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Arts and Events - Bellvue WA When William Meydenbauer staked his claim in Bellevue back in 1869, he could not have imagined, even in his wildest dreams, that one day a 36,000 square foot exhibition hall and 410-foot performing arts theater would be built near his small settlementand named after him! It would have challenged every perception he heldjust to conceive of such a possibility. But true to Meydenbauers dreams for an enduring society, Meydenbauer Center 132 years later is the focal point of a thriving arts community. The Centers mission is to be the premier community-based performing arts venue in the Pacific Northwest, and today it is home to a growing number of regional, national and local performing arts groups. William Meydenbauer would be pleased to know Bellevue has evolved as a thriving, dynamic society that today is home to some of the Puget Sound regions finest performing arts organizations. The newly expanded Bellevue Art Museum opened in January 2001 after a successful fund-raising campaign of over $23 million. In addition, Bellevue is home to the Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art, several art galleries, the annual Bellevue Art Museum Fair, more than 100 artworks displayed in public places, summer lunch-time concerts and an annual Jazz festival. The City also supports the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra and nearly 20 other visual and performing arts groups. Other performing arts facilities include the Lee Theater at Forest Ridge School, Music Works Northwest and the Carlson Theatre at Bellevue Community College. The Bellevue Art Museum Fair, presented each July, is one of the largest and most prestigious art festivals in the country. It began as a grassroots effort to showcase Northwest artists 55 years ago. The first Fair in 1947 drew over 20,000 people. Today more than 300,000 visitors come to the Fair and partake of the 325 artists booths, art demonstrations, exhibitions, performing arts, food and a Kidsfair. The Fair's proceeds benefit the artists and the Museum.