THE TEAM
Gretchen Leggitt
Creative Director & Co-Founder
Gretchen Leggitt is a muralist, artist, educator and business owner based in Bellingham, WA. Her passion to help found Paper Whale and the Noisy Waters Mural Festival is based on her desire to preserve, protect and cultivate creative culture in areas where rapid economic growth has historically displaced artists. After 13 years teaching visual art in academic settings, she has a passion to mentor creatives and host safe spaces for learning and collaborating. Her vision behind Noisy Waters Mural Fest is to facilitate an event that promotes diversity, equity and opportunity in the public art realm. This ethos has resulted in the powerful collaborations that shape Paper Whale projects.
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Nick Hartrich
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Nick has spent his 26 years in Bellingham, WA working to inspire and influence creative change in community. His interest in large-scale art is a direct result of how rapidly it can transform a city. For those seeking an economically vibrant future that includes our artists, storytellers and creatives - he is open to activating ideas into inspiring outcomes. Paper Whale is one such project, and he invites you to participate.
Emily Carey
Engagement Coordinator
Emily grew up in Whatcom County and has always been entrenched in the arts. They are an Autistic, painter and a mixed media creator. After graduating from Western Washington University and teaching art for several years, they now volunteer for several non-profits. Creating inclusive opportunities for the community through art is their passion!
Grace Rogers
Production Assistant
Grace is living her dream as a community builder and artist. With experience in civil engineering focusing on stormwater treatment and management, she brings a tuned attention to detail to event planning for Paper Whale. Grace aims to encourage people to connect deeply with their community and environment. One of her greatest satisfactions is collaborating with others towards a common goal. Grace has a passion for experiential art focusing on the beauty behind self inquiry and natural phenomena in the universe.
