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Cultivating Creativity on the Palouse

Our mission

Artisans at the Dahmen Barn is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that cultivates creativity on the Palouse by providing studio space for artists to work in and sell their creations, a place for local artists and fine craftspeople to sell their work on consignment, a venue for local performing and exhibiting artists, and creative experiences for children and adults through classes and workshops. The state-of-the-art facility has been transformed from a former dairy barn. Attractions include a gift shop featuring art, fine crafts and products from the Palouse, artisans at work in their studio spaces who will share their creative process with visitors and from whom purchases may be made directly, a monthly art exhibition, and regularly scheduled classes and performance events.

Four big events are held each year: A demonstration day in April, a summer tea, a fall festival in September and a Holiday Gala with gifts galore in December. There are also numerous visual and performing arts events each month - check the calendar page.

* * * * * THE FACILITY IS FULLY ADA COMPLIANT & THERE IS NO DAILY ADMISSION FEE * * * * *

* * COME VISIT or PURCHASE SECURELY ON-LINE from the artists' pages and The Shop at the Barn * *

Located in southeastern Washington State

Artisans at the Dahmen Barn is located in the rich dryland farming area called the Palouse, in Uniontown WA. Situated 16 miles south of both Pullman WA and Moscow ID, and 16 miles north of Lewiston ID, and Clarkston, WA, the art center is truly the hub of the Palouse.

The artisan center is adjacent to Highway 195, where the big white barn can be seen surrounded by its landmark fence of 1000 iron wheels. Formerly a dilapidated dairy barn which was donated to the community by Steve and Junette Dahmen, the structure has undergone a transformation into a state-of-the-art creativity center.

SOME COMMENTS FROM OUR GUEST BOOK:

~ The Artisan Barn is nothing short of remarkable. It is an outstanding monument to community involvement and volunteerism. - Orrin Iseminger

~ Absolutely amazing! What an enriching, inspiring endeavor. Thank you. - Janelle Wayn, from South Korea

~ Terrific watercolor show! The barn...a gem! - CD from Vermont

~ I love the place and the artists in action. I will recommend this and come back! - KC & BS, Kamloops BC

~ The creativity is palpable. I could feel it upon entering. - LM from Colorado

~ An incredibly ambitious project. I applaud you saving this old barn and putting it to such a great use. ED from California

~ We finally made the stop - well worth the time. Beautiful work by all the artists. D & B S

~ Great day in paradise! AR

~ Your place is such a wonderful gift to the region! Thank you. AW

~ Wonderful displays and a beautiful building. - Jamestown ND.

~ Beautiful! Very well put together - work is awesome! -"an artist"

~ WOW! What a unique way to utilize an old barn. - SBT

~ Lovely - better each time we visit - Thanks! - A & E B

~ Thank you for this wonderful "candy for the eyes"! - PK, Walla Walla

~ Lovely! Lots of variety! "Many oohs and ahs"! Bravo! - PM, Nine Mile Falls

~ What a wonderful space for artists. I envy you all! - AM Seattle

~ Fantastically high standard of art in all fields, Lovely! - R & M W, England

~ Beautiful displays - fun visiting with the artists. B & D R

What began in 2004 as an experiment turning a dilapidated dairy barn into a creativity center has exceeded our expectations. After two years of development and successful operation since 2006, we are bursting at the seams and need your help to grow our facility and programs. Click here to Join Us!

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Friends of the Barn made this project happen

Renovation work began in 2004 with community volunteers rolling up their sleeves and removing half a century of pigeon droppings from the former hay loft. This ambitious project has been done with grants, private donations, creative fund raising projects and lots of hours donated by dedicated volunteers. More than $500,000 has been put into renovating the barn.

Approximately 1,000 people showed up at the grand opening on October 1, 2006 to see artisans at work in their studios and listen to music. Since then attendance and community support has exceeded expectations.

Many, many people were involved in the transformation of the dilapidated dairy barn into the artisan center it is today. They donated cash, materials and time in their area of expertise. We so appreciate all the enthusiastic help in planning the project, executing the renovation and also with the ongoing operation of the non-profit organization.

We recognize these friends by giving them special mention on the Friends of the Barn section of the Sustaining the Barn page on this site. Click here to see the current Featured Friend.

Learn more about this fascinating project by reading the Story of the Barn on the About the Barn page on this website.

Special thanks to Eugene Dixon, UCDA board member and photographer extraordinaire, who has donated many, many hours and his expertise to document the artisan barn's progress. His images embellish this website.

Enter to win this beautiful outdoor fireplace

Donated by the Equipment Division of The McGregor Company, this piece will be raffled off to raise funds to sustain the creativity programs at the Barn. We appreciate the donor's continued support.

Stop in and see the fireplace. It is beautifully crafted and oh, so sturdy.

Raffle tickets are $5 each, and two for $8. They may be purchased through The Shop at the Barn. Call 509-229-3414 or drop by during open hours.

We will have the drawing at our fall event on Sunday, September 16. You need not be present to win.