It was 5:00, and I was just thinking of making my way to West Seattle for the art walk. I looked off my patio at Puget Sound and the large number of boaters on the water for what must be a good fishing season. Suddenly, the wind kicked up, and I could see, looking across at Maury Island, that a squall was starting. The sky turned dark - kind of blue-black. The water turned a deep steely gray. But what was most strange, was the wakes from the boats were very white, and stayed like that for a long enough period of time, that they could be seen for a long ways off the back of the boats. Some photos of this can be seen here. To see all the photos, click on any photo in my slideshow.
Then, all hell broke loose. One of the strongest showers I have witnessed brought buckets of rain and hail. It looked like an art walk was out of the question. But within a half hour, it calmed down, and then disappeared, so I was off to West Seattle. It was a very pleasant evening, and things appeared lively in West Seattle.
My first stop was at Capers, a home decor store on California Avenue. There I met photographer and writer, Judy Lane. Judy specializes in taking photos of birds. But that does not adequately describe her photos, for they have a strong painterly quality to them. I had to look close to see whether they were not in fact paintings. She captures a crow perched on a limb, while the background is shrouded in a deep fog with other items in the image soft. Or a Great Blue Heron, standing in a shallow marsh in a driving rain, giving a softness to the image and the colors, reminiscent of a fine watercolor. Her portfolio, at least here, was not large, but her work is beautiful.
Judy had the opportunity to show her work to Art Wolfe. Art suggested she take her images, and write a book. So that is what Judy has done. It is a self-published children's picture book titled "Keiko & The Crow". Written in collaboration with Robert Maughan, it is a story of her dog Keiko, and his interaction with a community of crows. The book is available at Capers, online through authorhouse.com publishing, and others. (crookedfeathergirlstudio.com)
My next stop was at Coffee To A Tea With Sugar (aka Sugary Rush Baking Company, where I met artist Kerry Smith. Kerry had emailed me to let me know he would be here for this opening, and had told me he was a dolloptist. I had no idea what that term meant, so of course I had to find out.
Kerry takes what I would call big globs (or dollops) of oil paint, and applies them with a metal tool to a canvas so they form a base coming to a small tip out from the canvas - think Hershey's Kisses only much, much smaller. The paintings are made by taking colors and applying them in a regimented manner to form a pattern, or in a totally random manner for a more abstract presentation. It is painstaking, meticulous work which requires a steady hand and loads of patience. In fact, the quote on Kerry's business card, and website is "Painting is Patience". Well put. A photo of Kerry applying the paint to a canvas is on the slideshow. When dry the paintings are firm, but soft. I have never seen this done before but the paintings are totally distinctive in look. They could almost be woven, but the colors are brilliant, and the patterns intense and tactile. A highly unique style and end result. (peakedpaint.com)
Next, I went to Brunette Mix. I just missed meeting the featured photographer, Tim McGuire, but the owner of Brunette gave her permission to shoot the work, so I have included it in my slideshow. Tim took photos of bicycles in Italy. Just the bicycles - leaning against old walls. They are printed on canvas, and put in a windowless frame. Very cool photos. Tim takes photos for his day job, too. His company takes stock images used in communications, publishing, and advertising. (timmcguireimages.com).
Then, walking down the street, to Arts West Gallery, I came to a group show of work by the faculty of Photographic Center Northwest called "Inspired By The Light". It is worth a trip up here just to see the variety of work of what are true fine art photographers.
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
West Seattle Art Walk Venues
Held the 2nd Thursday of each month.
Participating businesses (from website):
- The Body Bar
- Hotwire Online Coffeehouse
- Ginomai Artists Studio
- Shoofly Pie Company
- Clementine Shoes
- Red Cup Espresso
- Keller Williams Realty
- Shadowland
- Craze Boutique
- Brunette Mix
- Sweetie
- Capers
- Windermere Realty
- Wild Roses
- Carmilias
- Coffee to a Tea With Sugar
- Senior Center Stop and Shop
- Edie Shoes
- Twilight Artist Collective
- Verite Coffee & Cupcake Royale
- 8 Limbs Yoga Center & Boutique
- Dream Dinners
- Arts West
- Talaricos
- Elliot Bay Brewery & Pub
- Bakery Nouveau
- Alki Bathhouse Art Studio
- Admiral Tattoo
- Click Design That Fits
- Alki Mail & Dispatch
- Circa Bar & Grill
- Styling Studio
- The Bohemian
- M3 Bodyworks
- Seattle Wellness Program
- C&P Coffee Company
- The Kenney
- The Building
- Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
- ArtCorp
- Skylark Cafe
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Fremont Art Walk.
I made it to four of the venues at the Fremont First Friday art walk last night. If I can find a venue with an artist, then I will spend extra time talking to them, if they are available, and hopefully getting a picture or two to put on my Flickr account, which shows up here.
Such was the case last night. I got an early start - before the art walk officially began, and was notified of such by one shop owner. In the reporting business, it's called "getting the scoop" isn't it? Okay, so I'm not a real reporter. And I don't have my I-phone (yet!), so it would not have made it up here anyway. I really was just hoping to make it through the whole walk in one night.
Anyway, I went to Fremont Coffee Company before the 6:00 start. I liked what I saw. A lot. I asked if the artist was going to be there, and was told she was. I took my daughter, Natalie, to dinner across the street at Norm's Eatery & Ale House. There I had a Mushroom & Gorgonzola Burger, that was fabulous, and a tasty ale. Nice atmosphere too. It is also a dog-friendly place, so be prepared to share your space with a few canines.
After dinner, we headed back across the street where I met up with artist Christen Shaw (ChristenShaw.com).
Do you remember horror movies before the in-your-face death and destruction and bloodletting that began with Alien, perhaps, or maybe Halloween? The horror then was psychological, and always perceived, than shoved in your face.
That is the type of art Christen brings us. There is no way to label her work other than dark. Dark, is a given. But the questions that her work poses - what is going on here? - are much more potent and thought provoking than what lies on the surface. Not that a clown, standing a good foot taller than a grown man(?), and painted in black (with perhaps dark red tones) and white, won't be enough to give you bad dreams. Or perhaps it is the little girl with an enormously over sized head cocked to one side with a large pistol at her side, that will give you the deepest chill.
The characters in the paintings hearken back to the old-time horror flicks, I mentioned before. Was it House On The Haunted Hill?, or Hound of the Baskervilles?, or maybe Abbot & Costello Meet the Werewolf?, but in one of those, or maybe all of them, a sinister portrait hung on a wall. Did the eyes move as someone walked by? If you can dream of such things as being scary, then this work is for you. Perhaps the Abbot & Costello movie analogy is the more accurate, for there is also a touch of humor in these pieces. They are not seriously scary, but scary nonetheless. I also liked that each one is different. Christen is able to think of unique ways to scare you in each painting, ie she has a vivid imagination.
Her paintings are reasonably priced, too. If you want a conversation starter, but one which is also very well done, you will want to consider purchasing her work. At the least, drop by Fremont Coffee for a look at this refreshing body of work.
My next stop, was at Fremont Jewelry Design, where I met artist Nick Orban. Nick is new to Seattle, having been here less than a year. But he has picked up the Northwest scenery and made the adjustment of colors here that our clouds and weather cast, and given us some beautiful oil paintings. The paintings in Fremont all included water in them. I am not sure how a painter can include the grays and blues influenced by the weather here, and yet make a painting that springs to life on a wall, but Nick finds a way with an effect that is at once relaxing and yet vibrant. These paintings would look good in almost any Northwest home.(NickOrban.com)
Such was the case last night. I got an early start - before the art walk officially began, and was notified of such by one shop owner. In the reporting business, it's called "getting the scoop" isn't it? Okay, so I'm not a real reporter. And I don't have my I-phone (yet!), so it would not have made it up here anyway. I really was just hoping to make it through the whole walk in one night.
Anyway, I went to Fremont Coffee Company before the 6:00 start. I liked what I saw. A lot. I asked if the artist was going to be there, and was told she was. I took my daughter, Natalie, to dinner across the street at Norm's Eatery & Ale House. There I had a Mushroom & Gorgonzola Burger, that was fabulous, and a tasty ale. Nice atmosphere too. It is also a dog-friendly place, so be prepared to share your space with a few canines.
After dinner, we headed back across the street where I met up with artist Christen Shaw (ChristenShaw.com).
Do you remember horror movies before the in-your-face death and destruction and bloodletting that began with Alien, perhaps, or maybe Halloween? The horror then was psychological, and always perceived, than shoved in your face.
That is the type of art Christen brings us. There is no way to label her work other than dark. Dark, is a given. But the questions that her work poses - what is going on here? - are much more potent and thought provoking than what lies on the surface. Not that a clown, standing a good foot taller than a grown man(?), and painted in black (with perhaps dark red tones) and white, won't be enough to give you bad dreams. Or perhaps it is the little girl with an enormously over sized head cocked to one side with a large pistol at her side, that will give you the deepest chill.
The characters in the paintings hearken back to the old-time horror flicks, I mentioned before. Was it House On The Haunted Hill?, or Hound of the Baskervilles?, or maybe Abbot & Costello Meet the Werewolf?, but in one of those, or maybe all of them, a sinister portrait hung on a wall. Did the eyes move as someone walked by? If you can dream of such things as being scary, then this work is for you. Perhaps the Abbot & Costello movie analogy is the more accurate, for there is also a touch of humor in these pieces. They are not seriously scary, but scary nonetheless. I also liked that each one is different. Christen is able to think of unique ways to scare you in each painting, ie she has a vivid imagination.
Her paintings are reasonably priced, too. If you want a conversation starter, but one which is also very well done, you will want to consider purchasing her work. At the least, drop by Fremont Coffee for a look at this refreshing body of work.
My next stop, was at Fremont Jewelry Design, where I met artist Nick Orban. Nick is new to Seattle, having been here less than a year. But he has picked up the Northwest scenery and made the adjustment of colors here that our clouds and weather cast, and given us some beautiful oil paintings. The paintings in Fremont all included water in them. I am not sure how a painter can include the grays and blues influenced by the weather here, and yet make a painting that springs to life on a wall, but Nick finds a way with an effect that is at once relaxing and yet vibrant. These paintings would look good in almost any Northwest home.(NickOrban.com)
Monday, August 3, 2009
New To Blog
Yesterday I added a calendar which can be found on the side menu with the page views of the community art walks.
This morning I added a weather view. Default seems to be New York City. It's an easy fix to view Seattle (or wherever) though, so I will keep it. Nice to know the weather if you are going to be walking neighborhoods looking at art.
Further down the page, on the right side again, you have the opportunity to join my website.
Added Kirkland Second Thursday to calendar.
Look for even more content to come.
This morning I added a weather view. Default seems to be New York City. It's an easy fix to view Seattle (or wherever) though, so I will keep it. Nice to know the weather if you are going to be walking neighborhoods looking at art.
Further down the page, on the right side again, you have the opportunity to join my website.
Added Kirkland Second Thursday to calendar.
Look for even more content to come.
Bainbridge Island Studio Tour
This coming weekend, Bainbridge Island hosts its' twice yearly Studio Tour. The tour features seven locations and 52 artists. Hours are 10am to 6pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 7-9. The tour is self-guided and admission is free. A preview of the art, and a map are available on their website: http://bistudiotour.com
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Ballard Art Walk
Held the second Saturday of each month, from 6pm to 9pm.
Participants in the August 2oo9 Art Walk:
Participants in the August 2oo9 Art Walk:
- BalMar
- Miro Tea
- Dolce Vita
- Conor Bryne
- Monster Art & Clothing
- Camelion Design
- Snoose Jundtion Pizzeria
- Market Street Shoes
- Ella Mon Boutique
- Venue
- Caffe Fiore
- Senior Moose
- Slab Art by Go Green Design
- The Hi-Life
- Andrew Parker RE/MAX Mutual Realty
- Market Street Traders
- LaTienda Folk Art Gallery
- Verite Coffee & Cupcake Royale
- Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian
- Annie's Art & Frame
- Secret Garden Bookshop
- Shakti Vinyasa Yoga
- La Isla
- Stoke
- The Stepping Stone
- Aster Coffee Lounge
- Kick It Boots & Stompware
- Habitude Salon, Spa & Gallery
- Kiss Cafe
- Art & Soul
- Sev Shoon Arts Center
- BallardWorks
- The Scoop at Walter's Cafe
- Blowing Sands Glass Studio/Laura Frost Gallery
- Building C (Artist Studios)
- City Trees Furniture & Gallery
Fremont First Friday
List of participating businesses:
- Artfx Gallery
- Eurostyle Your Life
- Evo Timesinfinity Gallery
- Frame Up Studios
- Fremont Coffee Company
- Fremont Jewelry Design
- Fremont Place Book Company
- Frank and Dunya
- Lifework Images
- Orange Splot Gallery
- Pots, A Ceramic Gallery
- Studio-R
- Far East Handicrafts
- Community Healing Fremont
View Fremont Art Walk in a larger map
Tacoma Art Walk
Consisting mostly of the museums and galleries, with a handful of non-galleries showing work. Held the third Thursday of each month until 8 pm.
- Museum of Glass
- Tacoma Art Museum
- Washington State History Museum
- American Art Company
- Art*o*Mat
- The Art Shop
- BKB & Company
- Grand Impromptu Gallery
- Tacoma Glassblowing Studio
- Two Vaults Studio/Gallery
- William Traver Gallery
- Dragonfly
- Hotel Murano
- Twokoi
- Tacoma Art Supply & Gallery Wall
Spokane First Friday
Maybe not exactly close to Seattle, but worth noting: Spokane has added its own Art Walk on the First Friday of the month. So far, they are scheduled for August and September at the following locations:
- Barrister Winery
- Finders Keepers Jewelry Galore
- French Quarter
- Whitestone Winery
- Gallery of Thum
- Grande Ronde Cellars
- Katze Boutique
- Missing Piece Tattoo Lounge
- Mootsy’s
- Steam Plant Grill
- Arbor Crest Tasting Room
- Brick Wall Gallery
- Global Credit Union
- Madeleine’s Cafe & Pattisserie
- River Park Square Atrium
- Salon de la Vigne
- Spokane Transit Authority
- Express Employment Professionals
- Finders Keepers II Dress Boutique
- Gina’s Design Corner
- Luigi’s Italian Restaurant
- Pottery Place Plus Gallery
- Sante Restaurant & Charcuterie
- Lone Canary Winery
- Avenue West Gallery
- Far West Billiards
- The MAC – Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
Issaquah Art Walk
Held the first Friday of each month, May through September, 5 pm to 9 pm. A walking map follows the list of participating businesses and venues:
- Essential Details
- Village Theatre
- Fins Bistro
- Museo Art Academy
- Art By Fire Gallery & Glass Studio
- Troy Salon
- New Era Photo
- Vino Bella
- Fischer Meats
- Eastside Audiology
- Issaquah Library
- Ankhashas Consignment
- Flying Pie Pizza
- Up Front Art
- Train Depot
- Salon Jade
- Sound Ballet
- Hailstone Feed Store
- Centennial Park
- University House
- Front Street Cafe
- Spirit Journey
- Painted Ladies Art Studio
- Gilman Village at these locations:
- Anglomania
- Buddha Belly Imports
- Creighton Edward
- Daisy
- Escapade
- Fles Wine
- Grimaldi’s
- Kitchen Cupboard
- Lizzy Parker Atelier
- Revolution Gallery
- X Marks The Tot
View Issaquah Art Walk in a larger map
Edmonds Art Walk
Held the third Thursday of each month. Now in it’s eighth year. Thirty eight locations (July ‘09). Live music at some locations.
Venues:
- Edmonds United Methodist Church
- Festivities Fine Gifts
- HouseWares
- Interiors of Edmonds
- ArtsNow Gallery – Edmonds Conference Center
- Rick Steves’ Europe
- Salon Pena
- Semantics Gallery
- Running In Motion
- Resident Cheesemonger
- Bellissimo Salon
- Manya Vee Selects
- Kinder Britches
- Coldwell Banker Bain
- Horizon Bank
- Arista Wine Cellars
- C’est la Vie
- Bluefish Designs
- Edmonds Frame Design and Atelier
- Dolce La Belle
- J Rankin Jewelers
- ACE Hardware
- Edmonds Bookshop
- Cole Gallery & Artists Supplies
- Gallery North
- Glazed and Amazed
- Reliable Floor Coverings
- Ombu Salon & Spa
- Edmonds Library
- Frances Anderson Center
- The Rose House
- Autumn’s Framing and Gallery
- Aria Studio Gallery
- Fabric of Life
- The Loft
- Garden Gear
- Edward Jones
- Olives Cafe & Wine Bar
Wallingford Art Walk
First Wednesday of each month May – September. Hours are 6pm to 9pm.
Participating businesses (from May Art Walk flier):
- Fuerte Fitness
- Windows Art Gallery
- Cornerstone Collective
- Blue Star Cafe & Pub
- University House
- Re-Leaf Massage
- Great Northern Land Company
- Fuel Coffee
- Bella Cosa Foods
- Lucky – 7 Barber/Salon
- Selena’s Guadalajara
- Kids on 45th
- Babalu
- Cutz/Wallingford
- Terra Hemp
- Mirage Comfort Shoes
- Julia’s of Wallingford
- Oasis Art Gallery
- Wallingford Center
- Kerf International Exhibits (at Wallingford Center)
- Crackerjack Contemporary Crafts (at Wallingford Center)
- Trophy Cupcakes & Party (at Wallingford Center)
- Harold’s Lighting
- Not A Number Cards & Gifts
- Teahouse Kuan Yin
- Wikstrom Brothers Gallery
- Changes Bar & Grill
- Starbucks Coffee
- Rain Modern Japanese Cuisine
- Alliance Chiropractic
- Seattle Stained Glass
View Wallingford Art Walk in a larger map
Greenwood-Phinney Art Walk
Held 2nd Friday of each month, except May when the larger two day art walk takes place. The art walk was started in December 2008.
Participating businesses (from website):
- Art On The Ridge
- Balderdash Books & Art
- Bambu Organic Salon
- Bherd Studios
- Brand Vibes
- Currents
- Gary Evans Art Studio
- Gaspare Ristorante & Bar
- Greenwood Sip & Ship
- Greenworks Realty
- Metropolis
- Naked City Taphouse
- Neptune Coffee
- Olive You
- Oliver’s Twist
- PAWS Cat City
- Pig n’Whistle Bar & Grill
- Rockwell Realty/ Seattle Mgmt Group
- Santoro’s Books
- Terra Bella Flowers
- Urban Light Studios
- Vitality Pilates
- Wayward Coffeehouse
- Zak and Zoe
Capitol Hill (Blitz!)
Held 2nd Thursday of each month. Capitol Hill is refocusing and putting fresh energy into their artwalk. The list below is expected to grow.
Grow it did! Went from 12 in May to 43 in June. Impressive. This is the revised list:
Participating businesses (from website:
-
- Coastal Kitchen
- North Hill Bakery
- Red Chair Salon
- Cafe Ladro
- Healeo
- Electric Tea Garden
- Wimsey Home Decor
- Bootyland
- The Copper Vine
- Aria Salon and Spa
- Retrofit Home
- Throwbacks NW
- The Wildrose Bar
- Atlas Clothing
- The Sew People Experiment
- Vermillion
- Grey Gallery & Lounge
- Hugo House
- B-BAM
- Retail Therapy
- Ballard Fetherston Gallery
- B&O Espresso
- Cafe Metropolitain
- Shinka Tea
- Vino Verite
- The Birdhouse
- Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral
- ArtHaus Boutique Condominiums and Gallery
- KOBO
- Harem
- The Bottleneck Lounge
- ROSEBUD
- Babeland
- City Home Store
- Kaladi Brothers Coffee
- The Feed Bag
- Uncle Elizabeth’s
- Warren Knapp Gallery
- Zero Zero
- Bluebottle Art Gallery
- Bus Stop
- Starbucks
- Thomas Street Bistro
West Seattle Art Walk
Held the 2nd Thursday of each month.
Participating businesses (from website):
- The Body Bar
- Hotwire Online Coffeehouse
- Ginomai Artists Studio
- Shoofly Pie Company
- Clementine Shoes
- Red Cup Espresso
- Keller Williams Realty
- Shadowland
- Craze Boutique
- Brunette Mix
- Sweetie
- Capers
- Windermere Realty
- Wild Roses
- Carmilias
- Coffee to a Tea With Sugar
- Senior Center Stop and Shop
- Edie Shoes
- Twilight Artist Collective
- Verite Coffee & Cupcake Royale
- 8 Limbs Yoga Center & Boutique
- Dream Dinners
- Arts West
- Talaricos
- Elliot Bay Brewery & Pub
- Bakery Nouveau
- Alki Bathhouse Art Studio
- Admiral Tattoo
- Click Design That Fits
- Alki Mail & Dispatch
- Circa Bar & Grill
- Styling Studio
- The Bohemian
- M3 Bodyworks
- Seattle Wellness Program
- C&P Coffee Company
- The Kenney
- The Building
- Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
- ArtCorp
- Skylark Cafe
University Art Walk
Held 3rd Friday of each month.
Participating businesses (from April flier):
- Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe
- Starbucks on the Ave.
- Lounjin
- Sureshot Espresso
- Twice Sold Tales
- Laughing Buddha
- Artist & Craftsman Supply
- University Business Center
- University Inn
- Valley of Roses
- Cafe Allegro
- Sunney’s Cafe
- Upper Playground
- Citra Frozen Yogurt
- Tully’s
- Gargoyles Statuary
- Moksha
- Powder Room
- The Word
Queen Anne Art Walk
According to local business owner, the monthly art walk is discontinued. A longer event is scheduled for August. More to come as information becomes available.
Pioneer Square First Thursday
With the proliferation of art galleries, this is the largest art walk in the area. Held on the first Thursday of each month, the walk begins at noon and ends at 8 pm.
List of participating businesses (from website) Walking map follows:
- 4Culture
- All City Coffe
- Art In The Park
- 619 Western Avenue Arts
- Antioch University
- Art Forte Gallery & Studio
- ArtXChange
- Arundel Books
- Blank Space Seattle
- Catherine Pearson Gallery
- Cherry Street Coffee House
- Collins Pub
- Comedy Underground
- Corridor Gallery
- Davidson Galleries
- Design Commission Gallery
- Foster/White Gallery
- From the Heart Pottery
- Frye Art Museum
- G. Gibson Gallery
- Gallery 110
- Gallery at OK Hotel
- Gallery IJMJA
- Garde Rail Gallery
- Gems
- Globe Gallery
- Goldshoe Studios and Gallery
- Greg Kucera Gallery
- Grover/Thurston Gallery
- Heaven Nightclub
- Howard House
- James Harris Gallery
- Johnny O’Brady
- Juan Alonso Studio
- LaFamilia Gallery
- Laguna Vintage Pottery
- Linda Hodges Gallery
- Marcus’ Martini Heaven
- Marni Muir Gallery
- Monarch Studio
- Murphy’s Mix
- Noble Horse Gallery
- Northwest Fine Woodworking
- Ouch My Eye
- Pucini Lubel Gallery
- Path With Art
- Platform Gallery
- Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan Studios
- Punch Gallery
- Rock DeMent Visual Art Space
- Schirmer Studio
- Seattle ArtREsource
- Seattle Presents
- Shift Studio
- Snowboard Connection
- SOIL
- Some Space Gallery
- stir
- Stonington Gallery
- Studio Brick
- Studio D
- Susan Woltz Gallery
- Tai Designs
- Tether
- The Press
- Trabant Coffee
- Underground Tour
- Utilikilts
- Wall Space
View Pioneer Square First Thursday Artwalk in a larger map
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