Nestled in the heart of downtown Mount Vernon, Tri Dee Arts is a beloved art supply and gift store that has been a retail cornerstone of the community for decades. The store’s rich history and commitment to fostering creativity and connection make it a cherished establishment for locals and visitors alike. 

The story of Tri Dee is deeply intertwined with the passion and dedication of its owner, Summer Houlihan. Having frequented Tri Dee since her childhood, Summer’s journey with the store began as a young clerk, eventually evolving into a pivotal role in shaping its identity and offerings. 

“It was a store I remembered coming to as a kid,” Houlihan said. “I was looking for a job and saw a ‘help wanted’ sign and thought, ‘Oh, that sounds like a fun place to work.’ I progressed from clerk to merchandiser to store manager, and then to a buyer position where I was kind of overseeing the direction of the store.”

Reflecting on the transformation of Tri Dee Arts since its inception in 1984, Summer emphasizes the enduring vision she has held for the store, rooted in serving the community and celebrating artistic expression. 

In 2011, an exciting opportunity arose when the original owner, Jerry Dennis, offered to sell Tri Dee to Summer and her husband. This transition marked a new chapter for the store, igniting Summer’s enthusiasm for deepening Tri Dee’s roots within the community. For her, owning Tri Dee meant becoming an integral part of Mount Vernon’s fabric and providing a space where creativity thrives. “My husband Travis and I jumped at the opportunity,” she said. “We didn’t want to own a store…we wanted to own Tri Dee. It’s a landmark…a part of our community.”

One of the notable expansions in Tri Dee’s offerings came in 2014 with the addition of pottery, a testament to Summer’s commitment to diversifying the store’s services to better serve the community. By listening to the desires of local residents, Summer sought to transform Tri Dee into a hub that catered to a wide range of creative pursuits, ensuring that there was something for everyone within its walls.

“We did a big remodel and built a place for the pottery kilns — and almost as soon as we opened it, we saw a response,” Houlihan recalled. “Our community wants things like this.”

As a lifelong resident of Mount Vernon, I can attest to the invaluable role that Tri Dee plays in our community. From childhood memories of exploring its shelves to present-day visits, the store has been a source of joy, inspiration, and artistic exploration for me and many others. Tri Dee’s presence in downtown Mount Vernon not only provides a haven for creativity but also serves as an affordable and accessible destination for the younger generation, offering them a space to partake in enriching activities.

In the calendar of Magic Skagit community events, “Illuminight” stands out as a cherished annual tradition that brings together residents and visitors in celebration of art and light. Tri Dee has been instrumental in organizing and hosting “Illuminight” — a mid-winter promenade along Mount Vernon’s downtown and Riverwalk with illuminated paper mache creations — curating mesmerizing light displays and interactive art installations that captivate audiences of all ages. This enchanting event serves as a testament to Tri Dee’s commitment to fostering artistic expression and community connection, further solidifying its position as an essential cultural hub in Mount Vernon.

Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tri Dee exhibited resilience and adaptability, continuing to provide opportunities for individuals to engage in creative endeavors while upholding stringent safety measures. The store’s unwavering commitment to the community was evident through its presence at the local farmers’ market and the organization of craft workshops such as tie-dye sessions.

Tri Dee’s ethos extends beyond being a purveyor of art supplies; it stands as a beacon of support for local artists and creative individuals, shedding light on their talents and contributions. Through its initiatives and events, Tri Dee actively champions the artistic community, fostering a culture of appreciation and collaboration. “I think today’s society is more stressful than it’s ever been, so if you can carve out a moment to just create, I think it really resonates with people,” said Houlihan.

Tri Dee’s legacy as a nurturing space for creativity, community engagement, and artistic exploration continues to resonate profoundly. Its enduring commitment to serving Mount Vernon — and inspiring the next generation of artists and creators — ensures that it will remain a cherished cornerstone of our community for years to come.

This story was written by Skagit Valley Youth History Project intern, Morgan White. To listen to Morgan’s podcast interview with Summer Houlihan, click here.