The Coupeville Creative District, or CCD, nestled in the heart of Whidbey Island, Washington, is a vibrant hub that celebrates the region's rich history, arts, and culture. Coupeville, one of the oldest towns in Washington residing within the boundaries of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, is steeped in Indigenous heritage as the traditional land of the Lower Skagit, a Coast Salish people. This small town preserves its historical charm with a downtown district filled with 19th-century buildings overlooking Penn Cove. The CCD showcases the community's diverse talents and traditions, from indigenous crafts and storytelling to contemporary art forms. It is a place for creatives to thrive and create.

Artists and art enthusiasts are drawn to Coupeville for its thriving creative community. The town is home to the nationally recognized Pacific Northwest Art School, which offers workshops taught by world class artists. The District is dotted with galleries and studios where local artisans display their work, providing inspiration and opportunities for collaboration. In addition, culinary arts thrive in Coupeville, where local restaurants and cafes incorporate ingredients from the Island's fertile farmland and surrounding waters. Penn Cove mussels, a renowned local delicacy, are a staple in many dishes, highlighting the area's rich maritime and agricultural traditions.

Coupeville’s offerings extend beyond art and cuisine to its deep maritime history and agricultural heritage. A goal of the Coupeville Creative District is forming the sʷədəbš Cultural Center and Creative Hub. The word sʷədəbš is pronounced “Schwedobs” which means “People of the Salmon” in the Coast Salish Lushootseed language. The
vision for the sʷədəbš Cultural Center and Creative Hub is to educate, elevate, and build community between the local Indigenous people, and every race and culture of
people who cherish and want to protect the Salish Sea.

Header photo courtesy of Matt Nienhuis.