Renton Arts Update: Discover Fall’s Creative Events and Opportunities

September RMAC logo

As fall settles in, it's the perfect time to explore new creative opportunities and connect with your community. Read on to find various programs and events to spark your creativity and celebrate the season. Check out the new Let's Go Guide for September through December, and discover exciting Halloween and holiday events, cozy fall crafts, and ways to engage with local activities. Embrace the season with these resources and make the most of autumn!

 

Opportunities & Funding


Let's Go Renton! Recreation guide

The Let's Go Renton! Recreation Guide for September through December is now available online at rentonwa.gov/letsgo! Discover activities like Halloween events, the Holiday Bazaar, resin art classes, and creative ceramics. Mark your calendars and explore new hobbies or connect with your community!

 


Seattle Urban Sketchers

Explore your creativity this fall with Seattle Urban Sketchers! Capture the vibrant scenes of Renton and beyond as part of this welcoming community of artists dedicated to drawing on location. Whether you're a seasoned sketcher or a beginner, join the Sketchers to share your unique perspective, connect with fellow artists, and celebrate your individual style. Participate in group sketching sessions and showcase your work on the Facebook and Flickr groups. Ready to sketch your world? Get involved with Seattle Urban Sketchers today! 

 


4Culture support

With less than one week until the deadline, don't miss your chance to apply for our Doors Open-funded grants. Whether you’re looking to purchase or build space, or need support for payroll and day-to-day expenses, these grants are designed to help. Apply now and take advantage of the full guidelines and extensive support materials available. Click through to learn more and get started!

 


LTAC 2025

The City of Renton is inviting artists, arts organizations, event planners, and conference organizers to submit fresh, creative ideas that will enhance tourism and engage our community. If you have innovative concepts to showcase Renton's unique charm and attract visitors, be sure to apply by October 18, 2024. Key dates include a Live Q&A on September 12, a Virtual Q&A on October 10, and an Application Workshop on October 16. For more details and to apply, visit rentonwa.gov/tourismgrants. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to Renton's vibrant arts and culture scene and make a significant impact!

 


Art Docent program

Most Renton Elementary schools lack official art teachers. Instead, PTAs and parent groups provide visual arts opportunities through the Art Docent Program. Help inspire students with creative art lessons and activities. Reach out to your local school or contact us to get involved and make a difference! Get in touch today!

 

Upcoming Arts Commission Events


Art Lounge September

Calling all artists! Join us on Wednesday, Sept 18, at the Black River Cultural Arts Center for an inspiring evening of creativity and connection. Doors open at 4 p.m., with discussions starting at 5 p.m. Learn relief printmaking with local artist Renee Look, share ideas, and connect with fellow creatives. Don't miss this chance to grow, learn, and be inspired! 🆓 Free event—registration required: Register here.

 


Halloween

Join us for a Halloween Costume Swap on Saturday, September 28! Drop off gently used, clean costumes, hats, masks, and accessories at Renton Community Center, Highlands Community Center, or Renton City Hall from September 15 to 27. 

On September 28, pick up your new-to-you costumes and accessories and snap a photo at our photo wall. Bring a reusable bag and feel free to donate to help make the event a success. See you there!

 


Halloween Costume Contest

Get ready for a Spooktacular Halloween Costume Contest for Pets and People on Saturday, October 26, at Gateway Park during the Olde Fashioned Halloween Party and Trick or Treat event! Register and get your photos taken from 1 to 3:30 p.m., with winners announced at 4 p.m. Categories include Best in Show for pets and costumes for kids, adults, and groups. Show off your Halloween spirit with your furry friends!

 

Upcoming Partner Events


Experience Renton

Join the Renton Downtown Partnership on August 30-31 for a weekend of fun, music, and community during the Experience Renton Block Party.

This lively celebration in downtown Renton will include live music, local artists, a night market, and interactive workshops. Enjoy performances, shop from local vendors, and savor tastings from food and drink artisans. Stop by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission tent on Saturday to make pinwheels with us! With engaging activities for all ages, this event promises a memorable weekend of fun and connection.

 


Native American Pop Up market

Explore the vibrant world of Native art at the Native Art Pop-Up Market on Saturday, August 31, from 1-7 p.m. at the Black River Cultural Arts Center downtown! Discover handmade jewelry, clothing, and gifts from talented local Native artists like Bill Pfeiffer, and enjoy a drum-making demonstration by Sharon Byerly from 2-4 p.m. Free entry, free parking, and door prizes await—don’t miss this cultural celebration! Learn more at blackriverarts.org.

 


Barbara McMichaels

Tempests in Teapots comes to Renton! Join presenter Barbara McMichael at the Renton History Museum on Thursday, September 19, at 4 p.m. for an interactive exploration of tea's pivotal role in the American Revolution. Discover how tea sparked revolutionary fervor before the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy a tea-tasting event and engaging history presentation, suitable for ages 13 and up. This FREE event is sponsored by a grant from the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, but space is limited—advance registration is required. Reserve your spot via Eventbrite here or Facebook here

 


Printmaking Library

Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen. Embrace the season and let your creativity fall into place with botanical printmaking on Wednesday, September 25, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Renton Highlands! Led by Alison Webb, PhD in Pacific Northwest Biology, this workshop will teach you to create your own monoprints using gelli plates, plant specimens, and acrylic paints. Explore the connection between art and nature in this hands-on session. Space is limited, so register today!

 


rentonwa.gov/rmac

You are receiving this message because you have expressed interest in Renton Municipal Arts Commission news and events. You may unsubscribe below if you no longer wish to receive our newsletter.