Museum of Northwest Art

Great museum featuring local art and artists.

This museum always mounts very interesting shows exclusively by Northwest artists. It'd small enough as to not be overwhelming, and admission is free. A donation box is nearby in case you want to leave something but it's not required for admission. And the gift shop is well curated with lovely things, well priced. Well worth a visit. We stop here every time we are in La Conner.

What can I say about MONA? I love it. It’s small but the world within is expansive and full of life. Each quarter their exhibits are carefully curated to highlight the phenomenal artists of the Pacific Northwest and those of the Northwest School of Art. MONA is actively working to include the indigenous art of the Pacific Northwest and the modern day indigenous artisans. MONA is a major part of its community and the city of La Conner is proud to have it.nnEntrance is FREE. That’s right, FREE. That’s huge for a museum. It’s all because of a generous donor whose goal is to make art available and accessible to all. Please throw a couple bucks in the donation bin so this fantastic local treasure can continue to be a staple in our community.nnMONA is working hard in the education department. MONA has a program called MONA Link which connects teachers in the Skagit Valley with the museum and trains teachers in the scientifically proven method of art education of Visual Thinking Strategies. The teachers learn how to use art to promote critical thinking, something not valued as much in curriculums. The students come to the museum every quarter to visit and practice observing art and using their words to tell their volunteer guide what is going on. The volunteer guides are trained in VTS and work hard to make sure all the kids are speaking up, heard, and understood. Kids come out of the visit having spoken up and hearing their words summarized and affirmed. The kids learn how to do various art projects which connect with the artists featured and the mediums the artists used. It’s a truly rewarding and valuable program.nnI’ll admit that I’m biased as I am a volunteer guide and I work closely with the museum education department but the MONA is truly a place I go to to relax and refill my energy and spirit. It helps that I’m very proud to be from the Pacific Northwest.nnIf you’re PNW Proud then get your butt out to La Conner and visit MONA. You won’t regret it.

One of my favorite small museums in the Pacific Northwest in the lovely little artist town of La Conner. The current exhibit of Joan Kirkman is breathtaking and so beautiful.

Great place to drop in, see the exhibitions and shop in their beautiful store.