Name: Art, Access, & Absinthe – A Whatcom Museum Soirée
Start: 2025-09-26T18:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-09-26T21:00:00-07:00
Location: Chuckanut Bay Distillery

$Art, Access, & Absinthe \u2013 A Whatcom Museum Soir\u00e9e$

This year, our gala celebrates the bold spirit and enduring influence of French modernist visionaries like Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse. Today, their work is celebrated, but in 19th century France, it pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo. We honor their call to action and commitment to making art — in all its forms — accessible to everyone.
Join us for a special evening of inspired experiences and cuisine that honors art’s revolutionary spirit while supporting the Whatcom Museum’s mission at this critical moment.
The gala opens at 6 pm with French-inspired fare, signature cocktails, interactive art activities, a silent auction, and live music.

September 26, 2025
Chuckanut Bay Distillery
VIP Absinthe-Tasting Experience: 5 pm
Gala Begins: 6 pm
Tickets on Sale Now: https://www.whatcommuseum.org/soiree/
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Two Ticket Options Available:
VIP Absinthe-Tasting Experience
5 — 6 pm
Enjoy an exclusive rooftop experience with a traditional absinthe-pouring ritual, live music, and an exploration of absinthe's influence on 19th century French art with Whatcom Museum Chief Curator Amy Chaloupka.
**Each VIP ticket includes gala admission, early auction bidding, and open bar access for the full evening.**
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Annual Gala Ticket
6 — 9 pm
Savor heavy passed appetizers with a French flare, signature absinthe cocktails, and a full bar brought to you by Chuckanut Bay Distillery.
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Browse the silent auction, get comfortable in lounge-style seating, enjoy live music by the Café Impromptu Quintet, try your hand at still-life watercolor painting, and raise a glass during our Champagne toast — all in the good company of fellow museum supporters.

**Space is limited. Tickets must be purchased by September 12.**
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This year’s gala is presented by Peoples Bank, and Patti Imhof & Ashley Kimberley.