Arts Fusion Festival
Saturday, November 15, 2025
A Day of Workshops that Celebrate Art, Culture & Creativity
A first of its kind event in Concrete
The inaugural Arts Fusion Festival is a vibrant Saturday celebration designed to foster community engagement in eastern Skagit Valley. The historic Concrete Theatre is uniquely equipped to host this event, with our stage, screen and 130-seat auditorium, plus the Act One Art Gallery with a large screen TV and seating for 25, and Act One Ice Cream Parlor that offers gourmet treats, espresso bar and a wine/beer bar. The day promises to be an exciting experience for artists, instructors, and audiences.
Workshops
Each Arts Fusion Workshop lasts 2 hours, is led by an experienced instructor, and designed for exploration and fun. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention, and no prior experience is needed to join. For any questions, please contact us.
Intro to Film-making
Discover the independent film-making process in this beginner workshop. Prioritizing an accessible perspective on film-making, you’ll learn how to create a film in your community, develop story ideas, work on a low budget, and find the resources to make a movie. You will learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling and gain insight into the practical side of film-making, leaving you inspired to create your own short films. This workshop is especially appropriate for teens.
November 15, 2025
Intro to Film-making
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
In the Theatre
REGISTER
Writing & Sharing: Telling Your Tale
Explore how to craft and perform compelling personal narratives. Through guided exercises and supportive feedback, participants will discover techniques for identifying meaningful moments, structuring their stories, and delivering them with confidence, whether for live audiences or recording. Best for ages 16 and up.
November 15, 2025
Writing & Sharing
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
In the Gallery
REGISTER
Singing Together: Group Vocal Experience
Join in creating a rich musical tapestry together. In a relaxed, encouraging setting, Using the lively sea shanty “Wellerman,” attendees will practice listening and responding as a group, strengthening musical confidence while having fun. No prior experience needed. All ages welcome.
November 15, 2025
Singing Together
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
In the Theatre
REGISTER
Creative Crafts: Make & Take
Make a one-of-a-kind holiday-themed creation—perfect for adding a personal touch to seasonal décor. All materials are provided, so you can focus on learning new techniques, experimenting with style, and bringing home a finished piece ready to brighten any fall or winter celebration. Best for 16 and up; younger attendees need to be accompanied by an adult.
November 15, 2025
Creative Crafts
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
In the Gallery
REGISTER
Middle Eastern Music & Dance
Dive into the rich rhythms and movements of Middle Eastern culture. This workshop introduces essential dance steps and musical patterns, encouraging participants to engage with traditional instruments and rhythmic structures. Live demonstrations, group dancing, and guided musical exercises create a fun experience for all levels. Teenage and up!
November 15, 2025
Middle Eastern Music & Dance
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
In the Theatre
REGISTER
Guided Painting
Join in a step-by-step painting workshop ideal for all experience levels. You will be guided through the creation of a vibrant 16×20” painting from start to finish, using acrylics and canvas. This session encourages personal expression and ensures that everyone leaves with a finished piece of art and a memorable experience. All supplies are provided. This session provided by the Speckled Hen company.
November 15, 2025
Guided Painting
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
In the Gallery
REGISTER
Workshop Instructors
A.J. Urquhart
Intro to Filmmaking
Kari van Delden
Telling Your Story
Gretchen Hewitt
Group Singing
Becky Luttrell
Creative Crafting
Nan Fullmer
Middle Eastern Music
Speckled Hen
Guided Painting
A.J. Urquhart
A.J. is an independent filmmaker recognized for bringing bold, local stories to life on screen. Having recently produced a locally-based horror film, A.J. brings fresh, real-world experience to the craft of filmmaking and is currently finalizing a new creative project. With a passion for visual storytelling and a resourceful approach to working on small budgets, A.J. is committed to helping aspiring filmmakers find their voice and make the most of the resources they have. A.J. encourages you to experiment, problem-solve, and discover the power of film as a creative tool.
Kari van Delden
Kari van Delden is a storyteller and Professor Emerita whose career has taken her from the wilds of Alaska to vibrant community hubs in the Pacific Northwest. She is known for her welcoming spirit and her knack for helping others draw out their unique voices and life experiences. Kari’s love of personal stories shines through in her workshops, inspiring participants to find courage and joy in sharing their own tales.
Gretchen Hewitt
Gretchen is a dynamic vocalist and composer with a love for bringing people together through song. Her musical journey has taken her to opera stages and concert halls, Her musical journey has taken her to opera stages and concert halls, and now she finds great joy in sharing music with the community. After teaching in Abu Dhabi, Gretchen settled in Concrete, where she has been uniting singers of all ages and backgrounds. Gretchen is celebrated for her warmth, creativity, and dedication to making group singing accessible and fun. Her workshops are known for sparking connection, confidence, and pure musical enjoyment for everyone who attends.
Becky Luttrell
Becky is a versatile artist and maker whose creativity shines across a wide range of crafts. Whether she’s working with paper, fabric, or found materials, Becky’s projects emphasize personal expression, resourcefulness, and fun—inviting everyone to discover the maker within.
Nan Fullmer
Nan is a passionate performer and teacher who has devoted over thirty years to exploring the ancient traditions of Middle Eastern music and dance. She brings a contagious enthusiasm to her workshops, weaving together live instruments, evocative rhythms, and expressive movement. Whether new to Middle Eastern music or a seasoned dancer, attendees are sure to be swept up in Nan’s immersive, welcoming approach.
Helen Merry
Helen, the owner of Speckled Hen, is an acrylic artist with over 11 years teaching group painting classes. Her mixed media art has found homes all over the U.S. and has shown in several galleries and gift shops in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Her passion lies in creating a judgment-free space where participants are inspired by color and creativity. Her goal is to help everyone unwind and let their self-expression shine. Helens says, “It’s all about FUN art, not FINE art!”
About Concrete
Concrete, Washington is a unique small town, surrounded by forests, rivers and lakes, at the base of the stunning North Cascades mountains. Known for its rich history as a former cement production hub, Concrete offers visitors a blend of rustic charm and outdoor adventure. The town’s scenic riverfront parks and vibrant local art scene create a welcoming backdrop for the Arts Fusion Festival. You’re invited to come for the creative workshops at the historic Concrete Theatre, and stay to explore hiking trails, local eateries, and the warm, friendly community that makes Concrete a hidden gem worth discovering.
Our Thanks
We’re grateful to everyone who’s supported this first-time event — thanks to our instructors for sharing their expertise and for all who’ve helped behind the scenes.
This event receives funds from Skagit County Lodging Tax Funds. www.visitskagitvalley.com
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