Imagine Children’s Museum (Schack Art Center) | Everett

Schack Art Center is a premier visual arts institution located in downtown Everett, Washington, deeply rooted in community engagement, artistic innovation, and educational outreach. Since its founding in 1974 as the Arts Council of Snohomish County, the center has grown into a vibrant hub for contemporary art, serving as a focal point for artists, educators, and the public interested in visual arts. Renamed in 2009 to honor John and Idamae Schack, longtime patrons of the arts, the center carries a legacy of supporting creative expression and cultural enrichment in the Pacific Northwest.

Location and Facilities

Situated at 2921 Hoyt Avenue in Everett, the Schack Art Center occupies a thoughtfully designed space that includes multiple galleries, classrooms, artist studios, and one of its most distinctive features-a public glassblowing hot shop, the only facility of its kind north of Seattle. The building’s layout is conducive to both exhibition and hands-on activities, creating an immersive environment where visitors can experience art in diverse forms and stages of creation.

Galleries and Exhibitions

The Schack Art Center operates two main exhibition galleries-the Main Gallery and the Mezzanine Gallery-both dedicated to rotating shows that highlight contemporary artists from the region and beyond. These exhibitions focus on a wide range of themes including social justice, cultural identity, environmental issues, and experimental media. The center actively seeks to present work that challenges, inspires, and reflects the diversity of voices within the art community.

A unique attraction is the glassblowing hot shop, where visitors can watch professional glass artists craft intricate pieces in real time. This transparent artistic process fosters a deeper understanding of glass art techniques and connects audiences directly with the creation of artworks.

Educational Programs and Workshops

Education is a cornerstone of the Schack Art Center’s mission. The center offers a comprehensive schedule of classes and workshops designed for all ages and skill levels. These programs are held in specialized studios dedicated to various artistic disciplines including:

Glass Arts: Instruction in glassblowing, glass float making, and kiln-formed glass techniques.

Metalsmithing and Jewelry: Classes covering silversmithing, enameling, and other jewelry-making skills.

Painting and Drawing: Courses in watercolor, acrylics, mixed media, and foundational art skills.

Printmaking and Photography: Workshops using traditional and contemporary print and photographic methods.

Lapidary Arts: Stone cutting and polishing techniques.

Special initiatives include “Make It Now,” offering drop-in sessions for quick, hands-on projects like creating glass floats, targeted to children aged 8 and older. “Teen Night” is a monthly, free event where local teens can engage in collaborative art-making with guidance from professional artists, fostering creativity and community connection. The center also accommodates homeschool groups with customized art days and hosts summer camps designed to immerse children and teens in artistic exploration.

Community Involvement and Outreach

The Schack Art Center plays a vital role in Everett’s cultural landscape by providing extensive community outreach programs. Its K–12 education efforts include teacher workshops, gallery tours, and lending of Art Outreach Suitcases-portable kits with art supplies and lesson plans designed for classroom use. These programs support arts integration into school curricula and encourage young people to develop their artistic talents.

The center also awards the Susan Jane Russell College Scholarship, supporting students pursuing formal education in the visual arts. Community events such as “Schacktoberfest” celebrate the arts with seasonal exhibitions, artist showcases, and family-friendly activities that engage local residents and visitors alike.

Gallery Store

Supporting the regional arts economy, the Schack Gallery Store offers a curated selection of handcrafted works from over 300 Pacific Northwest artists. The store features jewelry, ceramics, textiles, prints, and glass art, providing visitors an opportunity to purchase unique, locally made pieces while directly supporting artists. The Gallery Store operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

The Schack Art Center is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM, closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission to the galleries is free, promoting accessibility and community inclusion. The center is wheelchair accessible and welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Overall Importance

Schack Art Center represents a cornerstone of Everett’s cultural identity, blending high-quality exhibitions with hands-on education and community participation. Its commitment to contemporary art, inclusive programming, and artist support creates a thriving environment where creativity flourishes. The center’s unique combination of gallery experiences, public glassblowing demonstrations, and diverse art classes makes it a vital destination for both residents and visitors seeking meaningful engagement with the visual arts in the Pacific Northwest.