West Seattle Blog…

Happening now: West Seattle Art Walk, June edition

Thanks to CAPERS in The Junction for sharing that photo of work by their featured artist tonight during the West Seattle Art Walk, continuing till 9 pm: You might know Machel Spence best for her photography, but she also makes these beautiful boxes. CAPERS is at 4525 California SW, one of the many venues listed on the official WS Art Walk site. More to come!

Longtime West Seattleite Gevin Booth producing film ‘The Servant’

(From left: Ian Bell, Gevin Wood, Nathan Williams)
By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Ever wonder what a film producer actually does?

Longtime West Seattle resident and filmmaker Gevin Booth would be happy to tell you. He is producing the movie “The Servant” here in Seattle and in Eastern Washington. And his work got under way long before the actual filming begins.

Among other duties, Booth explains, the producer is in charge of “getting the money, putting the pieces together so the director’s creative vision can happen, finding the cast, crew, locations, catering and looking at costume design. I’m creating an environment where the director can focus on the actors, cameras, and scene, and doesn’t have to worry about lunch arriving at noon.”

Booth adds that he and co-producer Ian Bell are “juggling 12 plates constantly, making sure nothing breaks.” All this juggling is for “The Servant,” a feature film written by local filmmaker Nathan Williams, described by Booth as “thought-provoking cinema. It’s interesting, entertaining and contemplative with philosophical implications.” And, he says, with “political, religious, and supernatural themes, but is actually none of those things.”

Click to read the rest of Longtime West Seattleite Gevin Booth producing film ‘The Servant’…

Ten possibilities for your West Seattle Sunday

(Fauntleroy ferry dock, photographed by Flickr member alextutu1981, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Happy Sunday! Today’s highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm today and every Sunday in The Junction. (44th and Alaska)

LAST DAY FOR JUNCTION BAKERY AND CAFE: As reported here yesterday, they announced via signboard that they’re closing after today, and would love to say goodbye in person, till 5 pm. (4541 California SW)

TIDEWALKING: Today’s low tide isn’t super-low-low, but low enough for Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists to be out answering questions and otherwise assisting visitors, 11 am-1:30 pm at Constellation and Lincoln Parks.

COLMAN POOL: The saltwater outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park is open for its final pre-season weekend, noon-7 pm – broken up into these sessions. The full 7-day-a-week summer season begins next Saturday.

BENEFIT CAR WASH: Seattle Lutheran High School‘s cheerleaders are raising money by washing cars this afternoon at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor), starting at noon (35th/Webster)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays, you can stop by the museum to learn about and enjoy West Seattle history. (61st/Stevens)

OPEN HOUSE AT ‘THE TRIPLETS’: Shopping for a new home? Tour three in the same block, at the first open house for the remodeled “Triplets,” as previewed here. (8800 block of 24th SW)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: 1-4 pm Saturdays and Sundays, through the end of August, you are welcome to tour this century-old West Seattle treasure. (just north of Beach Drive/Alki SW)

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Today’s ingredient is rice – make something with it and bring it to the meeting at Beveridge Place Pub, 3 pm. (6413 California SW)

HANDBELL CONCERT: “Spring Ring” at 4 pm, handbell choirs in concert at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (3940 41st SW)

Everyone’s on camera as West Seattle’s Terminal 5 hosts 1,300 people for first-ever VloggerFair

This morning, the first-ever VloggerFair – a gathering of v(ideo bl)oggers, not a conference! insisted organizers including Chris Pirillo (above right, with vloggers Judy and Benji) – wraps up at West Seattle’s Terminal 5. Yes, at the port, not at a convention center somewhere. Terminal 5′s that big building you see from the westbound bridge, parallel with Nucor, lined with numbered truck bays. All day Saturday, it was full of camera-wielding vloggers and vlogging fans, instead of freight. If you were there, even just to observe, you probably wound up in somebody’s clip. See for yourself on this overview video (we spotted ourselves way in the background at about 1:30) by Kirsten Collison:

The vlogging world has its own celebrities, and some are in attendance:

Click to read the rest of Everyone’s on camera as West Seattle’s Terminal 5 hosts 1,300 people for first-ever VloggerFair…

Video: Denny, Chief Sealth choir & orchestra’s year-end concert

“Joyful, Joyful” is the song you hear in our clip of the Chief Sealth International High School Choir performing their final concert of the year, sharing the bill last night with orchestras from their school and adjacent Denny International Middle School. You’ll see the two schools’ orchestras playing together in this next clip:

Click to read the rest of Video: Denny, Chief Sealth choir & orchestra’s year-end concert…

Gatewood students hike to library for art as well as books

You know Seattle Public Library branches are places to go for books, videos, computers, more … but don’t forget the art! It was a big reason why Gatewood Elementary 4th graders hiked up SW Morgan Street to get to the High Point Branch last Thursday. Teacher Darren Radu, who shared the photos, says local ceramic artist Steve Gardner talked with them there:

The artist, says Darren, “is the creative genius behind the beautiful artwork that adorns the High Point library exterior. He provided insight to his creative process and retold the ‘Sky Legends’ from Somali, Mexican, Native American, Asian, and Greek cultures that inspired his work. The kids were extremely impressed with both the art and the stories, and made a number of connections to their studies of myths and legends this year. We’re grateful to Steve for taking the time to meet with us and share his expertise.”

While at the library, he adds, they also talked with librarian Nathalie about summer reading. “The kids wanted to pass along a message – they hope that the West Seattle community spends the summer appreciating both great art AND great books!”

West Seattle schools: Denny musicians’ Disneyland success

Young musicians from West Seattle are showing their stuff at Disneyland this weekend, and gaining recognition for it, reports Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark:

It is an honor to share with you that the Denny International Middle School senior band, senior orchestra, and jazz band musicians are performing this weekend at the Disney Magic Music Days in Anaheim, California. Mr. Pimpleton, Ms. Shaffer, and other Denny staff and volunteers are with nearly 100 students as they perform. Our scholars are having a great time and earning some prestigious awards. So far, we have been presented with a 1st place and overall top Jazz Band, 2nd place Middle School Orchestra, and 3rd place Middle School Concert Band awards! Congratulations, Dolphins! Thank you to our staff and volunteers!

P.S. After they return, the orchestra’s final concert of the year, along with Denny singers, is this Wednesday night.

SIDE NOTE: Thanks to ALL local school staffers, volunteers, parents, and others who have helped us update tens of thousands of people in the West Seattle community and beyond with news of many local schools/students’ activities, honors, open-to-the-public events and more, again this year. We appreciate hearing from any and all schools in the area! Whether it’s an upcoming event announcement, an invitation to cover something at/involving your school, or photos/info on something that’s already happened, editor@westseattleblog.com is the place to send it (and if you have questions on how or what to send, same address – thanks!).

West Seattle schools: Denny, Sealth jazz bands in concert

(Denny Jazz Band)
More achievements by local student musicians in the waning weeks of the school year – the Chief Sealth International High School was the scene last night for performances by jazz bands from both Sealth and adjacent Denny International Middle School, whose principal Jeff Clark shared photos and this note:

The sweet sounds of jazz filled the auditorium as the scholars in the Denny and Sealth jazz bands skillfully performed. A special thanks to our partners at the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra and all of our families and volunteers. Congratulations to all of our kids, to Mr. Pimpleton, and to Mr. Morales–your performance was fantastic!

(Sealth Jazz Band)
Denny, Sealth, and other Seattle Public Schools have just two weeks to go till summer break – the official last day is June 14th; some independent schools get out even sooner.

P.S. Any more school performances coming up before year’s end? Please be sure to send an announcement for our calendar! Thanks!

‘Jaws,’ ‘Monty Python,’ more: Benefit series @ Admiral Theater

(1975 trailer for “Jaws”)
Three more big-screen special events have been announced for the Admiral Theater – this time, movies and more, presented as benefits, explained by Mind Unwind‘s Krystal Kelley:

I am happy to announce a series of Art events that we are doing this summer at the Admiral Theater. This is a fundraiser to raise money for both the Admiral Theater’s renovations and for supporting Arts in Education through the Mind Unwind Foundation. It also helps support local artists!

Tickets for the first two events go on sale June 7th. First one:

JUNE 21

Late-night showing of JAWS at 11:00 pm

Join us for a late showing of a classic movie, including intermission, wine/beer, silent auction and unique mixed media exhibit “Lost At Sea” by J. Conrad Nivens. 21+over event. Guests are encouraged to wear their finest DENIM!

Second event:

JULY 27

Monty Python & The Holy Grail at 11:00 pm

Join us for some friendly medieval fun. Late night showing of Monty Python & The Holy Grail at 11:00 pm, intermission, beer/wine, silent auction and original exhibit, “Holy Grail” by Dave Ryan of Manticore Stencil Art. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as medieval knights & wenches.

The third event will be a group art show with a showing of “The Big Lebowski” on August 24th. Krystal says that along with ticket sales, they’ll also be raising money by selling sponsorships; any businesses/organizations interested in sponsoring the series can sign up by going here.

P.S. If you missed our recent story about the Admiral’s renovation hopes, read it here. And to find out more about the Mind Unwind Foundation, go here. Related to its work, you’ll see a summer-long art-supply drive in The Admiral’s lobby, too.

West Seattle High School Marching Band goes international!

Yet another major event in what’s been a milestone year for West Seattle High School musicians; the photo is shared by teacher Ethan Thomas, with this report:

The West Seattle High School Marching Band traveled to Victoria, B.C. last weekend to participate in the Victoria Day Parade. The band performed in the Parade of Bands at the Parliament Building and at Beacon Hill Park in addition to the 115th annual parade that celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria.

It’s been a big year of parades for the WSHS band – we’ve covered them in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and in the Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown, as well as the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival Parade. And you can see the WSHS band musicians perform one week from Thursday – stay tuned for details of their June 6th concert.

West Seattle filmmaker’s ‘Finding Hillywood’ to premiere

(“Finding Hillywood” trailer)
A few years back, we reported on a West Seattle filmmaker busy with a project then called “Film Festival: Rwanda.” Today – under the title “Finding Hillywood” – director Leah Warshawski‘s film is complete – after six years of work – and is about to have its world premiere! From the announcement:

Finding Hillywood is a feature documentary about the beginning of Rwanda’s film industry and a real-life example of how art heals.

First-time director and West Seattle resident Leah Warshawski and cinematographer Chris Towey invite us to experience Rwanda from an intimate, fresh perspective – through the lens of the country’s first filmmaking generation and the Rwanda Film Festival, now in its 9th year.

“Finding Hillywood” will be screened at the Egyptian Theater on Capitol Hill as part of the Seattle International Film Festival, this Wednesday (May 29th) and June 5.

And that’s just the beginning, Warshawski tells WSB that after SIFF, “we will screen at the deadCENTER Film Festival in Oklahoma City on June 8, and the Female Eye Film Festival in Toronto on June 23. We have some other things coming up but they are not public yet. Our main character from Rwanda (Ayuub) will be in Seattle with us from May 28 – June 6.” If you’d like to see “Finding Hillywood” during its premiere screenings, ticket sales and showtimes for the upcoming screenings can be found on the SIFF website.

Happening now: Raven tapping to get from West Seattle to Chicago

12:55 PM: Outside CAPERS at 4525 California SW in The Junction right now, you’ll find 9-year-old Raven tap dancing; CAPERS’ Lisa Myers explains that Raven is “raising funds to be part of the HUMAN RHYTHM PROJECT FESTIVAL in Chicago in July. Come support this fabulous local talent.” She’s there until 2. (And if you didn’t see this in time – you can still donate to Raven’s fundraising campaign; CAPERS will forward donations.)

West Seattleites behind the scenes at NW Folklife Festival

(Photo courtesy Folklife: Programmers and WS residents Debbie Fant, Michelle Shaevitz, Kelli Faryar)
Going to Seattle Center for the Northwest Folklife Festival next weekend? Though it’s not happening in West Seattle, three West Seattleites are involved in making it happen, as we recently found out. One of them – Deputy Director Debbie Fant – explains:

West Seattle is really well represented at the 2013 Northwest Folklife Festival! First of all, the programming team — Kelli Faryar, Michelle Demers Shaevitz, and Debbie Fant — all live in West Seattle! And second, there are 34 groups from West Seattle performing throughout the weekend!! (Not that we’re biased — there’s just so much talent in West Seattle!)

If you’re among those Folklife performers from West Seattle (or White Center/South Park, since we cover those communities with our other two sites), please let us know (comment, or e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com) so we can include that in weekend mentions. Here’s the schedule – even if you’re not the performer, let us know if you recognize locals who are listed.

Another painting project: Student artists’ mural along 16th SW

A new mural is going up right now in South Delridge – thanks to Angelina for letting us know about it. It’s part of a program called Link, bringing together high-school students and design professionals for a year of mentoring, including monthly workshops. The mural along the 85-foot facade of TAM Industries in the 9400 block of 16th SW is happening during the final LINK workshop of the school year.

The mural was designed by Terry Marks, this year’s life coach for the Link program; the artists are using “both freestyle spray painting and Banksy-type stencil techniques,” according to background information Angelina shared. We were there around noon, and they were expecting to be done by 3 or so, so we’ll be going back for an “after” shot!

Lafayette’s ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ and 4 more highlights tonight

Looking for something to do tonight? Five highlights!

(Photo courtesy Edgar Riebe)
‘WILLY WONKA JR.’: 106 Lafayette Elementary students are in the production, performing their hearts out, under the direction of Melia Scranton with choreography by Aaron Swartzmann, and you have two chances to see it at the West Seattle High School Theater – 7 pm tonight, or 7 pm tomorrow (Saturday). Tickets are free but donations are encouraged. (3000 California SW)

WOMEN, WINE, WELLNESS: Free event at 7 pm tonight at Roxbury Spine and Wellness Clinic (WSB sponsor), but you have to RSVP ASAP! Details are in our calendar listing. (2656 SW Roxbury)

MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: It’s this month’s free-movie night at Highland Park Improvement Club! 7 pm (doors open at 6:30) – details in the calendar listing. (12th/Holden)

PEARL DJANGO AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm tonight, the local legends play historic Kenyon Hall – details in the calendar listing.

SECOND-TO-LAST WEEK … to see “33 Variations” at ArtsWest. Curtain tonight: 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)

Check the calendar for nightlife listings.

Moved to make a point, Potter Construction’s pencil is back

(Photos courtesy Potter Construction)
After some trouble with vandalism, the 13 1/2-foot-tall pencil sculpture that used to point skyward outside the California/Findlay offices of Potter Construction (WSB sponsor) was taken down for a while – but now it’s been refurbished and reinstalled. It used to be perpendicular to the ground, and now it’s parallel, right over the company’s front window.

The pencil was created by West Seattle artist Stephen Rock of Rock’s Studio and originally installed almost two years ago; a Potter Construction crew put it up in its new spot this morning.

Video: West Seattle Community Orchestras’ 10th-anniversary gala, with bittersweet surprise

As the West Seattle Community Orchestras celebrated 10 years of musicmaking with a gala concert last night at Chief Sealth International High School, there was an emotional moment before the closing singalong: WSCO co-founder Dr. Toni Reineke – leading the WSCO Intermediate Orchestra in our first clip above – announced she’s retiring from conducting:

(Her announcement was followed by the closing singalong, “Rock Around the Clock.”) As was stressed in the announcement, Dr. Reineke – whose bio is here – will remain involved with the organization she founded to give community members of all ages/abilities a chance to be involved with orchestral music. She’ll be teaching beginning winds/percussion in the fall – class information, along with how to join WSCO, is on the organization’s website.

P.S. WSCO has one more concert this season before its summer break – 7 pm June 11th, also at CSIHS, the Symphony Orchestra performs works by Schubert, Schumann, and more!

Mayor at Youngstown with city arts director Randy Engstrom to announce arts-funding partnership

2:06 PM: Former Youngstown Cultural Arts Center director Randy Engstrom [right, above] is back at the center right now for a big city announcement regarding arts education: New money for visual-arts and music education for all students in Seattle Public Schools. Engstrom points out that arts funding is a social-justice issue as well as an important underpinning for industry. The program, he says, aligns at the district level as part of the strategic plan, as well as working with principals of all schools, “so that by junior high we haven’t left any of our students behind.” The funding, he says, comes from higher-than-expected revenue from the city admission tax from venues including the new Seattle Great Wheel; 75 percent of those taxes are supposed to go to “arts-related programming.” (The family behind the big ferris wheel has representatives here too.) The implementation will begin with the Central Pathway, says Mayor McGinn, who’s part of the announcement here too: “Arts really define Seattle as a city, too … this is a very, very exciting day,” he said. Also part of the announcement: Carri Campbell, who is the school district’s program manager of Visual & Performing Arts, and says those arts will be increased “in every single school,” and assistant superintendent Michael Tolley.

2:16 PM: “Arts education is one of the academic assurances we put in place” with the switch to neighborhood schools a few years ago, Tolley points out. In Q/A, we asked how this will be rolled out; it’ll take six years, says Campbell, and the second pathway – after Central, where this will be inaugurated – hasn’t been determined yet, so we don’t know when it will get to West Seattle schools.

3:02 PM: The event’s over; the full news release is here.

P.S. One more note – the value of arts education was touted by a Youngstown veteran, professional breakdancer Sammy Tekle, who is now a teaching artist at Orca K-8, introduced by Engstrom:

Summer Concerts at Hiawatha lineup for 2013; first show July 25th

Just announced by Katy Walum from the Admiral Neighborhood Association – the lineup for this year’s series of Thursday night Summer Concerts at Hiawatha: Glenn Crytzer and his Syncopators kick things off on July 25th; then it’s The Dusty 45s on August 1st; Impossible Bird on August 8th; Massy Ferguson on August 15th; Fly Moon Royalty on August 22nd; and Strong Suit on August 29th. Read on for the full announcement with background on the bands:

Click to read the rest of Summer Concerts at Hiawatha lineup for 2013; first show July 25th…

Dine out Tuesday to help West Seattle High School music

It’s been a big year for West Seattle High School‘s music program, especially the marching band, with two downtown parade appearances including St. Patrick’s Day, as shown in our video above. This Tuesday, you can help the program keep growing by having dinner at Abbondanza in Morgan Junction. WSHS’s first-year music teacher Ethan Thomas explains:

The West Seattle Rotary Club is hosting a dinner fundraiser at Abbondanza Pizzeria (6503 California Ave SW) to support the music program at WSHS.

Abbondanza will be donating 10% of their proceeds and Rotary Club volunteers will be waiting tables and donating their tips.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 14th, and come out and support our young musicians. The restaurant will be open from 5-9 pm.

Daughters of the Dead Sea shoot first music video, ‘Trophy,’ at Feedback Lounge

If you were in the Morgan Junction vicinity on Saturday, you might have noticed some early activity around the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) on Saturday. Hours before its usual 4 pm opening, the Feedback played host to the first-ever music-video shoot for the rising local band Daughters of the Dead Sea – from left, below, Jen, Iris, and Mia:

They were shooting the video for “Trophy,” a “newly recorded, unreleased song” that they tell us “will be featured on a split 7″ with The Heels later this summer, along with another new track, ‘Little Heart.’ ‘Trophy’ is a two and a half minute number that we fondly refer to as our kick-ass punk-rock ‘love song.’ This marks our first-ever music video release and is set to be released early this summer. The 7″ will be the first recordings that the Daughters have released since debut EP The Killroom Sessions back in October 2012.” That one was a hit, the band’s bio info points out – debuting at #1 on local charts including Easy Street Records and voted 2012′s #1 record by Nadamucho.com.

West Seattle Summer Fest Art Dive! Time for artists to apply

Not to rush things along – but suddenly it’s May, and even summer’s big events are in view – like the West Seattle Junction Association-presented West Seattle Summer Fest (with WSB among the co-sponsors again this year). If you’re an artist/craftsperson and would like to be part of the Art Dive at Summer Fest, Twilight Gallery and Boutique is organizing it again this year, and is calling for applications:

Calling all local artists, craft vendors, upcyclers, jewelers, product makers, etc, etc. This is your weekend festival on the WEST SIDE!

2013 FESTIVAL DATES ARE HERE: (different than the deadline)
Friday, July 12, 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday, July 13, 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, July 14, 11 am – 5 pm

ABOUT ART DIVE:

Art Dive is an artist flea market housed within Summer Fest. Art Dive consists of dozens of artists and crafts people selling goods to the public. Art Dive is sponsored by Twilight Gallery & Boutique.

Details continue ahead, along with the application link: Click to read the rest of West Seattle Summer Fest Art Dive! Time for artists to apply…

West Side Music Academy: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

Today we welcome West Side Music Academy as one of the newest WSB sponsors. Here’s what WSMA would like you to know:
West Side Music Academy has been a part of the West Seattle community since 1998, beginning with owners Chris and Cami MacDonald, teaching lessons from their home on SW Dakota Street. Today WSMA boasts a great line-up of vibrant teachers offering a wide variety of lessons as well as group classes. All of our teachers are experienced musicians who are actively performing, recording and/or guiding budding musicians, each with their own unique way of drawing out the creative juices. West Side Music prides itself on providing a positive musical experience. Lessons are custom tailored to fit each student’s learning style. Students and instructors work together to create musical goals and implement a plan to reach and even surpass those goals, instilling confidence, patience, and a passion for the creative process.

WSMA accepts students of almost any age, child or adult (no baby classes as of yet). Many students join us at a very young age and stay on through elementary, middle and high school. Adult students are welcome as from-scratch beginners or to pick up where they left off.

We currently offer lessons in VOICE, GUITAR, BASS, SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, FLUTE, VIOLIN, BRASS and PIANO.

Our summer classes include: ROCK BAND (various levels), GIRL BAND (various levels), RHYTHM GROUP, JAZZ ENSEMBLE, PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC (3-4 yr olds).

Our staff includes: Katie Voss (piano), Matt Benham (guitar), Aaron Jenkins (woodwinds), Birch Pereira (bass,piano, guitar), Nouela Johnston (piano), Heidi Fivash (piano), Coreena Brown (voice), Chara Hokama (violin), Cami MacDonald (piano), Cameron Sharif (piano), Eric Junge (piano), Scott Morning (trumpet), and additional staff for summer classes. Stephanie Hargrave is our trusty office manager. She will help you find just the right teacher to fit your style.

Also in our building at 4214 SW Dakota is Great Start Preschool! Both West Side Music Academy – 206-937-2343 – and Great Start Preschool – 206-779-5299 – encourage you to give us a call and set up an appointment for a free introductory lesson! We look forward to meeting you.

We thank West Side Music Academy for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Happy 10th anniversary, West Seattle Community Orchestras! Celebration concert in 2 weeks

Tuesdays are rehearsal nights for the West Seattle Community Orchestras, and tonight they are continuing to get ready for a very special event that is just two weeks away. If you haven’t seen it on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar yet, here’s the official announcement:

This year marks the 10th Anniversary for the West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO). They will hold a celebration concert on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium, 2600 SW Thistle St.

For the first time all three orchestras will be performing in one program. In addition WSCO reveals a rare and special treat performed by cello players in all three orchestra groups. Guest conductor Rob Duisberg leads this wonderful Cello Choir, performing Also sprach Zarathustra, R. Strauss, arranged by Flaherty and Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye and Halsey.

Click to read the rest of Happy 10th anniversary, West Seattle Community Orchestras! Celebration concert in 2 weeks…

‘Design to celebrate West Seattle’ sought by SWS Historical Society

(Another aerial angle of West Seattle photographed this past week by Long Bach Nguyen)
If you can communicate your love for West Seattle through art, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is looking for you. The announcement from executive director Clay Eals explains:

Calling local artists for our first annual design to celebrate West Seattle!

Are you a local artist with a passion for the Duwamish peninsula? The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is planning a project right up your alley.

The historical society is looking for a design that will celebrate West Seattle in all its glory in 2013. The theme could be history, nature, wildlife, individuality or attitude. The only limitation is that somehow it must “say” West Seattle.

“However you see this unique corner of the world in which we have the good fortune to spend time, we would love to see your version of that and perhaps select it to use on a limited-edition piece – a poster, bag, whatever – that would be offered for sale through our Log House Museum,” says volunteer Amanda Gilbert.

The vision is for this to become an annual undertaking, with a different design featured each year.

Interested? Here’s where to start.

(Side note: The SWSHS’s Log House Museum is hosting one of the 280+ sales that’ll be on the map for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 11th!)

West Seattle filmmaker Jay Rowlands to premiere “Clutch” at Admiral Theater

(Trailer for “Clutch”)
West Seattle’s historic Admiral Theater (whose future plans were reported here earlier this week) hosts special events from time to time – like this: On June 29th, a movie titled “Clutch” will have its official public premiere at The Admiral – of special significance because its writer/director/star, Jay Rowlands, grew up in West Seattle and still lives here.

“Clutch” is billed as a “dramatic action film that tells the story of a struggling small-town racer who finds out there are no shortcuts to victory lane.” The filmmaker knows firsthand about the lack of shortcuts; he’s been working on the film for more than a decade. Along with a “100 percent Northwest cast and crew,” the film includes a lineup likely to rev classic-car lovers’ motors, as described in media materials:

Over 150 vehicles were selected for filming in CLUTCH. More than half were highly coveted muscle cars, including “car stars” a 1967 Camaro Z/28 SCCA road race car, a 1969 Camaro RS/ Z/28 and a 1972 Oldsmobille Cutlass, driven by Rowlands’ co-star. A 1969 Charger, a 1966 Ford GT40, Shelby Cobras, Mustangs and many others made appearances. The vehicles, ranging from a $750,000 1969 Penske Camaro road-race car to an $8,000 1968 Camaro stunt car, total more than $5.5 million.

Tickets for the premiere are already on sale on the movie’s official website – clutchthemovie.com. And next weekend, 9 am Saturday and Sunday (May 4-5), watch for Jay on the SPIKE (channel 57 on Comcast cable) network show PowerBlock TV next Friday and Saturday (May 4-5), talking about “Clutch.”

West Seattle weekend scene: Jazzy night at Madison

Thanks to Emily for sharing the photo from Friday night’s “Jumpin’ Jive” fundraiser: “It was a fun evening filled with LOTS of jazz music, swing dancing, and good food and fun ….all at West Seattle’s Madison Middle School!” Musicians included the West Seattle Big Band (onstage in the photo) as well as Madison’s Senior Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Bands.