West Seattle Blog…

Happening now: West Seattle Art Walk, May edition

It’s West Seattle Art Walk night till 9 pm – a beautiful night to traverse the peninsula and enjoy art at a variety of venues. One is Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, whose co-proprietor John Smersh shared the photo of their featured artist, Amy Huber, explaining:

Amy Huber is showing two bodies of work for this show: Organically Controlled. The images she’s posing in front of are her “sketchbook experiment”. Each pair of illustrations starts with an original drawing of something recognizable. The second drawing is an abstract started from where the ink bled through to the next page in her sketchbook.

She’s also showing her “Stress Paintings”. Amy works as a graphic designer at Nordstrom; when she’s trying to work out an idea at work she’ll often doodle absentmindedly on post-its. The patterns that emerged proved strong enough to be recreated as original paintings on canvases.

We’ve also made a stop in North Delridge – more on that in a moment. The map with all of this month’s venues can be found at wsartwalk.com.

ADDED 7:00 PM: Earlier today, we showed you around Youngstown Flats (see the photo tour here), a new WSB sponsor that’s leasing apartments in North Delridge. One big aspect of the project is its art – on every floor – and tonight the 14 artists and their work are being celebrated. One is Sara Everett, who also curated the work:

She posed for us in front of two of her pieces near the Dakota entry, both evoking greenery such as that you would find along nearby Longfellow Creek.

That’s Oval/Burst by Carla Grahn, which you’ll see right when you walk into the main entry. You can meet her and many of the other 13 artists, while touring the building and enjoying refreshments, till 9 tonight (26th and Dakota).

P.S. A note from Art Walk organizers:

This quarter the postcard/walking map and Art Walk Here posters feature the artwork of Emily Williamson. Emily was a West Seattle artist who passed away recently; her life touched the lives of many in our community. Her cheerful art is a reminder of her beautiful spirit and the brief time that we have to live and create!

Emily’s artwork was featured at Mind Unwind during March. Read remembrances of her life here.

West Seattle Art Walk: Scenes from April 2013 edition

Story and photos by Katie Meyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Spring sunshine graced Thursday evening’s West Seattle Art Walk – above, at Firefly Café & Creperie (4160 California SW; WSB sponsor), featured artist Kimi J. Hansen-Chadwick (right) and proprietor Charell Estby. One of Hansen-Chadwick’s paintings, below:

Art appreciators at Firefly also enjoyed a sample of Zoka Coffee’s single origin Guatemalan “El Limonar” coffee, brewed with the “pour over” method by Zoka roaster Matreya:

Etsby was excited to take part in the West Seattle Art Walk — and to combine it with hosting a donation drive for WestSide Baby (packaged diapers, car seats). Per Etsby, two car seats were donated today. The bright red bin is ready and waiting in the cafe for the month of April:

Artists Judy Lane of Crooked Feather Girl Studio, and Rafael Caraballo also had their works on display at Firefly:

Meanwhile, more sunshine – and butterfly wings – glowed inside the newly opened West Seattle Office Junction (WSB’s coverage of opening day here). Entrepreneurs Stefan Hansmire and Christine Bartels welcomed visitors:

Featured artist Walter Scheirer (below) used off-tint house paint and salvaged/recycled doors in his work; this series is titled “Abstracts in Insects” with pieces depicting designs and patterns from butterfly wings. (Learn more about Scheirer’s artwork here.)

“Baltimore Checkerspot #2,” painting by Walter Scheirer

The West Seattle Art Walk is held every second Thursday, 6-9 pm, and you can preview venues and artists here.

West Seattle Art Walk, March 2013 edition: 2 Junction stops

Two scenes from The Junction during Thursday night’s West Seattle Art Walk – above, artist Michelle Salazar (left) at Wallflower Custom Framing (4735 42nd SW; WSB sponsor) with proprietor Courtney Sievertson. Wallflower is a fun stop on Art Walk night, not only because of the variety of artists showcased, but also because it’s a comfortable venue for the Art Walk reception-style experience, a sip, a snack, a chat with the artist … You can read about Michelle and her work here.

Not far away, at Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor), metal/jewelry artist Sarah Loertscher was in the spotlight:

Click! shared the photo of Sarah, whose unique work is described here. It’ll be on display at Click! for two months, so if you missed Art Walk night, you can still view (and purchase!) the art – many of the participating venues keep the displays up all month.

Another invitation: West Seattle Art Walk seeking hosts

Every second Thursday, it’s a celebration of art and community, at dozens of businesses, galleries, and other venues around the peninsula – the monthly West Seattle Art Walk. And there’s room for more, according to this WSAW announcement:

The West Seattle Art Walk committee is currently putting out a call to area businesses interested in participating in the monthly Art Walk for the second quarter of 2013. Art Walk is an evening community event on the second Thursday of each month, including locations across the West Seattle peninsula. Requirements for Art Walk hosts include procuring an artist, featuring their work, and committing to being open during Art Walk for the 3 months of the quarter they are signed up for. Interested? Click here for an application, or e-mail wsartwalk@gmail.com for more information. Deadline for participation is March 8.

Note that this is *not* a call for artists, but if you *are* an artist interested in participating, you are urged to contact participating businesses (listed at wsartwalk.com).

The next Art Walk is March 14th; if your venue signs up for second-quarter participation, that would start with the April 11th WSAW.

West Seattle Art Walk: Alki Arts celebrates Black History Month

Alki Arts is always a hot spot on the West Seattle Art Walk map, and last night was no exception. Portraits by Cheryl Zahniser (photo above) and Jeremy Bell is now on display in honor of Black History Month. And singer/playwright Tina Vernon provided the music:

As gallery co-owner Diane Venti explained via Facebook, Vernon is in Seattle “to perform later in the month as part of Seattle’s Hansberry Project.” It’s one of Vernon’s three home bases, according to her bio; she is premiering her one-woman play (with music) “Wanted,” February 27-March 3 at Theatre Off Jackson.

P.S. Next West Seattle Art Walk is March 14 – but even if you didn’t get out last night, many of the exhibits continue for at least the next few weeks, so review the venues on the WSAW website, and check them out when you can.

West Seattle Valentine’s Day 2013: What’s up today/tonight

Today’s list of calendar highlights is all about Valentine’s Day. Above, Sarah shares photos of the famous Duckies of Lowman Beach: “The Ducks are in full Valentine’s gear and sharing the ‘LOVE’ with their West Seattle neighbors who are loving the tunes, especially the children.” Find them at 7031 Beach Drive, on the south side of Lowman Beach Park. Lit up at night, too!

Tonight is also West Seattle Art Walk night:

From Alki to Morgan Junction and beyond, here’s the list/map of who’s participating in the winter Art Walk season. Tonight from 6-9 pm, stop by any of those venues to see what’s on display and, in many cases, meet the artist(s). Most of the venues/artists are also showcased on the official West Seattle Art Walk website – as you’ll see here.

Also for this Valentine’s Day:

(Photo courtesy Narcissa from COWS – March 2011 pre-planting photo)
LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY ORCHARD: This season’s series of regular work parties/orchard visits/tours/meetups starts today, 3-5 pm, at the Community Orchard of West Seattle on the north side of the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus. Details here.

THE KENNEY LOVES YOU: You’re invited to “Will You Be My Valentine?” at 3 pm in the Community Room, with entertainment by Sid Law. Dessert and refreshments will be served. (The Kenney, a WSB sponsor, is at 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW.)

HAPPY TENTH, C & P: C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) celebrates its tenth anniversary tonight! Go wish them happy birthday/anniversary. “Bobcat Bob” Rice is performing for the occasion. Starts at 6 pm.

CUPID 5K: Are you a Valentine’s Day lover or Valentine’s Day hater? Two different groups will run/walk a 5K course tonight starting at 7 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza. Check out the details in our preview story from last week.

‘LOVE LETTERS’: A classic love story, presented by the Fauntleroy Players at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), and this is opening night. Directed by and co-starring Kevin Finney; also starring Connie Murray. 7:30 pm, tickets at the door.

THE NAME IS VALENTINE … SHIRLEY VALENTINE: Just a few more chances to see the one-woman tale of love and life at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), “Shirley Valentine.” 7:30 pm.

VALENTINE’S NIGHT KARAOKE: Guy shares the news that he is “hosting a Valentines day duet karaoke contest at The Yen Wor on Thursday. It starts at 9:00. There is supposed to be “Washington’s Best Singer of 2009″ as one of the celebrity judges. There is going to be a trophy awarded and prize money.”

Even more – on the calendar!

Art Walk, happening now: ‘Gun Show’ at Mind Unwind in Admiral

With this week’s news of a city-county gun buyback, our society’s use of and relationship to firearms returned to the headlines. That makes a new art exhibit in West Seattle all the more timely, and you can see it during tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk. We visited The Admiral District’s Mind Unwind gallery/event space for a preview last Friday night, first night of “Gun Show 2013” by Vancouver, B.C., artist Brent Ray Fraser (above), who describes his images of guns and flowers as examples of yin and yang:

Gallery owner Krystal Kelley told WSB the exhibit was booked months ago, long before the Connecticut school massacre and other incidents brought “the gun debate” back to centerstage in our country. She wondered whether to cancel it – but decided that it might play into the discussion, helping people consider their own beliefs and feelings about firearms. This is part of an ongoing series of work by Fraser, about 60 in all so far, he says. He is at Mind Unwind tonight, creating art live, till 9 pm; the show continues till the end of the month, and you can also see it while visiting MU’s Treehouse Lounge loft (2206 California SW). P.S. Some of Fraser’s work in the exhibit is complimented by arrangements from Admiral’s Flower Lab.

West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk, Shop Late, Ask The Expert, wine, music, Holidays 4 Hope’s final day…

Thanks to Don Brubeck for capturing the sun’s cameo appearance early today. Busy day/night ahead! Highlights:

THREE LIBRARY STORY TIMES: Two for preschoolers this morning – Southwest Branch (35th/Henderson) at 11 am, Delridge Branch (Brandon/Delridge) at 11:15 am – then there’s one for toddlers at the High Point Branch (35th/Raymond) at 11:30 am.

FINAL DAY TO DONATE A TOY TO HOLIDAYS 4 HOPE! We’ve been updating you on the local students collecting toys to take to this Saturday’s South Park WinterFest holiday party. Today’s the last day you can drop off a donation – locations include Zippy’s Giant Burgers, JC’s Deli, The Original Bakery. Check out the Holidays 4 Hope Facebook page here.

HANUKKAH CONTINUES: Sixth night. And here’s a virtual menorah you can light; thanks to Eric from the Kol HaNeshamah congregation for the link (P.S. – KHN has a Hanukkah party on Saturday, listed in the WSB Holiday Guide).

CHAMBER PARTY: Tonight’s the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce “Mix, Mingle, Jingle” party, 5-7 pm at Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW; WSB sponsor), register online ASAP if you haven’t already!

WINE-TASTING EVENTS: Three tonight – at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor), 5:30-9 pm, it’s the annual port tasting; at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), it’s Wine Club night, 6-8 pm (explained here); and at Bin 41 in The Junction, winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla from Forgeron Cellars is on hand for Art Walk night, 6-8:30 pm.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Dozens of places to get your art on tonight – meet the artists, buy their work as unique local holiday gifts – 6 to 9 pm, walking map/venue list here, previews on the official Art Walk website.

CHRISTOPHER BOFFOLI @ ARTSWEST: The “Food as Art” three-artist show featuring some of the internationally renowned photos by longtime WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli runs just a few more days at ArtsWest – where you can attend a talk with Christopher and the show’s other two artists TONIGHT, 6 pm.

SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: While you’re out – check out the participating stores – also open till 9 (or so).

AND WHILE YOU’RE OUT – DONATE! Twilight Artist Collective, for example, has a bin for Treehouse – details in the “Giving Opportunities” section of the WSB Holiday Guide. Lots of other businesses, too.

‘SANTA AL’ ROAMING: Taking a break from his North Pole work, “Santa Al” (who shared the photo above) reports he’ll be “making random drop-bys tonight during the Art Walk and (Shop Late Thursday) at the Junction.”

ASK THE EXPERT: Second Thursday also means this monthly event at the legendary West Seattle Tool Library (northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW) – 6 to 8 pm, with experts on hand to talk with you about a variety of potential projects (among those you’ll find, WSB sponsor LD Arch Design) – full list on the Facebook event page.

ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY BOOKFAIR BEGINS: 7 pm tonight, come to Barnes and Noble at Westwood Village to hear special guest readers from Arbor Heights Elementary, which is B&N’s Bookfair beneficiary – special code for purchases over the next week is part of the info you’ll find in our calendar listing.

MADISON CONCERT: Madison Middle School Music Department winter concert happens tonight in the Madison gym (45th/Spokane), 7 pm.

KING TIDES CONTINUE: We went out for a low-tide walk late last night, and we weren’t alone; others were out with flashlights, peeking at what was revealed on the beach. Per the chart, tonight’s the lowest low tide, -3.6 at 10:41 pm. The afternoon high tides are on the wane but tomorrow at 6:06 am, you’ll find a 12.8-foot high tide, almost as high as it’s going to get this time around.

More on the calendar – and ongoing seasonal events in the WSB Holiday Guide.

Thursday: West Seattle Art Walk & ‘Shop Late Thursday’ together

(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB, from 12/1/2012 West Seattle Junction Christmas Tree Lighting)
Just a quick reminder – 6-9 pm Thursday night is the nexus of West Seattle holiday shopping: Shop Late Thursday and West Seattle Art Walk, same night, many of the same places – plus Art Walk participants in The Admiral District, Alki, Morgan Junction, and other parts of the peninsula. You can preview many of the Art Walk’s featured artists right now by going to the official website – wsartwalk.com – and to see the list of who’s participating in Shop Late Thursday all season long, go to this page on The Junction’s website.

West Seattle Art Walk scenes, November 2012 edition

The West Seattle Art Walk really isn’t a one-night event – for most venues and artists, it’s part of a month-long exhibit. “A Feast for the Eyes: Food in Art” at ArtsWest – which includes some of longtime WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli’s internationally enjoyed “Big Appetites” work – opened the day before Halloween, but the reception highlighted last night’s Art Walk festivities. That’s Christopher above; also part of “A Feast for the Eyes,” Kristen Reitz-Green:

Jere Smith‘s work is featured as well. Along with ArtsWest, WSB’s Katie Meyer made two other Junction stops last night – photos ahead (and a reminder about the big holiday-season Art Walk!) … Click to read the rest of West Seattle Art Walk scenes, November 2012 edition…

West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk; Design Review doubleheader

(Photo by Doug B, whose work you can check out on Flickr)
Beautiful morning! And the Olympic Mountains’ snow frosting reminds us it’s getting colder – tonight’s low is expected to drop into the 30s. But no rain is expected today/tonight, so it’s still a great chance to be out and about, with the following highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

LIBRARY STORY TIME: 11:15 am, it’s Preschool Story Time at Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge).

MDA FUNDRAISER ‘LOCKUP’: At midday today, as part of a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, various local business/organization leaders/reps will be “arrested” and “locked up” till they are “bailed out” by pledges/donations to MDA.

NEXT ELECTION RESULTS: King County plans to release new vote counts at 4:30 and 8:30 pm today/tonight. They say about 3,300 “on-time ballots” arrived with this morning’s mail.

BIKE MASTER PLAN WORKSHOP: Downtown last night, on Beacon Hill tonight – it’s your second chance to speak up for West Seattle’s needs in the city’s Bicycle Master Plan Update. 5:30-7:30 pm at NewHolly Gathering Hall, as explained here.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 6-9 pm tonight at dozens of venues around West Seattle! Here’s the list/map. Some highlights:
-Longtime WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli‘s internationally famous “big food/little people” work is part of a group show at ArtsWest in The Junction, and he’ll be there for the reception, 6-7:30 pm, as will Kristen Reitz-Green and Jere Smith, whose work also is part of “A Feast for the Eyes.”
-West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor) has its weekly free tasting 5:30-8 pm and is showing the work of Glenn Brewer.
-Heidi Horwitz DDS-Orthodontics for All Ages (WSB sponsor) at Genesee/California is participating, with jewelry designer Katherine Dancer.
-In The Admiral District, participants include Heartland Café featuring Nicole Melchior, and Zatz A Better Bagel (WSB sponsor) featuring
-Rachel Austin (whose work is featured on this quarter’s WSAW poster, above) is back at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction
-Also in The Junction, Kari-Lise Alexander is featured at Wallflower Custom Framing (WSB sponsor).
-Find lots more spotlights on the official West Seattle Art Walk website

DESIGN REVIEW DOUBLEHEADER: Two major West Seattle Junction projects go before the Southwest Design Review Board tonight for the second time. Both meetings are at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon – enter on the Oregon side and go upstairs); both will include public-comment periods (regarding design issues). Here’s the lineup:
-6:30 pm, 4724 California. This is the project proposed for the ex-Petco, now-Sound Ad Group site. The project passed Early Design Guidance back in May (WSB coverage here) and is now up for potentially final approval. Here’s our most recent report.
-8 pm, 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW. This is the megaproject which, as first reported here yesterday, will include a Whole Foods Market. It did NOT pass Early Design Guidance at its first meeting (WSB coverage here), so it’s back for a second round.

GENESEE-SCHMITZ NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Live in the Genesee Hill/Schmitz Park area? This is your neighborhood council, and they’d love to see you at their meeting tonight, 6:45 pm at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

Music and more in our other listings for tonight – and for many days/weeks/months ahead – on our calendar.

West Seattle Art Walk, October edition, from beach to bakery

(This photo and the following 7 are by Nick Adams for WSB)
It seems so long ago – Thursday night, before the rain returned, a beautiful night to wander West Seattle and enjoy the monthly WS Art Walk sights and sounds – with most of the art staying on display all month long, so this report is really about places you can still go and art you can still enjoy, even if you weren’t out and about during Art Walk itself. We visited a variety of venues – starting in the north at Alki Arts, where local painter Cathy Woo (above) showed all-new work. See the others, ahead:

Click to read the rest of West Seattle Art Walk, October edition, from beach to bakery…

West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk; ‘Lawfully Wedded’; WSHS open house; more…

It’s West Seattle Art Walk night! Plenty of previews on the official Art Walk website, and some highlights below too, among other notes from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 11:15 am at Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge). Stories, rhymes, songs, fun for 3-5 year-olds.

SLIME AND SCIENCE: 4 pm at High Point Library (35th/Raymond), for ages 7-9.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 6-9 pm, from Alki Arts in the north to Locol in the south, more than two dozen venues are on the West Seattle Art Walk roster for fall. Here’s the list/map; following are a few previews (and find more here):

C & P COFFEE WINE TASTING AND LIVE MUSIC: Choro Tocando brings the music, Gregg Curry the art, for the monthly wine tasting at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW), 6-8 pm – bring an appetizer!

WEST SEATTLE CELLARS WINE TASTING & ART WALK: Glenn Brewer‘s watercolors, and “affordable Oregon wines” poured by Click Imports’ Franck Mossenta at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor), 5:30-9 pm.

MEET ME AT THE MORTUARY – ART WALK AT HOTWIRE: Artist Todd D. Martin has a most unusual exhibit at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor; 4410 California SW) – details here.

ALSO IN THE JUNCTION – TAMMY SPEARS AT WALLFLOWER: Recent work by Tammy Spears and edible treats by Kitchen Klaus are what you’ll find at Wallflower Custom Framing (WSB sponsor) on the ground floor of Mural, across 42nd from Jefferson Square, during Art Walk tonight.

ZATZ A BETTER BAGEL COLORING CONTEST & ART WALK: Stop by Zatz A Better Bagel (WSB sponsor) for Art Walk tonight in The Admiral District and – if there’s a young artist with you – get in on the coloring contest! It’s been extended till the November Art Walk. (Here’s our original report with contest details.)

UKULELE MUSIC AT CARMILIA’S FOR ART WALK: Proprietor Linda tells us “there will be a four-part ukelele band playing ’80s cover music along with great photos by Pauline Smith.” (Carmilia’s is at 4528 California SW in The Junction)

SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY AT BAKERY NOUVEAU: It’s a juried show – all month long, but check out, and meet photographers, tonight during Art Walk. (The photo above is by Larry St. Pierre.) Here’s the announcement:

Bakery Nouveau displays stunning images of the Seattle Chinese in a juried show now on display. Images taken from morning light to moonlight display the skill and artistry of ten photographers. They participated in a series of August workshops at the Garden led by Vashon Island photographer Ray Pfortner. Meet the photographers at Bakery Nouveau on October 11, from 6 to 8 pm, during the West Seattle Art Walk. Indulge all your senses and enjoy a delectable pastry while admiring the photography. Bakery Nouveau is at 4737 California Avenue SW.

Also happening in West Seattle tonight:

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8:30 pm, it’s the traditional fall open house event for WSHS families – as noted on the WSHS home page:

It will be an opportunity for you to learn about our schools’ performance data, communication methods and support. You will have time to meet your student’s teachers to find out what your student will be learning, and hear about his/her teacher’s expectations and support. Your student will be bringing home their schedule for you to follow. Please meet in the Theatre at 6:30 pm.

‘LAWFULLY WEDDED’ – FREE! 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall, an ArtsCrush presentation – here’s their preview:

“What is love? What is marriage? People have widely differing views, and through personal interviews, theatre, poetry, and music we will explore these views. This collaborative production is sure to speak to your heart! Don’t miss this thought provoking and relevant production.”

Presented in West Seattle in conjunction with Twelfth Night Productions and Kenyon Hall. Admission free.

NIGHTLIFE: … Pub quiz night at A Terrible Beauty (California/Edmunds), 7:30 pm … Danny Figgins Trio plays live at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 8-10 pm … The Deep Cuts with DJ Kingblind at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW), 8 pm … Amir Beso performs at The Cask in The Admiral District, 8 pm… (Live music at YOUR venue? Please send us the info so we can include it on West Seattle’s most comprehensive events calendar! editor@westseattleblog.com)

West Seattle Art Walk: A dozen September scenes

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Dozens of businesses opened their doors again last night for the September edition of the West Seattle Art Walk, and we have a mini-photo tour of several stops this morning, from WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams. Twilight Artist Collective in The Junction opened its new “Cryogenic Nude America” exhibition – top photo is “The Last Cookout,” and it’s by The Collagemonauts, who are in the next photo – from left, Craig van den Bosch, Marty Gordon, and Tim Manthey:

Nick also visited Admiral and Alki venues – with sights including this:

Nine more Art Walk scenes ahead – and remember, most installations up through the month, so you still have a chance to see them even if you weren’t out last night!
Click to read the rest of West Seattle Art Walk: A dozen September scenes…

West Seattle Art Walk, and what else is up for your Thursday

(Painting by Ann Duffy, featured at Click! Design That Fits during WS Art Walk tonight)
Much going on tonight – with the monthly West Seattle Art Walk at the top of the list. From the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar (thank you to everyone who shares announcements!):

TRAFFIC ALERTS: If you’re downtown, remember the Microsoft meeting today (noted here on Wednesday); tonight, from our day-by-day/night-by-night list, two overnight road closures, same as last night: Southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct 9 pm-5 am, and eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct 10 pm-5 am – so if you get on the eastbound high bridge during the closure, you’ll have to exit to northbound 99.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND BENEFIT: 5 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) – details here.

ALKI ELEMENTARY BACK-TO-SCHOOL BARBECUE AND PTA MEETING: The school’s families are invited to a barbecue at 5:30 pm, followed by the first PTA meeting of the year at 7 pm. Details via Facebook.

OPEN HOUSE AT ALKI COMMUNITY CENTER: Come find out about classes, facilities, and everything you might not already know about Alki CC, 5:30-7 pm (more info here), 5817 SW Stevens.

LAST COMMUNITY KAYAK TOUR OF THE DUWAMISH THIS SEASON: Join the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition and Alki Kayak Tours for a kayak tour of the Duwamish, 6 pm, leaving from T-107 Park in West Seattle. Details via Facebook.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Dozens of venues around the peninsula, from Alki to Admiral to The Junction (and beyond), 6-9 pm tonight – meet artists, admire their work, and in many cases, enjoy a bite or sip compliments of the hosting venues. Here’s the walking map/list; here’s the official website with previews. (And a few specific previews shared with us follow …)

ART WALK AT CLICK! DESIGN THAT FITS: Ann Duffy will be on hand at WSB sponsor Click! in The Junction with paintings, including the one at the top of this report. Here’s the info from Click!’s own website.

WINE TASTING AT C & P COFFEE:

It’s our monthly neighborhood party! Bring a friend, bring an appetizer and listen to Brazilian music with Choro Tocando. $5.00 tasting fee or wines by the glass or bottle. (21 and older please.)

C & P, a WSB sponsor, is at 5612 California SW.

MORGAN JUNCTION COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TO BECOME PARKLAND? Join the community conversation tonight; meet at 6 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 6451 California SW. Details are in our previous report.

ASK AN EXPERT AT WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Second Thursday is also a chance to visit the West Seattle Tool Library at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6-8 pm, and talk with experts about home-improvement/construction/sustainability projects – this month’s lineup is here.

ART WALK AT ALKI ARTS: Pop art by Daniel Rey and live guitar music by Jeff Krause, 6-9 pm, 2820 Alki Avenue SW. Here’s the Facebook event page.

DESIGN REVIEW MEETING: 3078 SW Avalon Way, proposed for 114 apartments, is on the agenda tonight 6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon, upstairs). The format includes a chance for public comment. Here’s our preview from last night, including links with more information on the project and on a neighborhood group’s concerns.

SHERIFF CANDIDATES’ FORUM (AND PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES): No West Seattle forums in this race scheduled that we know of, so to hear from the two candidates for King County Sheriff, be at tonight’s quarterly Public Safety Forum presented by the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council. It’s at 7 pm in the meeting room in the NH Fire District headquarters, 1243 SW 112th.

Scenes from a clear-sky West Seattle Art Walk August night

Making an early stop on the West Seattle Art Walk, we found a bake sale! Parents and students from Schmitz Park Elementary are outside Carmilia’s tonight, raising money for the 4th grade trip to Islandwood. (Inside Carmilia’s, you’ll find artist Randi Rohde and her photography of theatrical vignettes featuring perfume bottles.)

Also in The Junction, Wallflower Custom Framing is debuting a new show:

Northwest photographer David Atkinson is there tonight; his work will be up for about a month. More to come – and if you’re out on the Art Walk tonight, check out the free tickets for the 9 pm afterparty at the Benbow Room, with Tyson Meade, The Grizzled Mighty, and Hobosexual.

8:16 PM UPDATE: We stopped by the Benbow to peek in on preps – here’s the stage where the music (MC’d by Brent Amaker!) will happen later:

Back on the Art Walk route – two more stops in the Admiral District. First, at Atomic Boys, artists Quinn Sadow and Chance Williams:

They’re showing their drawings tonight. And over at Mind Unwind, living art:

We found Herban Flora outside – featuring Rachel Grossman and Holly McNeill, whose art is focused on plants – succulents, mosses, and air plants.

West Seattle Art Walk tomorrow, plus afterparty with The West

The August edition of the West Seattle Art Walk is tomorrow night. See the walking map/venue list here – and start planning your route with some of the venue/artist previews that are on the official Art Walk website now. Such as – photos of perfume bottles in theatrical vignettes at Carmilia’s in The Junction; and in the Admiral District, the art includes Atomic Boys displaying drawings by two youth artists, Chance Williams and Quinn Sadow.

The Admiral District is also where you’ll find something extra AFTER the Art Walk – The West is presenting an afterparty at the Heartland Café‘s Benbow Room, 9 pm-2 am. You’ll find a while-they-last supply of free tickets at some Art Walk venues (Hotwire Online Coffeehouse [WSB sponsor], for one), or it’s $5 at the door. The lineup just expanded – in addition to The Grizzled Mighty and Hobosexual, an acoustic opening set by Tyson Meade (ex-Chainsaw Kittens) has just been added; details on the event’s Facebook invite.

More West Seattle scenes: North Delridge to the Admiral District

Besides roaming The Junction on West Seattle Summer Fest Eve/West Seattle Art Walk night, we also took a side trip north on Thursday night. First, to North Delridge, for a firsthand look at the West Seattle Tool Library‘s new mobile unit – a delivery/pickup trailer – as reported here; posing with the new trailer are the Ask-an-Expert/WSTL/Sustainable West Seattle crew who were on hand at the library’s Youngstown home when we visited. Next, over to the Admiral District for a few of its West Seattle Art Walk venues:

At Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor), we met Chloe Cho (photo above), who makes and sells beach-glass jewelry. A bit further north, Mind Unwind brought together art and science, as proprietor Krystal Kelley put it – the former, from artist Walter Scheirer, who she explained “has rendered the natural abstracts in insects using mis-tinted latex house paint on salvaged hollow-core doors”:

And the science, from collector Don Ehlen with Insect Safari, who showed “more than 2,000 insect specimens from all over the world”:

Finally, we dropped in on State Farm agent Brent Amacher, who was being neighborly by hosting portrait photogapher Dawndra Budd – who also works at Mission next door:

The next Art Walk is August 9th, 6-9 pm.

Hot night! West Seattle Summer Fest eve & July Art Walk, report #1

6:44 PM: We’re starting the night in The Junction, where the party is on, as the streets are now closed on the eve of West Seattle Summer Fest. Above, Lora Swift celebrating the 10th anniversary of her Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (north end of The Junction, close to where the Summer Fest music stage will be set up shortly) – West Seattle-created Venom Vodka is here, with owner Mark Miceli:

Also at Hotwire, DJ Lunaglow is mixing on the patio – more details on the party here. We’re roaming both West Seattle Art Walk stops and Summer Fest prep, and in many places, like here, it overlaps. Summer’s also in full swing at Twilight Artist Collective:

The new West Seattle Art Walk buttons are here, and that’s made Erin smile! Come to the info booth at Summer Fest tomorrow (where you’ll find us, too) to get yours, free. Back to what’s up tonight – it’s bazaar time at Easy Street Records:

The Art Walk fun goes on till about 9 – it’s Shop Late Thursday in The Junction too (some of the sidewalk sales are already under way – at WSB sponsors J.F. Henry and Click! Design That Fits, to name two where we’ve seen merchandise outside the storefront).

And we’ve got a crew roaming elsewhere in WS too!

7:18 PM UPDATE: It is not Summer Fest Eve without the now-West Seattle-residing Bubbleman:

His traditional show filled the street with cheering kids – and now we’re a few steps away in the ex-Petco, current Sound Ad Group HQ pending the 4724 California development – the crew in here is working on another edition of the West Seattle Podcast, as we speak … and making sure those crazy animatronic creatures still work. (added) They do! Center of attention, lip-synching Justin Bieber‘s latest …

(There’s also AIR CONDITIONING in here, you should know.) Live music ahead in the street – Yada Yada Blues Band outside West 5, and there’s a troubadour outside the boutique zone on California south of Oregon. More to come.

9:15 PM: Your editor here wound up on the WS Podcast with Jason, Tao, and Celeste (and our son). Drop by sometime – they’d love to put lots of West Seattleites “on the air”! We then wandered out to check out the Yada Yada Blues Band outside West 5 (under the appropriately blue tent):

(added) A minute of video from their set:

West 5 is one of several Junction restaurants where you’ll find short-term sidewalk café setups during Summer Fest – sure, there are the standard street-fair food vendors, but you can also enjoy your year-round faves in new ways. Speaking of vendors, they are all working into the evening to get ready for tomorrow, when WSSF begins at 10 am:

We’ll add a few more photos… we also have a separate report from stops in North Delridge and the Admiral District. But tomorrow, all eyes are on the festival … we’ll start the day with some don’t-miss highlights,and you can browse music/community stage/vendors/everything at wsjunction.org/summerfest.

West Seattle Art Walk, June report #2: In the Admiral District

Admiral District businesses made good on their promises to crank up the volume for this month’s West Seattle Art Walk this past Thursday night. Here’s what we found at four stops along the way. Top photo is from Mind Unwind, the gallery/education/collaboration space at 2206 California SW – where Brendan Ray Fraser was working on a painting that, shall we say, was a little too nude for WSB standards, so we took our camera upstairs for the aerial view. Three more stops ahead:

Click to read the rest of West Seattle Art Walk, June report #2: In the Admiral District…

West Seattle Art Walk, June report #1 – from The Junction

(Photos by Katie Meyer for WSB)
Our first of two West Seattle Art Walk roundups focuses on Junction highlights: At 94 years young, West Seattle painter Jeanne Hedington was one of last night’s stars on the June edition of the Art Walk. She was at Windermere West Seattle with some of her many, many creations. This one is titled “I Dreamed of My Grandpa Last Night”:

Hedington, by the way, has a special reason to remember the 1962 World’s Fair, as Seattle marks its half-century anniversary: She worked that year as a portrait artist for Disney and produced a huge body of work.

At Bin 41 wine shop, there was of course wine, but there were also photographs, by Mike Russell:

The Bin describes his photos as “a refreshing reminder of the beauty that’s all around us.” More Junction Art Walk stops ahead:

Click to read the rest of West Seattle Art Walk, June report #1 – from The Junction…

West Seattle businesses invited to join next quarter’s Art Walk lineup

West Seattle Art Walk organizers are putting out the call to local businesses today:

The time has come to get signed up for participation in 2012′s 3rd Quarter West Seattle Art Walk!

We continue our fight to make each Quarter bigger and better that the last, so we’re looking for excited, art-loving, local merchants to join us in featuring artist(s) at your business on Art Walk night, July through September. 3rd Quarter is always an great time of year to be a WSAW business, as there are so many fun things happening around West Seattle and the sunshine really gets people out walking the streets!

WSAW happens the 2nd Thursday of every month, 6-9 pm. 3rd Quarter WSAW dates are July 12th, August 9th, and September 13th.

The fee to be part of it, and be on the Art Walk list/map/website, etc., is $30 for the quarter – and businesses can sign up online, here.

West Seattle Art Walk scenes, including WS Garden Tour celebrating poster artist Sheila Lengle

At one stop on Thursday night’s monthly edition of West Seattle Art Walk, all eyes were not only on the featured art, but also on an event that’s still two months away – the West Seattle Garden Tour. At Windermere West Seattle in The Junction, WSGT organizers/volunteers gathered to present a $500 check to poster-art contest Sheila Lengle, who, along with her winning creation “Ode to Picasso,” posed with graphic designer and art-show planner Michelle Drewien:

Along with Sheila’s winning work, the creations of 13 runners-up – Megan Thorberg, Lida Enche, Nancy Coleman, Marilyn Van Cleave, Jeffrey Corson, Janet Ramble, Marti Lyttle, Alisa Lahti, Arlys Pederson, Sally Parker-Henderson, Christine Kapet, Mark Levin, and Ann Kendall – are on display at Windermere. The Garden Tour is on July 15th this year (with WSB among the co-sponsors); find out about the featured gardens on the WSGT site.

Over at Wallflower Custom Framing (WSB sponsor) on the ground floor of Mural, facing 42nd SW across from the Safeway end of Jefferson Square, RobRoy Chalmers‘ “The Sporozoan” opened during the Art Walk:

He explains his work here.

And back to California SW, if you didn’t catch her last night, plan on the June Art Walk (June 14th) to go meet paper-cutting artist Hannah Viano at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor):

You can see samples of her work, and find out more, on the Click! website. And our monthly reminder: As is the case with Click!, many Art Walk venues keep the art up all month (and then some!) so you can still take your own “Art Walk” through local businesses – read about highlighted artists/venues on the WSAW website.

West Seattle Art Walk, April edition, and Food for Art!

Wonders to behold on tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk – and you still have an hour to get out and see the sights. Our crew is still out and about, but here are two photos shared with us – top, Jana sends the view of artist Jeffro‘s work (with kids assisting!) at Mind Unwind in the Admiral District; next, from Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor), jewelry artist Sarah Loertscher:

Sarah’s at Click! again Saturday for a trunk show. More to come – and while you’re out, remember it’s Food for Art tonight, with seven venues sharing proceeds with Transitional Resources! Art Walk’s on till 9 but many Food for ARt participants are going beyond that.

ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: More photos! First, from Sound Ad Group‘s Rock-afire collection in the ex-Petco space:

At Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), photographer Mark Morgan is this month’s artist:

Babette’s Hatworks was featured at Wallflower Custom Framing:

At Seattle Real Estate Associates (WSB sponsor), we photographed D. Lisa West (who created the art you’ll see on this quarter’s WSAW posters and postcards):

At Twilight Artist Collective, artist Michael Harrison:

And one more view from Mind Unwind, where we began – here’s more information about Jeffro Uitto‘s exhibition, and here’s our photo of him with his work:

And it was a feast not just for the eyes but also for diners at the seven venues participating in Food for Art for Transitional Resources. At West 5, Ola Salon was the host – here’s Rachel Karlin, with Shawn Skerritt:

Art Walk is the second Saturday of every month – next one, May 10th!

West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk; Food for Art; more

Our morning preview is running late because it was stuck in traffic [coverage]. But lots to do tonight!

Click the image for your full-size walking map/venue list for tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk, 6-9 pm. It’s the first Art Walk of the second quarter, so there are some changes. For the next three WSAWs, there are 37 venues, stretching from Alki Arts in the north to Locöl in the south. Some venues have live music, most have refreshments, and it’s the perfect night to wander West Seattle. Find out more about some of the highlighted artists by going to the official Art Walk site – such as, artist Chris Rollins during the Thursday night wine tasting at new WSB sponsor West Seattle Cellars.

FOOD FOR ART: Tonight, dine and drink at any or all of seven West Seattle venues, and help WS-based Transitional Resources fund its art programs for people living with mental illness. Here’s an update from TR’s Yemaya St. Clair:

Dine out in support of art therapy Thursday, April 12 at one of seven participating West Seattle Restaurants. Circa, Fresh Bistro, Highstrike Grill, Locol Barley & Vine, Luna Park Café, West 5, and Zatz are all donating a percentage of their proceeds on Thursday night to Transitional Resources’ art therapy program, serving men and women living with severe and persistent mental illness. Each of the restaurants will host a raffle; your $5 ticket could win one of many generous prizes donated by local businesses, including the grand prize Wellness Package (Ola Salon 60-minute facial + Ola Salon spa products + LaVida Massage 60-minute massage + West Seattle Body Works Spray Tan Party + Chaco Canyon Café gift certificate) or the Artist’s Collection Package ($100 gift certificate toward the purchase of any RobRoy Chalmers original art + Wallflower Custom Framing $50 gift certificate + Young at Art $25 gift certificate + Handmade Quilt by local quilt artist).

Additional raffle prizes include:

Ola Salon Bag (products + hair cut service – total estimated value $170)
$50 gift certificate for Capers
$50 gift certificate for Jak’s Grill
$50 gift certificate for Northwest Art & Frame
$50 gift certificate for Elliott Bay Brewing Co.
Framed original painting by TR Resident Artist, Jenzo
$25 gift certificate for Prost!
Gift certificate for 12 Cupcake Royale cupcakes
6 months of bagels (one dozen bagels each month) from Zatz

Details of each venue’s participation – including hours and links – can be found on the Facebook event page.

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCIENCE FAIR PALOOZA: Gatewood Elementary principal Rhonda Claytor invites everyone in to see the first annual edition of this showcase: “Every student in grades 2 thru 5 will be contributing some scientific writing for display, and about 50 students have chosen to present their findings from a home science project. We’ll have student work on display (this) afternoon from 1:50-2:50 pm, and in the evening (with cheese and fruit) from 6:30 – 8 pm. The public is welcome to come and see the work of our young scientists.” (Gatewood is on SW Myrtle just west of California SW.)

DELRIDGE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Continued discussion of the 5444 Delridge Way SW project’s potential commercial tenant is part of the agenda for tonight’s meeting, 6:30-8:30 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

OPEN HOUSE AT BUTTERFLY BALANCE WELLNESS CENTER: While you’re out and about, 7-9 pm tonight on the southeast edge of The Triangle. Details in the WSB event-calendar listing.

Even more for today/tonight on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar – explore it here.

Update: West Seattle Art Walk scenes, March 2012 edition

If you haven’t been out yet – there’s still half an hour to join in West Seattle Art Walk – check wsartwalk.com for a participating venue near you. Above, Charles Smith was painting “live” at Mind Unwind in the Admiral District (2208 California SW), so new it’s not on the list yet. We made some other stops and will add to this later!

ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: You’ll usually find live music at several stops on Art Walk night –

Jada and Wes were performing with The Five Buck Band at Windermere West Seattle. Across the street at CAPERS, we found mixed-media fine artist Susan Mulligan:

Starheadboy was at Sugar Rush Baking Company:

Eva Funderburgh is curator of the “Chimeras” ceramics exhibit now open at Twilight Artist Collective:

And circling back to Mind Unwind, muralist Glenn Case (who you might know for his Easy Street work) was on hand too:

Many venues keep the art on display for the entire month, so when you’re out shopping in The Junction or Admiral (and beyond!) in the weeks ahead, check the walls (etc.) and appreciate, maybe even consider purchasing, local art! Meantime, next month’s Art Walk will be the first of the spring quarter, and there’s usually some rotation of venues, so watch for a new list of places to explore – it’ll be on April 14th, second Thursday as usual.

Happening now: West Seattle Art Walk – and you can join in

Till 9 pm, it’s this month’s edition of the West Seattle Art Walk, and Young At Art (next to The Beer Junction on 42nd south of Alaska) is one place where you can be an artist too – proprietor Theresa Anderson shared the photo, because Starheadboy is back this time around, “painting the wall with the kids tonight … adults are welcome to grab a brush as well…” We’re checking on some other venues and will add photos later. (If you’re heading out, the walking map/venue list is linked in our morning preview.)

FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: A few photos from our Thursday night stops:

Harpist Johanna – daughter of Village Green Perennial Nursery proprietor Vera Johnson – played at Windermere in The Junction, where we also admired wildlife photos by Robin Lindsey (whose work makes the Seal Sitters’ “blubberblog” site both highly informative and wonderful to review). Also in The Junction, Shawn Foote is one of the artists in the group show “Constructed Geographies” at ArtsWest:

At Twilight Artist Collective, co-proprietor Mary Enslow and daughter Margaux, now 3 months old, were on hand as the “Form and Fancy” show opened:

We also traveled up to the Admiral District to stop in Mind Unwind, a new gallery (among other things), so new it’s not on the official Art Walk map yet. Cathy Woo is showing her work there now:

Didn’t make it to Art Walk last night? Many venues show the work all month long, so take an extra look around next time you step into one of the participating businesses. And clear March 8 for the next WSAW!