Art Commons’ Creative Summits have been running since the fall of 2025, and we just recently completed our first full season, called MOMENTUM!

This included:

Community in 3D (Nov 2025)

Creating a 3D collage sculpture with artist Karen Hirsch, which went on to be displayed in four King County Library System branches between January-June 2026!

Art as Catalyst for Change (Jan 2026)

A panel discussion with Rita Meher (Tasveer), Bryan Carter (4Culture), and Ryan Daniel Dobson (Artist) about how the arts can change lives and change the world.

The Fallow Season (Mar 2026)

A panel discussion with Dr. Mavis Tsai (University of Washington), Nico H. (Pongo Teen Writing), and Kim Mitchell (Artist) about the creative purpose of patience, energy, and the doldrums - which was ironically cancelled due to a freak spring snowstorm, and adapted into an asynchronous activity via email.

Art as Medicine (Apr 2026)

A panel discussion with Dr. Joyce Paul Siamak (SCARF), James Miles (Path With Art), and Tina Velazquez Hays (Fresco Mental Health) about the ways that art can bring about healing and regeneration.

Art in Education (Jun 2026)

A two-part event including a lesson planning training session for arts educators with teaching artist Natasha Terry, and a clay station workshop with KidsQuest educators on site for all ages.

Many thanks to the North Bend Art & Industry, Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park, Yuan Ru Arts Center, and the City of Issaquah Farmer’s Market for their critical partnership in co-hosting all these events! Your generosity of spirit is the reason why these were all possible!

Stay tuned for announcements about the next season of Creative Summits, to begin in Fall 2026!