefits the people who make it.”
The Art in Nature Walk offers a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their work in a natural setting while engaging thousands of trail users throughout the summer. Community members can stroll, bike, or explore the exhibition at their own pace, experiencing local creativity woven into the beauty of the Snoqualmie Valley.
Locations & Sign-Ups for the exhibition include:
- Carnation – along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail near Nick Loutsis Park
- Artist sign up: https://tinyurl.com/AiNSignupLAF2026
- Fall City – off 356th Avenue SE along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail
- Artist sign up: https://tinyurl.com/AiNSignupFCA2026
- North Bend – along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail segment that’s northeast of Tollgate Farm Park
- Artist sign up: https://www.northbendartandindustry.org/new-page-2
“We hope this event inspires families to get outside, enjoy our surroundings, discover neighborhood artists, and support local small businesses,” said Morgan Leahy, Fall City Arts.
