Woodinville Gets the World-Class Fine Art Gallery and School it Deserves

While Woodinville, Washington is known for its wine-related tourism, scenic vistas, and fine dining, it isn’t widely known for its fine art (at least not yet), but Jamie Lightfoot is changing that with Picket Fence Art Studio; her new art school and studio, located in the heart of the Wine District.

Jamie’s oil paintings have won critical acclaim, and now she teaches the craft to aspiring artists. “The Pacific Northwest is known for its creative people,” she says. “But I think the pandemic especially, got a lot of people into art, and now they want to deepen their knowledge and skills. That’s where this studio comes in. Our classes help aspiring artists hone their craft and develop an artist’s eye.”

The one-time Woodinville volunteer firehouse (now light-filled studio) boasts misty views of trees across the street and a constant stream of tourists and locals alike who want to see the ever-changing art in the gallery from local painters and invited guest painters.

“It’s a hybrid concept, having a fine art gallery and studio space for public creatives,” Jamie says. "There’s a huge demand. Most of our classes fill up quickly, we’ve hired more teachers, and we’ll soon be offering virtual classes so people from around the world can unlock their creative potential.”

Jamie, a former lawyer and 27 Woodinville resident, opened Picket Fence Art Studio in its new location near the roundabouts in March of this year after hosting smaller classes out of her Hollywood Hill home studio. “When my home was overflowing with artists, I realized I was on to something, that this could be a much larger opportunity for both the community and the art world.”

Picket Fence Art Studio now offers weekly art classes in oil paint, watercolor, acrylic, and additional limited workshops in a variety of art forms including silk painting, encaustics, glass fusion, and more. Classes for kids seven and up and teen-only classes are also available. "We even offer art parties for people who want something really unique, as well as one-time social painting events for those who want to paint with friends casually.”

“I really want Woodinville to be the next Andy Warhol-esque factory/gallery, but for fine art of the Pacific Northwest, where the best artists come from around the world to teach, and where aspiring artists can build the skills and the confidence they need to make art that’s going to deepen the human experience. I think it’s a great time for art and expression, and I can’t wait to see what these students create and bring into the world.”

Picket Fence Art Studio is currently accepting new students and bookings for private events. For more information, visit: https://www.picketfenceartstudio.com

About Jamie Lightfoot
Jamie Lightfoot is an American fine artist known for her oil paintings, which breathe light into their subjects. Her works explore themes of wildness, connection, and exploration, while offering a fresh look at the familiar. Whether it’s an elk stepping into a field, a woman walking down an empty ancient street, or a lonely ferry on the Puget Sound at dusk, Jamie’s works capture the longing of the soul and the beacon of light that calls us home and into our higher selves. “I believe art has the power to transform people,” Jamie says, “It certainly transformed me.” 

Jamie’s work blends delicate realism and the expressive application of color and paint to create a look that evokes emotion, memory, and even a sense of mystery. Jamie was taught by regional artists specializing in impressionistic art and influenced by 19th-century masters such as Sargent, Zorn, and Sorolla. Jamie was mentored and individually tutored by renowned artists, including Pam Ingalls, Cheri Christensen, and Henry Stinson. Jamie attended the Gage Academy of Art.

by Jennifer L. Jacobson