Western Washington University’s art department has opened its 2026 biennial exhibition, featuring 20 faculty and staff artists with works spanning painting, photography, sculpture, video, and installation. The show runs through May 2 in the Fine Arts Building, with free admission and interactive pieces that invite viewer participation. New gallery director Kelly Lindner curated the exhibit, which includes works such as Jennifer Anable’s “Tulip Vase (Hell Fire)” and collaborative pieces by multiple artists.
This biennial matters because it bridges the gap between art educators and the broader community, offering students a rare look at their teachers’ professional practice and work-life balance. The exhibition also provides artists with exposure that can lead to commissions, while fostering collaboration through interactive and multi-artist works. Lindner’s consideration of shifting to a triennial format signals a potential evolution in how the department supports its artists.