Neighborhoods

La Conner

L a Conner is quaint waterfront town in Skagit County with art galleries, several museums, fabulous restaurants, historic buildings, specialty shops, marinas,  http://www.portofskagit.com/Marina/  and a personality all its own!  It is also home of the internationally famous Skagit Tulip Festival   http://www.tulipfestival.org/ with hundreds of acres of tulips considered to be the best in world.  

The area that is now La Conner was first inhabited by the Swinomish Indians.  John Conner was the founder of La Conner and he named the town after his wife, L. A. Conner.  The town prospered because of the fertile farm lands, the plentiful fishing, and the timber industry.  After the depression, the town became a haven for writers and artist that found inspiration in the incredible natural beauty and tranquil lifestyle that La Conner offers.

Today La Conner consists of a thriving business community (21 new businesses opened in 2008).  La Conner homes range from contemporary condos in the heart of town to Victorian homes on the National Register of Historic Homes.  The largest concentration of La Conner homes are located in Shelter Bay  http://www.shelterbay.net/ .  Shelter Bay is a community of homes, most of which are on land leased from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.  There are approximately 1700 residents of Shelter Bay that enjoy Shelter Bay amenities which include, a marina with 317 slips, 2 club houses, a par-3 nine hole golf course, a private beach, 2 swimming pools, tennis and tennis courts!  Many Shelter Bay homes are on the water and have private docks.  Because the land is leased, Shelter Bay home prices are very affordable!

La Conner is a great place to visit, and once you visit, you will want to consider purchasing a La Conner condo or a La Conner home!

February 1st, 2010

Upcoming Art Events in La Conner

Written by Breta Malcolm

The La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum in Historic Gaches Mansion has two new exhibitions! The work of Luar Schwarz Smith, “Imagery and Imagination”, is on view on the second floor galleries. It coincides with the release of her new book “Secrets of Digital Quilting - from Camera to Quilt”. The third floor galleries are filled with work from the Whidbey Island Surface Design Association. Much of the work is “expressed through basketry, weaving, wall art, 3-D are, quilting and wearables. These exhibits will be on until March 28, 2010. For additional information about the museum go to www.laconnerquilts.com

The Museum of Northwest Art is showing a retrospective of the work of Whidbey Island artist Maxine Martell until March 3, 2010. Simultaneously, Nancy Callan is exhibiting her work in the Benaroya Glass Gallery. Family Ard Days will be January 23 and February 20th - pre-registration is required due to space limitations. For hours and contact information please go to the web site www.museumofnwart.org 

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October 2nd, 2009

Paint Me A River - Art Meets History

Written by Breta Malcolm

M onths ago, a number of accomplished local artists were asked to submit pieces that reflected their personal interpretation of some facet of our local history. As a result, the Skagit County Historical Museum  is delighted to present this exhibit with over 75 original works rendered in paint, glass, bronze, neon, photography and multi-media, revealing the wide variety of interesting, amusing and surprising responses that our history can inspire. You are invited to enjoy this unique exhibit and perhaps share your own interpretation of the history of this beautiful place called Skagit.

Saturday, October 10th 4:00-7:00pm, celebrate with us! Enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music with “Mr. Entertainment” Jack Hamilton, acoustic guitarist/vocalist, as you meet the artists and tour the show.

The Skagit County Historical Museum is located at 501 South 4th Street at the top of the hill in historic La Conner, WA. Call 360-466-3365 for more details or visit www.SkagitCounty.net/Museum.

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September 28th, 2009

Upcoming Events in La Conner

Written by Breta Malcolm

La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum

Washington State’s only quilt museum is located at 703 2nd Street in La Conner, Washington in the Historic Gaches Mansion.

September 30 marks the opening of Play With Your Food: The Delicious Quilts of Sandy Bonsib. What can be more appealing than quilts and desserts? Sandy Bonsib, author of nine books, creates both quilts and desserts based on the recipe and food colors which inspire the name. Delight in Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate Truffles or Key Lime Pie; both the quilts and desserts can b3e found in Sandy’s newest books! While her quilts look complex, the quilts in the dessert series use simple blocks! A teacher by profession and a quilter by passion, Sandy holds a graduate degree in education. Be sure to stop in the Museum Store to pick up a  free recipe for Sandy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies! This show runs thru December 27, 2009. For more information contact the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum at 360-466-4288 or check out the website at www.LaConnerQuilts.com.

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September 23rd, 2009

Bunnies, Bambi’s and Owls, Oh My!

Written by Jackie Stone

T here are lots of wonderful reasons to live in the Shelter Bay neighborhood of La Conner…the marina, the water, the golf course, the terrific people…but an extra special reason is the variety of wildlife that also call Shelter Bay home.

Granted, they often chew up my garden-chomping off tomato branches and blossoms before I have tomatoes, and nibbling the leaves off even my favorite Hostas. And I curse them under my breath as I see the newest damage. But even with those small indiscretions, they have my loyal friendship.

I love watching the bunnies hop along my back fence and the deer quietly move through the yard as the sun sets. In the wee hours of the morning, when the owl in my neighbor’s tree hoots softly to his owl friends, instead of being angry that I’m awake I enjoy the serenade.

Often, on my way home, I spot a doe, and what I think must be a yearling, wandering across a yard or along the street…off in search of some new delectable treat from some garden or another. And I think to myself: What a treat to live here. It’s an absolutely beautiful setting, and I love my community and my neighbors. And who cares if I’m short a few tomatoes. Well, okay, I care. But I’ll gladly share them with my wildlife friends. They need to eat their fruits and veggies too.

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September 2nd, 2009

Museum Estate Sale 2009 at La Conner Civic Garden Club

Written by Breta Malcolm

B enefiting Museum of Northwest Art and La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum. Featuring quality antiques, collectives, art, quilts, dishes, interior furnishings, glassware, jewelry, rugs, silverware, vintage clothing and much more.  The La Conner Civic Garden Club is located at 622 South Second Street in La Conner, WA.  Private Pre-Sale Party: Friday, September 11th starts at 5:30, tickets are $25 each

Public Sale Hours: Saturday, September 12th 9am-4pm and Sunday, September 13th 10am-4pm

 For info, to donate items, buy Pre-Sale tickets, or volunteer, email: marketing@museumofnwart.org or call 360/466 4446, ext 109 or 360-466 4288

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