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Discover What’s Happening in January

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The rain is falling and the days are still short; what better time than now to get cozy inside? We are inviting you to Discover What Moves You at one of our local 18 arts and culture organizations this January. Each month, we’ll be highlighting six of our amazing arts and culture organizations so you can learn a bit more about them. Read on to see who they are and what events you can attend in January.

BelRed Arts District

The BelRed Arts District is a dynamic area situated between downtown Bellevue and Redmond, known for having the highest concentration of arts and cultural organizations and artists in the city. Many of these creative spaces are nestled within older, non-traditional locations like post-industrial warehouses and aging commercial buildings, forming an eclectic hub that draws thousands to the area. This district functions as a crucial regional pipeline for arts and culture, driving arts education, community unity, and broader creativity and innovation

The driving force behind this creative community is the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance, a grassroots, community-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in May 2023 by passionate volunteers and advocates. The Alliance is dedicated to uniting, empowering, and inspiring the community through arts, culture, and innovation as the district evolves. Their mission is to raise awareness, build relationships, and amplify local voices, believing in the power of the arts to thoughtfully and intentionally shape the growth of the BelRed Arts District and positively elevate the quality of life in the region.

January is the start of a ten-week painting class for teens in Bellevue as well as the opening of the production of Baskerville at Issaquah’s Village Theatre. See more details below.

1/11–3/15 (10 Sundays): Teen Art Studio
Village Theatre, Issaquah 1/20–2/22, 2026: Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Gage Academy of Art

Gage Academy of Art is an independently operated institution that maintains a strong commitment to high-level instruction in painting, drawing, and sculpting. With over 30 years of community service, the Academy focuses on personal mentorship and skills-based studio training, delivered by accomplished teaching artists. Gage welcomes individuals of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds—from curious beginners to professional artists—offering a vibrant learning environment. The Academy provides access to top-tier art instruction, along with a year-round schedule of free programs, lectures, demonstrations, and community events.

Each year, Gage serves a large community, enrolling over 3,000 adults and young people in its diverse range of offerings, which includes specialized ateliers, classes, workshops, and youth programs. Additionally, the Academy hosts approximately 8,000 community members annually for free activities such as lectures, youth programs, and family-friendly events, utilizing its campuses, partner locations, and online platforms.

In January, the “Process” exhibit opens with a reception on the 8th. Students and teaching artists have their finished works and the process it took to get to the completed work. Read more about the exhibit below.

Seattle Arts & Lectures

Seattle Arts & Lectures is an organization dedicated to cultivating transformative experiences through story and language for readers and writers of all generations. SAL achieves this by hosting a wide array of events, including literary arts lectures by acclaimed authors as well as community and free programs. Beyond its main event series, SAL runs extensive Youth Programs, such as the Writers in the Schools (WITS) program and the Youth Poetry Fellowship, and engages the wider community through initiatives like Summer Book Bingo. One of the nation’s leading literary arts organizations, Seattle Arts & Lectures was founded in 1987 and launched its first season in 1988. Support for SAL is committed to nurturing the collective literary ecosystem and making these experiences accessible to all. Supporting SAL allows it to continue providing high-quality literary events, investing in the next generation of writers through its youth programs, and strengthening the community through language and story. SAL envisions a future in which story and language continuously and courageously revitalize equity, justice, and belonging. Experience it for yourself. In January, check out their free educator workshop or one of their three speaker events.

Seattle Children's Theatre

Seattle Children’s Theatre is one of the most prominent theatres for young audiences in the United States and the world. Its mission is to provide children of all ages with access to professional theatre, with a focus on new works, alongside robust theatre education. While officially founded in 1975, its history began in 1971 as a grassroots effort, first operating out of the Poncho Theatre on the grounds of the Woodland Park Zoo. By the end of 2020, SCT had produced over 269 plays, including 120 world premieres, entertaining and educating over four million children.

SCT runs a full season of professional productions alongside extensive educational offerings through the Adrienne Dillard-Coons Drama School, which includes camps, classes, and programs that extend to schools. Supporting Seattle Children’s Theatre contributes to the development of children through the arts, ensuring that youth have opportunities for artistic engagement, learning, and cultural experiences through professional performances and robust educational programs.

January brings the opening of the musical Ada Twist, Scientist and Friends on January 22. Learn more about the play here.

photo © Christopher Nelson

Seattle Theatre Group

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization that serves as both an independent event promoter and a cultural steward for the region. STG’s core mission is to integrate diverse performing arts and educational opportunities into the community’s cultural landscape while preserving the historical vitality of its iconic venues: The Paramount, Moore, and Neptune Theatres, along with The 5th Avenue Theatres, Kerry Hall, and the outdoor concert venue at Remlinger Farm in Carnation, Washington.

STG presents a broad spectrum of performances—including Broadway, off-Broadway, dance, jazz, comedy, concerts, speakers, and family shows—not only in its Seattle landmark theatres but also at various venues across the Puget Sound region and in Portland, Oregon. Crucially, STG’s commitment extends far beyond the stage through its Education and Community Engagements programs. Each season, STG delivers over 706 activities, reaching more than 50,000 students and community members from diverse backgrounds. These initiatives are designed to deepen engagement with the performances, inspire youth and local artists with training and stage time, and ensure broader access to the arts.

STG has many events and performances each month across many venues. Highlighted below are their on-going programs for dancing for adults with Parkinson’s, their inclusion programming, and classes and events at Kerry Hall, all in the month of January. You can view the full list of January events here.

Wing Luke Museum

The Wing Luke Museum, located in Seattle’s historic Chinatown-International District, stands as the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the United States, focusing on the culture, art, and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI). Established in 1967, this art and history museum is a National Park Service Affiliated Area and the first Smithsonian affiliate in the Pacific Northwest. What makes the Wing Luke unique is its nationally recognized, community-driven approach to exhibitions and programs. The museum ensures that the authentic stories, struggles, perspectives, and artistic contributions of the AANHPI community are at the heart of every display, offering an unparalleled view of the American story.

Housed in a 60,000-square-foot facility, the museum utilizes its three floors to immerse visitors in these community narratives, featuring both contemporary galleries for temporary and permanent exhibitions, as well as preserved historic spaces accessible via guided tours. Furthermore, the Wing Luke Museum serves as an economic anchor and neighborhood concierge for the historically and culturally vibrant Chinatown-International District. Beyond its walls, the museum offers guided neighborhood tours and events that encourage visitors to discover the hidden history and cultural significance of the surrounding area. Ultimately, the museum’s mission is to advance racial and social equity by connecting everyone to the dynamic history, cultures, and art of AANHPI peoples through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences.

January kicks off Lunar New Year celebrations. On January 31, celebrate the Annual Lunar New Year Fair – Year of the Fire Horse with a free outdoor lion dance on King Street and kid’s arts activities with paid admission to the Museum and Lunar New Year Exhibit. Also on January 31 is the opening of the exhibit “New Years All Year Round”, which will highlight New Year’s traditions for many cultures that span the year.

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