Arts Explosion celebrates creativity and multiple mediums
Published 10:39 am Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Federal Way’s annual juried art exhibition Arts Explosion just keeps growing.
This year, 170 artists showed over 300 pieces in a three day event from May 29 through May 31 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center.
Color, texture, emotion and light exploded from every corner of the event space highlighting the sheer wealth of talent in the region, including 30 artists based in Federal Way.
Art pieces were arranged both by medium, category and by theme, leading guests on a whimsical tour of a variety of pieces expressing themes ranging from serious to silly to serene.
A large-scale metal Sasquatch sculpture stood guard from the center of the event, framing a section of animal wall art. In another corner, several pieces around the theme of “hair” graced one wall, some painted and another whose image was created from tiny pieces of folded paper that filled out the texture.
This year’s categories included photography, miniatures, 2-dimensional art, 3-dimensional art, artisan work and youth art.
As of mid-day on Sunday, May 31, over 40 art pieces had been sold. At least 1,000 people attended the event on Saturday alone, which included live entertainment and dance performances and food trucks.
Performances included music by Bonnie Steinkamp, Jet Cities, Pool Jam, Federal Way Youth Symphony, Federal Way Chorale, Dylan Yuste, Karly Burmark and dance by African Young Dreamers Empowerment Programs International (AYDEPI).
“Federal Way continues to grow in its influence and reach in the South Puget Sound, with the people, parks, events and multi-cultural reach, central reasons that pulled me to become a permanent resident in 2024,” Arts Commission Chair Tom Bristol said in a press release. “Participating in the Arts Explosion the past few years continues to demonstrate the genuine heart and creativity expanding within our own community.”
The event was made possible with support from 4Culture of King County, BECU, Arts Foundation Federal Way, Lakehaven, Caffe D’Arte, Federal Way Public Schools, Ezee Fiber, and local realtor Vickie Chynoweth, the City of Federal Way and volunteer members of the Arts Commission.
1st place winners
• Photography: Michael Vaillancourt, “We Can Do It”
• Miniatures: Terrie Purkey, “Transitions”
• 2-Dimensional Art: Justin Olmstead, “Practice & Remember”
• 3-Dimensional Art: Rupa Palasamudram, “Raindrop”
• Artisan Work: Carolyn Hoebelheinrich, “Tahoma Sunrise”
• Youth Art: Ava Ko, “The Half Seen Guest”
