About Us

The first version of SeattleArtists.com was launched in 1999 by Joe McDonald. After leaving active duty in the Army, Joe decided to pursue his passion of being a professional photographer. However, he quickly realized that it was difficult to get any traction without gallery representation, and getting that required connections and money, not to mention the high gallery commission rates. Joe had a degree in computer programming and decided to start building a website using a relatively new technology called the Internet. So in April of 1999, he purchased the domain name SeattleArtists.com and created the first online network and marketplace for artists. Using his own photography work as inspiration, the website had one mission: to provide more visibility and exposure for other local emerging independent artists through the use of digital technology. Decades before the invention of social media, the website allowed artists to upload and showcase their artwork in their own online portfolio.

Over the years we’ve done our best to hold true to that original mission of being a resource for artists and the local art community, and to let visitors discover some of the best hidden talent in the Pacific Northwest, from Seattle to Portland to Tacoma and even up to Vancouver, BC! Become a member today and join in the conversation.