As the crisp fall air rolls in, it's the perfect time to connect with our community and be part of the growing creative movement. This season is packed with exciting events that celebrate local creativity, from cozy craft workshops to vibrant festivals. Be sure to mark your calendars for these gatherings and explore upcoming funding and grant opportunities for next year’s projects and events. Stop by our Free Art Libraries—these community spaces thrive when we all contribute, so feel free to take an art supply or leave one behind to inspire others. Let’s unite this fall and keep building a vibrant, creative community together!
This year marks the 3rd anniversary of Renton’s Free Little Art Library (Union Ave. NE & NE 17th), which offers free arts and craft supplies with a “Take one, leave one” policy—just in time for the fall holidays! While the beloved Gnome Home has seen better days with its peeling paint and missing pieces, a team of skilled craft "gnomes" is giving it a fun facelift. New features like balconies and a Gnome Gnotes box will allow visitors to leave their thoughts, sketches, poetry, and more. And don’t forget, the Free Art Gallery outside The Rose Gift House & Coffee continues to provide a space for creativity. To keep these libraries vibrant and thriving, we need your contributions! Whether you’re picking up supplies or leaving your own artistic creations, your participation makes all the difference. Stay tuned for more Free Little Art Library updates!
Upcoming Arts Commission Events
 Join us this Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Renton Community Center for our Costume Swap, hosted by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission in collaboration with the city's Public Works Sustainability and Solid Waste Division.
We're still collecting costumes! Stop by on Friday between 2 and 5 p.m. to drop off your donations, or email us at arts@rentonwa.gov if you have items to add. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to refresh your Halloween wardrobe!
 Join us on Saturday, October 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Gateway Park for a fun-filled costume contest for pets and people, in collaboration with the Olde Fashioned Halloween Party hosted by the Renton Downtown Partnership! Registration opens at 1 p.m., with winners announced at 4 p.m. Don't miss your chance to showcase your Halloween spirit! For more details, click here.
 Dive into creativity at our gathering on Wednesday, October 16, at the Black River Cultural Arts Center (204 Logan Ave S). Doors open at 4 p.m. Connect with fellow artists, share ideas, and explore common challenges. Local artist Kelly Affleck from Tomato Tomato Creative will lead a workshop on crafting "friendly ghosts" for Halloween, with options to use provided designs or your own.
This free event requires registration. Reserve your spot for a night of artistic inspiration! Register here. Don’t miss out!
Upcoming Partner Events
 The Dia de los Muertos Celebration: Crafting Stories through Butterflies takes place on Saturday, October 19 from 3 to 4 p.m. in Renton Highlands. Led by Olivia Sua, illustrator of Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, this creative session will have participants crafting vibrant paper butterflies using construction paper and mixed-media materials. Engage in lively discussions that explore themes of identity, community, and family history while discovering the wonders of butterfly migration and sharing stories of family immigration. Supplies are limited, so arrive early! Sponsored by Allied Arts of Renton and the Renton Municipal Arts Commission.
 Experience a captivating performance by the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, presented by Allied Art of Renton, at the Ikea Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 2 to 3 p.m. Tickets are required and can be purchased in advance or at the door ($10 for festival seating). Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an afternoon of incredible music!
 Calling all tiny ghouls, witches, and superheroes! Join us downtown for an old-fashioned Halloween scavenger hunt! Uncover clues on storefronts and complete your game card for a spooktacular adventure.
The treasure map drops the week of October 21, 2024. Grab your Spooky Decal Hunt Gamecard and visit the activity center at 510 S. 3rd St. on Saturday, October 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. to claim your prize!
Save the Date! The Indigenous People's Day Celebration is on October 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Black River Cultural Arts Center in downtown Renton. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor and celebrate Indigenous cultures!
 Native American Drum Making Workshop on Tuesday, November 5, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. in Renton. Participants will learn about the history and significance of Native drumming while crafting their own handmade drum with guidance from Michael Shapsnikoff. This workshop fosters a deeper appreciation for cultural traditions that enrich our community. One drum per person or family—please register to reserve your spot! Sponsored by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission and Allied Arts of Renton.
Opportunities & Funding
Opening Soon: 2025 Renton Art Grants! Applications will be available shortly. To be considered for specific funding periods, please submit your application electronically by 4:30 p.m. on the deadline day. The upcoming deadlines for 2025 funding are October 18 (priority for events and programs from January through March), February 7, April 18, and July 18. Before applying, make sure to review our Grant Guidelines thoroughly. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact arts@rentonwa.gov. Follow us on social media for the official announcement next week, and don’t miss this opportunity to support and enhance Renton’s vibrant arts community!
The City of Renton invites artists, arts organizations, event planners, and conference organizers to submit creative ideas that enhance tourism and engage our community. Apply by October 18, and mark your calendar for 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 great opportunity to impact Renton's vibrant arts and culture scene!
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