Gretchen Leggitt and Nick Hartrich Co-founders of Paper Whale

Paper Whale, a nonprofit arts organization co-founded by Nick Hartrich and Gretchen Leggitt in Bellingham, WA, is dedicated to revitalizing the local arts community through innovative cultural events and art installations. By merging traditional art forms such as painting with non-traditional practices like glass blowing and circus acts, they aim to create multi-sensory experiences that highlight the diverse creative talent in the area. The co-founders are committed to fostering economic opportunities for local artists while drawing visitors to the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing the need for varied artistic voices in the community. A significant focus of Paper Whale's work is to elevate marginalized groups, particularly the Coast Salish tribes, by integrating their stories into the fabric of their events. Recent highlights include the annual Fire and Story event, which celebrated native narratives and involved community collaboration in project creation.

Their initiatives have been recognized with several downtown beautification grants, underscoring their positive impact on Bellingham's cultural landscape. By leasing a warehouse on Astor Street, Paper Whale aims to create a hub for active crafting and artistic collaboration in the city center. Overall, their work embodies a commitment to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive, and economically sustainable arts community.