ABOUT THE FEDERAL WAY ARTS COMMISSION
Established in 1991, the City of Federal Way Arts Commission is a nine member volunteer commission that advises and recommends to the Federal Way City Council activities related to all aspects of the arts — visual, performing, literary and cultural (see FWRC 2.50). The Federal Way Arts Commission serves to bring more free or low cost arts opportunities to the community through musical performances, theater, and visual arts festivals. We also aim to provide resources to support local arts organizations!
ANNUAL ARTS EXPLOSION ARTS FESTIVAL
Coming Back in 2026!
The Federal Way Arts Commission hosts the annual Arts Explosion Juried Art Show Festival at the Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC). This vibrant celebration of creativity showcases the talents of both adult and youth artists from across the region, while promoting artistic growth, diversity, and community engagement.
Artists are invited to submit works in a variety of categories, including Photography, Digital/Mixed Media, Textiles, Two-Dimensional (paintings, collages, prints), and Three-Dimensional (sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, wearable and body art). Youth artists, ages 15–18, are also encouraged to participate and submit artwork in any of the categories.
Stay tuned each year for event details and submission opportunities!
Want to sponsor our event? Please email abbie.wenick@FederalWayWA.gov for more information.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARTS EXPLOSION HERE
ARTIST & ART GROUP OPPORTUNITIES
ARTS ALIVE
The Arts Alive Juried Art Exhibition is a program designed to give regional artists an opportunity to display their works in a public setting. Artists working with a wide range of media are encouraged to participate. This exhibition is professionally judged.
ARTIST SUBMISSIONS CLOSED - Please visit the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center to view submissions!
TRAFFIC GRAFFIC ART CONTESTS
Since 2014, utility boxes throughout Federal Way have been transformed into vibrant works of art, thanks to the creativity of numerous artists. Former Federal Way Arts Commission board chair Gary Gillespie initiated the Utility Box Art Pilot Program in 2014, driven by a vision to make the city more lively and visually appealing.
Applicants are invited to submit up to three conceptual renderings for consideration. They may be a sketch or a completed illustration done with any media. The selection committee will evaluate then choose from the artwork submitted. Selected artists will be contacted to discuss the next step in getting art on the boxes. Final artwork will be digitized, transferred to vinyl, and installed on the utility box.
Box details and sizing will be coming soon. We encourage artists to still apply with concepts, and we can adjust as needed once the final specifications are available.
APPLY ONLINE DOWNLOAD PDF APPLICATION
GALLERY PROGRAM
All work to be shown must be original or reproduction, recent work (within the last two years), not completed under an instructor’s guidance, not previously exhibited. The exhibit areas are designed for two-dimensional hanging works.
Call for Artists Click Here - Find more details & apply
FEDERAL WAY ARTS COMMISSION GRANTS - FISCAL YEAR 2026
The Federal Way Arts Commission Grants aim to fund the promotion of arts, events, and cultural heritage activities for the citizens of Federal Way. To apply, complete the Federal Way Arts Commission Contract for Services Application using the provided form below. Grant Application updated May 2025. Deadline to Submit: August 15, 2025
Call for Artists - Click here for Application
MUNICIPAL COURT STUDENT ART CONTEST
The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is sponsoring an art contest as requested by Federal Way Municipal Court Judge David Larson and Judge Brad Bales. The contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 1–8 living within the boundaries of the Federal Way School District. Entries selected will be displayed in Federal Way Municipal Court. The hope is to give the municipal court a friendlier look for family members who are visiting the court rooms.
COMING BACK 2026!
- 2018 Winner Slide Show Movie
- 2019 Winner Slide Show Movie
- 2023 Winner Announcement City Council Meeting 6/20/23
- 2024 Winner Announcement City Council Meeting 6/18/24
- 2025 Winner Announcement City Council Meeting 6/17/25
ARTS COMMISSION RESPONSIBILITIES
The City of Federal Way Arts Commission is a group of nine volunteer members who are appointed by the City Council to develop and oversee the city's various arts programs. The Arts Commission advises and/or recommends to the City Council on all areas of the arts, including the fine arts, literary, performing, visual and cultural. Please reference the following 2025 Work Plan.
MEMBERS
- Karen Brugato, Chair
- Janine Barber, Vice-Chair
- Vickie Chynoweth
- Kimberly Bowman
- Kenny Byrne
- Iveta Felzenberg
- Cindy Ducich
- Tom Bristol
MEETINGS
8:00 am - 11:00 am
First Thursday of each month at the Federal Way Community Center
City Calendar
Federal Way Community Center
876 South 333rd St.
Federal Way, WA 98003
Current and past meeting packets and agendas
PUBLIC ARTWORK
