Renton Arts Update: May Highlights & What’s Coming in June

RMAC June Cover

Summer Creativity is Here!

We’re closing out May with momentum and heading into June with a full palette of creativity. From open studio invitations to pop-up poetry and the return of the beloved chalk art contest, there’s a lot to celebrate and even more coming soon. Here’s your monthly update from your Renton Arts Commission.

 


Paint a hydrant

Call for artists: Hydrant Art at Renton Airport!

Local artists are invited to transform airport hydrants into vibrant, aviation-inspired artworks featuring themes like aviation, sports, or local wildlife. Showcase your creativity and be part of this unique public art tour!

For program details and to apply, visit rentonwa.gov/RMAC or download the application directly here. Email submissions to arts@rentonwa.gov. Don’t miss your chance to leave your mark on the runway!

 


Fairwood Night Market - Yuliya

The May opening day of the Fairwood Market Night featured local artist Yuliya Helgesen-Thompson showcasing her work under the Renton Arts Commission tent. This June, we’re excited to highlight local printmaker Renee Look, whose art perfectly complements the theme “Get Outside.”

Join us on Wednesday, June 11, from 4 to 8 PM to celebrate outdoor activities, make new connections, and enjoy live local entertainment—all while exploring amazing artwork!

Want to be featured in a future Renton Artist Space event? Email arts@rentonwa.gov to learn more.

More info here: Rentonwa.gov/RMAC

 


June Art Lounge

Join us on Wednesday, June 18 at Drum Roll Wine for a playful evening of found poetry led by the Tipsy Typers and local artist Stacia Leigh. We’ll repurpose pages from old books into original works of poetic and visual art—no experience needed, just curiosity and creativity! Doors open at 4 p.m. Free event, registration required: Sign up here to save your spot.

Interested in teaching or hosting a future Art Lounge? We’d love to hear from you—reach out to arts@rentonwa.gov.

 


Chalk Art Contest

Chalk Art Competition Returns to Renton River Days!

We’re thrilled to announce exciting updates to this year’s Chalk Art Competition at Renton River Days! Thanks to the generous support of Allied Arts of Renton, cash prizes will be awarded to the top three artists: $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd, and $300 for 3rd! Join us on Saturday, July 26 as local creatives of all ages turn the streets into a colorful masterpiece. Compete for both the Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice Awards—but don’t wait:

Registration is required to be eligible for prizes. Deadline to register is July 16. Register here and let your imagination take over the pavement!

 


Renton Artist Studio Tour

Join us for Art in Motion: Renton’s Artist Studio Tour – August 16, 2025!

Discover Renton’s vibrant creative scene at this free, self-guided tour! Explore local artists’ studios, meet the creators, watch live demos, and find unique handmade art to take home. Maps will be available in August online and at select businesses. Bring your family and friends for a day full of creativity, hands-on fun, and community connection. Don’t miss this chance to support Renton’s amazing artists!

There will be a meet-up for interested and participating artists on June 4 at 6pm—email arts@rentonwa.gov for details if you’d like to attend. Get involved and find out more at rentonwa.gov/publicart.

 


Cows in the forest mural creation

Spotted a wall tagged repeatedly—maybe even your own business walls that are the constant target? Send us a photo—especially if it’s on a business or public facility. The Paint with Purpose program supports both artists interested in creating murals and property owners who need help combating graffiti. Artists can join the mural roster, and property owners can learn about available assistance. Get involved and find out more at rentonwa.gov/publicart.

 


COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS


Best of Renton

Don’t forget to cast your vote for Best of Renton, hosted by the Renton Reporter with support from the Renton Chamber of Commerce, before May 30! Show some love for your favorite local arts spots like Evergreen City Ballet, Blue Dog Dance, Body Language Studio, DanceFit City Renton, and Spotlight Dance Center in the Best Dance/Drama Facility category. For hobby and craft lovers, support Wyldwood Creative, The New Knittery, Tomato Tomato Creative Space, and many more awesome local businesses. Help celebrate and uplift Renton’s vibrant creative community by voting today! Click here to vote!

 


Landing Window Art project

Call for artists: Summer window art project at The Landing

Local artists and students are invited to brighten up The Landing with bold, summery storefront art! This is a unique opportunity to have your work featured indoors in a high-traffic area—complete with your name, concept, and contact info promoted alongside it. To apply, send a 3–5-page PDF including your concept, timeline, and samples to aogawa@vestar.com or emeyer@vestar.com with the subject line 2025 SUMMER WINDOW ART PROJECT SUBMISSION. Applications are due by June 2, 2025, with installations completed by June 27, 2025. Share your creativity and help energize Renton with art this summer!

 


Renton Farmers Market

The 2025 Renton Farmers Market season opens next week!

Mark your calendars for Opening Day on Tuesday, June 3 — now in a new location at Williams Ave. S. & S. 2nd St in Downtown Renton! Join us every Tuesday to enjoy fresh produce, local goods, live music, and community connections all season long. See you at the Market!

 


Art Walk RDP

Mark your calendar for the next Art Walk hosted by Renton Downtown Partnership on Tuesday, June 25, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. It’s a fantastic way to connect with local artists, support small businesses, and discover unique pieces to add to your art collection—straight from the artists themselves! Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of creativity in downtown Renton. For more details, visit rentondowntown.com.

 


Drum Roll June event

Jazz Night with Susan Pascal – Saturday, June 28 at Drum Roll Wine 

Seattle jazz vibraphonist Susan Pascal brings her dynamic trio to Renton for an unforgettable evening featuring jazz standards and rarely heard gems. She’ll be joined by acclaimed guitarist Jamie Findlay and renowned bassist Jeff Johnson for a rich blend of talent and improvisation.

The performance takes place at Drum Roll Wine, 911 S. Third St, and is supported in part by a grant from the Renton Arts Commission. For more info and tickets, visit drumrollwine.com/events.

 


River Days 2025

Save the date: Renton River Days 2025 – July 25-27!

Celebrate art, culture, and community at Renton River Days! This vibrant three-day festival features live music, local artists, a Chalk Art Competition, Youth Circus, community booths, and more. Experience creativity and connection through free activities, performances, and cultural events that highlight Renton’s unique spirit. Get all the details and apply to participate at rentonwa.gov/riverdays. Don’t miss out!

 


rentonwa.gov/rmac

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