Ryan James has been appointed as chair of the Cultural Arts Commission for the City of Kirkland.

The commission is a volunteer board that works to help arts, culture and heritage grow and thrive in Kirkland. Along with supporting art and cultural initiatives throughout the year, the commission advises council on art acquisition and promotes strategic arts planning in Kirkland.

After moving his gallery from Bellevue to Kirkland during the summer of 2013, James was approached by the city manager’s office to become part of rebuilding the arts culture in the community

Ryan James Fine Arts has been operating in Kirkland for the past five years, representing 15 Washington artists. The gallery specializes in abstract, modern and conceptual arts.

In addition to chairing the commission, James is a board member for Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, president of the Ambassadors Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, co-founder of Kirkland Young Professionals, a board member and co-chair of the Symphony Guild for Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra, a board member for the Kirkland Arts Center and Attain Housing and a committee member and co-chair of the arts for Kirkland Summerfest.

James is also involved in multiple community arts events: Kirkland Summerfest, Art in Action at The Woodmark Hotel, VinTimate at the Heathman Hotel, Little Black Dress and the City of Redmond steering committee for Downtown Park.

James was also involved in several aspects of planning and organizing the 2014 Kirkland Fish Frolic public art exhibition.

Ryan James Fine Arts is embarking on several public art installations for the City of Kirkland. In partnership with Nytec gallery will be opening a sculpture garden on 6th Street South featuring the works of seven local Washing artists and will rotate works once a year.