Peter James Photography Gallery

•$$$$

Great time with Dave Lucas today. A good range of domestic arts and crafts, we went up, selecting a…read morehand carved box, and a handmade knife. His photography is also outstanding, he was very proud to share with us some new bird photography he's producing Really. We will be back.

I've been coming to this gallery for 20+ years. Usually the staff (which is often 1 person) leaves…read moreme alone to browse which is how I like it. They have always responded to me when I've asked for their help. I can only assume other reviewers expect to be waited on hand & foot, but with only one worker in a 2 story shop, I can see how they can be busy. The shop has a great selection of original PNW/Alaskan Native American art at reasonable (~$100) prices along with some other curios. This is my go-to for gifts for weddings, Christmas, etc. I've bought many things over the years.

Beautiful acrylic piece

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Liquid Amber art

Whatcom Art Market

5.0(15 reviews)

I love this shop! Whatcom Art Market is easy to go and shop some local goods. I didn't take any…read morephotos inside the store out of respect for their rules, but I did buy this adorable locally made penguin there. I like that this art market has a wide range of prices-you can find gifts for under $20 just as easily as gifts over $200. It simply depends on what you are looking for. You can find decor for your home, walls, kitchen, or self here. They feature many different types of artists and cater to many different personal aesthetics. They also have classes where you can create some of your own art!

If you like to see what local artist are doing in the Bellingham area, this is a wonderful place to…read morestop. They have many local artists and their artwork for sale. On average there at least two local artists on hand to help you. We walked up with quite a few items and it's a good thing. We only have carry-on because I could've easily added multiple pieces of art. The local artist unhand today were very nice. Worth stopping in.

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Chuckanut Bay Gallery & Sculpture Garden

4.5(18 reviews)

1.4 mi

•$$$

A very cute and well curated gallery. Lots of fun and interesting pieces…read more The small garden is delightful. The kind folks who work there are friendly and not at all pushy Absolutely worth a visit

I personally have never experienced a store like this that makes me feel like I've stepped into a…read morefairy tale. I feel as if I was transported to a place where there is not a worry in the world. The inside of the store is lovely, but the outside is where the true beauty lies. Take your time as you make your way through the peaceful path of sculptures. Soak in the beauty of the surrounding trees. Take a moment to stop and look at every detail. I would have purchased everything in here if the wallet was a bit heavier. It is pretty pricey, but everything is beautifully made. Don't miss out on this store, especially if you're exploring Chuckanut Drive.

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Whimsey

3.8(11 reviews)

•$$$

Was recommended this spot for smaller ring sizes. While they didn't carry a super large selection…read moreof smaller rings, the ones they did have were beautiful. I left with 2 gorgeous rings I'll have for life. The woman working was a gem.

I have been a longtime fan of Whimsey. I love that they feature jewelry made by local artists. They…read moreare always worth exploring, and trying on. On this visit (December 28th, 2024), I bought a ring and pair of asymmetrical butterfly earrings. I didn't take any photos within their shop, but I recommend you go as it is an art gallery-mostly but not all wearable local art.

18K gold and diamond eternity band

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Diamond ring

Artwood: A Gallery of Fine Woodworking

3.7(3 reviews)

•$$$$

What a beautiful little store, filled with wonderful works of glass art. Over 70 different artists…read morehave work featured here, and no matter where you look, there is something that catches your eye, until you look to the next piece. The woman that was working there (not sure if she's the owner) was pleasant. We purchased a glass turtle (because we collect them on our adventures) and brought it home to add to our table of turtles. I can't wait to go back up that way and get another piece of art to add to our home. They had a glass kayak that we both fell in love with, and so many other items. It's hard to make yourself just get one. Can't wait to go back.

I think the first review was supposed to be for the glass store across the street…read more.. Artwood is very very cool, a fairly unknown gem consisting of about ten co-op members. Twenty years (or is it more) old, they are a bunch of woodworkers which means they are very tall on amazing work and skimpy on marketing and sales which explains why Artwood is still unknown to most everyone outside of Bellingham and even many who live here. The work seems expensive? Sure, but the people making it and the gallery are not getting rich. One of a kind furniture/woodwork is time intensive, and this country is not a low wage mecca like southeast Asia. Or even mass produced in North America. On other words the value is there, its not blue sky, the question is are you willing or able to pay for it. Erica and crew at the gallery are not woodworkers, but family of woodworkers, so you get good info and a good feeling and things are clean and well organized and displayed. unlike many stores (full disclosure, I am a lifetime career woodworker) their focus is not just about how much they can sell and how long they can withhold payment. Their focus is on making the operation keep going so the woodworkers can make more great stuff. Don't think the items in the gallery were made in the back room at Artwood, or made by the people working at the gallery. The woodworkers are full time people with families and shops and woodworking tools and machinery, and a life staked on it all. My point is admire the design and craftmanship, its amazing. Don't dismiss it as "so expensive" or being unrealistic. Thats unrealistic.....

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Echo Chernik Gallery

5.0(2 reviews)

Echo's paintings contain such beautiful, vibrant colors and amazing details. I can get lost in…read morethem for hours. Being able to go to her gallery and see so many of her amazing paintings in one place is truly a gift and I urge everyone to go there as soon as possible and support this wonderful artist.

Her artwork is breathtaking. I could not stop looking at each piece over and over again. Such…read morestrong and empowering works of art. A truly talented artist and beautiful use of gallery space.

Gallery entrance

Gallery entrance displaying giclees, prints, books, drawings, and other items featuring Echo's art.

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Poster

The Handmade Life

5.0(1 review)

0.2 mi

I stopped by this gallery while I was in Fairhaven and was delighted to see the unique art and…read morecrafts they had on display - and even better, it's all local!

Western Gallery

5.0(2 reviews)

1.0 mi

•$

Fantastic Artwork Museum with great music occasionally ~ Open on some days check the scheduleread more

Western Washington University has a fabulous art collection. Although it is best known for its…read moreworld-class outdoor art, the Western Gallery is wonderful space dedicated to a wide variety of thoughtful -- often cutting-edge art. Tonight (3/2/2017) New York photographer, Arne Svenson discussed his work, some of which is currently on exhibit at the gallery. In addition to talking about "The Neighbors" at the invitation-only soiree, Svenson talked about some of his earlier work. I was particularly taken by his 1985 sock monkey project -- https://goo.gl/images/UCLcHa

Things to do in Bellingham

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

5 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Chris W.

8 years ago

Our company has been incredibly disappointed with our overall experience and final product of Peter James Studio. We went to PJS for a new website and e-book product in 2017. After assuring us they could produce a high quality multi-reactive site and an e-book that carried the features we requested, the project came in three-months over-budget and lacked 3/4s of the critical items requested. When we brought our concerns to the owner, he made excuses about not knowing the technology and shifted blame toward his employees, he also charged us for his research time on how to incorporate the things he was unable to deliver (but had promised from the beginning); finally sending an email advising us to "get over it" and accept the fact we couldn't have these features. We paid several thousand dollars over the estimate and were never warned of overages accrued. At no time due we received itemized progress reports or notifications of additional costs. At the completion of the project we were left with a website that did not function properly on all devices, did not make the purchasing end user-friendly and had no search engine functions. The e-reader was not reactive on different mobile devices and PJS were unable to identify the problems as they only used Mac software, having not even considered testing on other platforms. When we refused to make any further payments on the already over budget agreement, PJS pulled the customized e-commerce element before our beta testers could complete the testing processes. (An action that has left them liable for a breach of contract lawsuit). In the end, we were left with the impression of a truly unprofessional company, with a primary who lacks business sense and ethics. Don't be fooled by their new gallery and fancy ads, this business owner is not to be trusted beyond supplying glitzy, over manipulated photographs. The short version of a review for Peter James Studio is that they are over priced for the marketplace, with gross misrepresentation of qualifications and severely lacking in customer service. We warn anyone who inquires away from hiring them. read more

Jeffery C.

8 years ago

My company contracted with PJS for a reactive website and an interactive e-book. We were comfortable with Peter's capabilities to provide the website, and received effusive affirmations that he would be able to provide the needed e-book. Working with Kalie (our photographer) was a joy, she is very customer oriented and attentive. She has excellent graphic design skills as well. Beyond her, we found the process challenging. When working on the website design, there were communication difficulties with the developer, and when brought to Peter's attention we (as the customers) we told we "had to be gentle in our feedback as the developer is very sensitive". We finally ended with a website that does most of what we wanted but is still not fully reactive to mobile viewing, a critical element for our needs. After many months of work, it became apparent that the Peter was out of his depth on the technical aspects of our book project. We were strung along with promises of solutions that were ultimately never realized. Our project ran several months past the initial projected completion date, causing us to miss launch deadlines and a series of regional and national conferences. We are now significantly over budget and a year behind schedule. My biggest issue is that at no time during the process were we told that our project was not possible or that PJS did not know how to provide our needs. I felt as though we were constantly being reassured in order to convince us to write another check. When ulitmately trying to resolve these issues, I felt as if we received excuses and indignation, but no willingness to admit any responsibility and meet us with a cost reduction. In fact we were invoiced for the time he spent researching whether he could accomplish our goals. Our experience with Peter James Studios can be summed up (with the exception of Kalie's work) from one of the final emails from Peter that read we "just need to accept the fact that we can't get what we want". read more

Travis R.

11 years ago

The Peter James Studio has always done a stellar job with our business photos. We've worked with Peter himself and more recently with Tad. Both do a great job of creating an atmosphere that is easy and fun which results in fabulous headshot pictures for our website and business cards. They have also been very accommodating when groups of several people have been scheduled to come down together. All in all, I don't really know how it could be any better. Definitely recommended! read more

Barbara S.

5 months ago

I am so excited to have my art on the wall at last! Peter was so kind and helpful during the whole process. He was very helpful in size selection which I am happy to say the larger was perfect! It feels as though you can step right into it! This is art for a lifetime and accessible for anyone. read more

Allan C.

10 years ago

Thanks Tad for a great experience. I have never been comfortable with sitting for a portait, but Tad made me feel right at home. He did a great job telling jokes and that really helped ease my nerves. Highly recommend their service for all type of photo shoots. read more

Peter James Photography Gallery - galleries - Updated September 2026

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4.5

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I am so happy to have discovered Fourth Corner Frames. I had an accident with a painting of mine…read morewhich broke the frame. Sheri provided very helpful consulting on replacing the frame and gave me a very good price. The workmanship was beautiful and thoughtful. She even replaced the glass to one that is UV blocking without our even discussing it. She utilized very nice and sturdy back hanging hardware. She even included cleaning instructions. I am extremely pleased with the outcome and impressed.

Super friendly and helpful. Very happy with the finished art that was mounted and framed.read more

Hamann's Gallery & Gift

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A cute gallery and gift store that also offers picture framing…read more The delightful folks running the store were helpful and a joy to interact with.

Had a very old print of a great grandmother's frame. Very nice and helpful people. When I received…read morethe finished work I could not believe how perfect it was. Even down to the wrapping. All I can say and believe is that they love what they do. Every inch was perfection. Thank you so very much.

Bellingham Frameworks

(10 reviews)

I can't say enough good things about Frameworks in Bellingham. I recently brought in several pieces…read moreto be framed, including a delicate 75-year-old magazine cover with a unique interior color that wasn't easy to match. The gentleman who helped me, Paul, took a great deal of time and care in selecting the perfect frame, patiently working with me to find just the right one. After the framing was completed (with the materials he had special-ordered), I had second thoughts. The frame, though beautiful, didn't quite feel right. I was hesitant to say anything, given the work and expense already involved. But to my surprise, Paul couldn't have been more understanding. Not only did he offer to take the piece apart and help me choose a new frame, he also gave me a generous discount on the second order. His attitude was kind, respectful, and utterly without ego--just a genuine desire to make sure I was happy with the final result. It's rare these days to find someone who stands so firmly behind their work and treats customers with such care. Frameworks went above and beyond in every sense. I'm deeply grateful--and delighted with the final result. As others have noted before me: this is an exceptional shop offering the very highest in customer care and satisfaction. Highly recommended.

I have a small collection of prints, nothing fancy, just a collection over 30+ years of travel. I…read moretook three new pieces to Bellingham Frameworks recently and I am blown away by every aspect of my interaction and the outcome. The people working here spent a great deal of time helping my find the exact frame components to fit my taste and make the prints look stunning. When I picked them up last week I was simply amazed at how great they look!

Allied Arts of Whatcom County

4.5

(4 reviews)

•$$$

The art walk gallery tour was terrific and JP Falcon and David Tondi's live music made the evening…read moretruly wonderful.

This is a great art gallery, which features local artists working in various media. It's also an…read morearts "thrift store" with a back room full of partially used art supplies, tools, and other odds and ends which could become part of your next mixed media project. There's also a little movie theater off to one side that shows independent and art house films. The people who work here are very nice, and are doing great work to support their community. Don't miss this place if your'e doing a walk of downtown Bellingham!

Art and Happiness

4.6

(7 reviews)

This little store on James St is very well named. It's full of not just fun art (and art supplies)…read morebut tons of happiness in the form of friendly staff and adorable little surprises (like fairy hideouts) throughout the store. While they have a little of everything, this is not an exhaustive art supply store, nor does it pretend to be. But if you're looking for something fun, creative, and inspiring it's definitely worth popping in. Bonus for their used art supplies area in the back, and super cool junk journaling kits!

If you love art supplies and fairies.. this little shop is a must stop…read more Very cute, has a magical fairy vibe . They have so much to look at, too many to list Mission - find all 15 fairy doors . Great service, very nice and kind

Make.Shift Art Space

4.9

(7 reviews)

I checked out Make.Shift during last week's Downtown Walk and was blown away by the sheer variety…read moreof art offered here. From modern and contemporary to upcycled to textiles to photography...it's all represented in this spot. Art Walk is a great night to go because you can meet the artists in person and hear about their work and what inspires them.

Every community should have a creative center like Make.Shift to support local arts and music. The…read morespace is non-profit, all -ages, drug-free, and Make.Shift offers practice space to bands passing through for a small fee. Make.Shift is also home to "The Magic Van" a resource for bands looking to tour the PNW who lack access to a band van. This weekend they hosted a local craft fair where there was a button trade, multiple floors of local crafts, and I even picked up some vinyl. Additionally down in the lower level I found an alternative lending library (with zines of course) and some indie publications for sale. There was even an artisan guitar maker who took a break from his craft to talk about what he does. The whole experience was straight up cool. I will make sure to stop back in the next time I am in Bellingham and drop a few bucks in the donation jar because creative spaces like this enrich communities and support the arts for us all.

Dakota Art Store

4.0

(10 reviews)

Staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. Nice gallery next door. Have most supplies I need for…read moremy multimedia art.

This is such a nice store! A huge selection of any type of painting or art supply you'd like, at a…read morerange of prices. Can't wait to come back here!

Village Books & Paper Dreams

4.4

(14 reviews)

Online on Abebooks.com they are zoom Books. I purchase a high quantity of books which gives…read moreconsiderable experience. and possible validity. The book listed as good is actually fine or near mint! The 25 year old reprint of a 1978 book. Modestly priced. Quickly received in perfect condition. Unlike many other sellers, sticker sensibly placed, easily removed and no residue! Store stickers are one of the very few negatives of storefront or online. The Village group are a great resource.

This bookstore is owned by the same person that runs the Village Bookstore in Bellingham. Although…read morethis one is a bit smaller, it really feels quaint. The bookstore is connected inside to Avenue Bread on the West, a boutique shop on the East, and Lynden Inn on the South. I love this boundary-less concept. The upstairs are mostly books and gifts. They have a downstairs, but is currently under construction.

Fairhaven Woodworks

(1 review)

Ted is Mr fairhaven woodworks and represents more experience than a youngster could ever hope for…read more Starting his bizness back in the sixties has made for a breadth of knowledge and skill much larger than the fabled ten thousand hours of Gladwells book. he seems to have abandoned the gallery scene except for artwood gallery of which he is a member. Sounds like getting onto hid schedule requires some luck since he works alone.

Fairhaven Gold