West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
Story and photos by Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center is transformed this weekend for the twice-annual Native Art Market. Today, the Longhouse was alive with shoppers moving from table to table, learning more about the artists and their projects, and stopping for some traditional food to be enjoyed in the facility’s garden space.
In addition to special events like the market, the longhouse has served as a year-round home for tribal meetings and a museum since its opening in 2009. Back in 2024, we covered its 15-year anniversary as a center for “Seattle’s first people.” It sits across the street from the park known as həʔapus village and the archaeological site Duwamish #1.
We visited the market today to find out more about some of the participating artists. First was Laura Givens, a member of the Navajo Tribe and the Bitter Water Clan. contemporary Native jewelry, the making of which she describes as her passion. She takes influence from traditional materials like seed beads, shells, leather, and furs, and creates modern pieces. This is her fourth time as an artist at this market over the past two years.
Next we stopped by Denise Emerson’s booth, primarily featuring digital art prints. Emerson said she got her graphic design degree from the UW, and practiced painting and illustrating before transitioning to digital art. Though she practices with a contemporary medium, she does not leave history behind – the majority of her works are inspired by historical photos and symbols. She also noted that she is drawn to centering her art around women and women’s narratives, as so much of the art she sees features men.
One example she provided was the piece shown above. It is inspired by a story that Emerson’s mother told of her ancestors, who used to gather at an island on Lake Washington. It features Emerson’s sister, sister’s daughter, and herself sitting on the shore.
Lastly we talked to seasoned drum maker Margie Morris, who has been practicing her craft for more than 40 years. Her drums are made of elk skin and come in many sizes; some are hand-painted. Morris explained the eagle and raven design on one of her drums and its relation to her culture as a member of the Tlingit tribe. She belongs to the Raven moiety inherited from her mother’s side, and per Tlingit culture, a member of the Raven lineage must marry a member of the Eagle moiety. She paints the birds in a sort of marriage ceremony.
We also visited the kitchen, serving fry bread, fry-bread tacos with a bison or vegetarian option, huckleberry pie, and traditional nettle tea, among other food options. This selection will continue to be available during the market’s opening hours tomorrow.
The Duwamish Longhouse is located at 4705 W Marginal Way SW, with parking available on site. Tomorrow’s hours are the same as today – 10 am to 5 pm.
From “curated chaos” to “stuff you didn’t know you needed: to “weird and wonderful” to “spring purge,” more than 660 sales of many sizes, types, and motivations are in the works for 2026’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, on Saturday, May 9th – the most ever. The registration window ran for three weeks and closed this past Wednesday night; now we’re taking the registered sales and giving them numbered spots on a map and list, with their addresses and descriptions (other information provided in the registration process is NOT made public). The map and list (the latter is printable) will be available by Saturday morning, May 2, so shoppers have a week to plan where they want to go. We’re also promoting WSCGSD in myriad ways; over the years we’ve heard of shoppers coming from as far away as Eastern Washington. And during the next week, we’ll send registered sellers an email update including your template for the “official WSCGSD sale” sign if you want to put one up at your location. In the week before WSCGSD, we usually publish lists of sales, by number, grouped under a specific type of item (for example – camping, puzzles, plants, baby gear, nonprofit benefits, businesses, sales with lemonade stands or other treats, and so on), as well as the list of sales with an extra day (Sunday is the most common, but we have a few planning to start Friday). Anyway, we have to get back to map-and-list-making … for the latest on WSCGSD, bookmark this archive section, and the most-recent story categorized as WSCGSD will always be the first thing you see.
The National Weather Service has our area under a Frost Advisory weather alert for tonight, suggesting the temperature could get down to freezing. However, the actual forecast is for a low in the 40s, and this morning’s low was 43, so you might not need to panic about your plants.
2:30 PM: Police are in Gatewood to find out more about a possible child-grabbing attempt. The call is from the area of 36th/Othello, though it’s not yet clear whether this is where it happened, or just where the 911 call was made from around 2 pm. According to what’s been said over the air so far, an 8-year-old girl said a man tried to grab her, and another child with her is repprted to have confirmed seeing it happen. He was described as white, 5’6″ to 5’7″, brown hair, blue eyes, grayish-blue hoodie and dark shorts. No other info yet, and further details might be hard to come by, but we’re publishing this from the “better to know, just in case” standpoint.
2:41 PM: A few more description details – the man appeared to be in his 30s, wearing a white shirt, with a black backpack, and possibly had a knife. The officer taking the report told dispatch that if they found a suspect, the information constitutes probable cause for a kidnapping attempt, so we have changed the headline from grabbing attempt to kidnap attempt.
ADDED MONDAY: Police say they’ve arrested a suspect. Here’s the summary received in response to our followup inquiry:
Seattle police officers arrested a 22-year-old man for attempting to kidnap an 8-year-old girl in a West Seattle neighborhood Saturday afternoon.
On April 25 at about 2:00 p.m., patrol officers responded to reports of a man attempting to take a young girl while she played in a residential front yard with her friends. There, police found the child unharmed, yet “terrified,” according to the police report.
According to the probable cause statement, the suspect “gripped her arm and attempted to pull her further down the driveway and behind the neighbor’s home,” and the suspect tried pulling her “with his left hand while holding a knife in his other hand.” The girl screamed and alerted the adults. The suspect then fled the area before police arrived.
Officers searched the neighborhood, but they could not find the suspect. Cops found video evidence of the suspect fleeing the area and collected it for their investigation. Police distributed the suspect’s picture to all officers, department wide. On the afternoon of April 26, officers found a man matching the suspect’s description and arrested him.
Officers transported the suspect to Seattle Police Headquarters to be interviewed by detectives. Afterwards, police booked him into the King County Jail for Investigation of Kidnapping.
We hope to have a separate followup later on the suspect’s status.
What’s on display at the 2026 West Seattle Rock and Gem Show might surprise you – like the shark’s teeth above and the dragon below!
If you want to do more than look, you can bid in the silent auction:
And/or, admire the wide range of colors:
Even just simply shiny specimens can be mesmerizing:
The West Seattle Rock Club presents the annual show, which is happening at Alki Masonic Center (40th SW and SW Edmunds) until 5 pm today, and again 10 am-5 pm Sunday – free admission.
Though the sign says 2 pm, the Highland Park Elementary PTA‘s donation-only “rummage sale” at the school is planned to continue until 3 pm, so you still have some time to get there. Lots of shopper interest!
What makes it “donation only” is two-fold – donated items, and also, “everything is free, pay what/if you can, proceeds are donations to the HPE PTA.”
Lots of kid stuff, of course! The school is at 1012 SW Trenton.
(WSB photos)
Another twice-yearly dropoff event happening right now – the Southwest Precinct community room (right off the public parking lot at 2300 SW Webster) is where to take medication(s) you need to dispose of, during Drug Take-Back Day. The boxes were filling up, but they’re ready to accept whatever you bring; expired and/or unneeded medication left in your home can be dangerous for a variety of reasons. This is continuing until 2 pm today.
(In our top photo are Community Service Officer Janice Young, Officer German Barreto, and Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown.)
For those asking – the SFD/SPD response on 31st SW in High Point is for a person in crisis reported to have injured themselves. SFD categorizes calls as “scenes of violence” when they are suspected to involve a weapon (a label that in turn can apply to many things, not just guns or knives). Remember that if you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self-harm, help is available at all times via the 988 hotline.
11 AM: A texter tells us 37th SW and SW 100th in Arbor Heights are blocked by the aftermath of a crash, and while SFD is there tending to a driver, police (who are having a busy morning, judging by radio exchanges) haven’t arrived yet. The texter says it’s reported to be a hit-run, with a driver running a stop sign and hitting another car. We don’t have a description.
11:45 AM: Our photographer got there just as the damaged vehicle was about to be towed so the road could reopen.
(WSB photos)
Though volunteers tell us drivers were lined up down the street when the spring Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup began at 9 am today, there’s no waiting now, and traffic is expected to be steady through the duration of the dropoff event, until 3 pm (don’t wait until the last minute, though, unless you can’t get there any sooner).
That’s just some of what people have brought – here’s the official list of what they’re accepting, and not accepting, this time.
1 Green Planet is the longtime recycling partner with the church, which is at 9040 California SW. Dropoffs are free but volunteers are happy to accept monetary donations if you can chip in to support this twice-yearly event (next one, by the way, is set for [corrected date] Saturday, October 3).
7:16 AM: That was the view from the West Seattle Bridge traffic cam a few minutes ago as the first riders in Cascade Bicycle Club’s Emerald City Ride rode across the westbound bridge, which is closed to motorized vehicles for the ride, first one in two years. The riders are continuing on to a West Seattle shoreline route (see it here). The eastbound bridge remains open to regular traffic, and the westbound side is scheduled to reopen by 9 am.
7:32 AM: Riders continue crossing; as the most-recent screenshot shows above, some are pausing at the crest (the outside lane is coned off0, to rest and/or admire the view.
8:01 AM: Westbound riers are still crossing the bridge.
9 AM: The bridge has reopened to regular traffic.
9:43 AM: The return route is via the bike/foot path on the low bridge, seeing a surge of riders right now because that bridge just reopened to surface traffic after a vessel closure.
NOTE: See riders’ photos in comments below!
(Friday photo by Paul Weatherman)
Our peninsula is not only beautiful but also very busy today! Here’s what you need to know, as usual mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar (if we’re missing something, text info ASAP to 206-293-6302):
TRAFFIC ALERT – EMERALD CITY RIDE: Southbound 99 from the stadium zone to the westbound West Seattle Bridge, and the WB bridge itself, will be closed to motor-vehicle traffic until about 9 am because of the Emerald City Ride, which will continue on to surface streets from Alki to Fauntleroy and then onto the low-bridge path. We’ll update this live starting around 7 am, when the ride is scheduled to start. See the schedule here and the route here.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Not riding? How about a run?At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you’re invited to join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
RECYCLE ROUNDUP: The twice-a-year free dropoff event for recyclables you can’t just put out at curbside, 9 am-3 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 Californnia SW) – our calendar listing includes a link to the list of what the church’s partner 1 Green Planet will and won’t take this time.
HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY DONATION-ONLY SALE: 9 am-3 pm at Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton), take what you need, and if you want to donate $ for it, that’ll benefit the PTA. You’re also welcome to donate items for the sale – drop them off starting at 8 am.
FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your Saturay, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
EARTH DAY IN THE GARDEN: You’re invited to the North Delridge P-Patch for a daylong celebration, 9 am-3 pm, starting with a garden and neighborhood cleanup, continuing with planting, creating, and connecting. (5078 25th SW)
COOPER ARTIST HOUSING GARAGE SALE: The artists who live above Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) are having a sale today too, 9 am-1 pm.
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE SPRING NATIVE ART MARKET: 10 am-5 pm today and Sunday at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and Cultural Center (4705 W. Marginal Way SW) shop Indigenous makers’ creations – art, apparel, body care, more.
ROCK AND GEM SHOW: First of two days for the West Seattle Rock Club‘s annual show, 10 am-5 pm at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds). Free admission.
DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY: Got unwanted, unneeded, and/or expired medication(s)? Take them to the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster) 10 am-2 pm today for free disposal, no questions asked.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, with new Saturday hours 10 am-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: They’re back, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – table reservation includes a brunch buffet! (2306 California SW)
SEATTLE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY: A day to celebrate your local indie bookstores – and both of West Seattle’s shops are participating today. Here’s the plan from Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor); here’s the plan from Pegasus (4528 California SW).
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details including location are in our calendar listing.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), for families with kids up to 5 years old.
(added) KHMER NEW YEAR FESTIVAL: 10:30 am-5 pm in downtown White Center, on SW 98th east of 16th.
OPEN HOUSE AND FREEZER SALE: Dream Dinners West Seattle welcomes you to stop by 11 am-1 pm and find out how they can make mealtime a whole lot simpler at your home. They’re on the north side of outer Jefferson Square (41st SW and SW Alaska).
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY SALE: As previewed in this WSB story, the WSTL is selling a wide variety of tools as a fundraiser, 11 am-4 pm. Find them on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
LINDA’S BIRTHDAY SALE: At Carmilia’s (4528 California SW), sale all weekend! Open 11 am-6 pm today.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).
APRIL POOL’S DAY: Free swim at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle) focusing on water safety, 12:15 pm.
CAMP LONG CLEANUP & ADVISORY COUNCIL OPEN HOUSE: 1-3 pm at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), pitch in to help the park, and then roast marshmallows while meeting the Advisory Council.
DRAG TEA AT TIBBETTS UMC: 1-3 pm, afternoon tea featuring Jezebel Johnson – online ticket sales are closed, but check at the door if spots remain. (3940 41st SW)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
WEND JEWELRY 5TH ANNIVERSARY: 2-6 pm party with a sale, raffle, bites and sips, more. (3278 California SW)
BOOKS & BREWS BENEFIT: Read-a-thon at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 2-5 pm, partnering with and benefiting Pathfinder K-8.
FREE MASSAGE: Walk-in clinic with “short, specific sessions” at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.
SOUTHSIDE REVOLUTION JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: SSR hosts “Killer Wheels” doubleheader bout, 4:15-8 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW, White Center).
MUSIC AT THE MEADERY: Accendino & Elephant Crows, 7 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), all ages, no cover.
‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: Third weekend continues for ArtsWest‘s current play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)
MUSIC & DANCE AT KENYON HALL: “Transitory Obfuscations” at Kenyon Hall:
This will be the second installment of a series designed to create spontaneous sound and movement collaborations, curated by Adam Levitt. Just prior to the start of the event, names will be drawn randomly to determine 4 pairings of solo musicians and dancers.
(7904 35th SW)
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Glam The Remix bearded drag show, all ages, tickets here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT TIM’S: Twang Junkies, Steve Aliment & Annie O’Neill, The Jon Hyde Band at Tim’s in White Center, 8 pm, all ages. (16th SW & SW 98th)
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm, DJ JENNGREEN. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Sing with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
If you’re planning a West Seattle event, and it’s open to the community, our calendar is open for you, with listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
1:48 AM: Police are at the scene of a crash in the 4000 block of West Marginal Way, reported to have damaged a utility pole and taken down live wires, ending up on railroad tracks. Nobody was in the vehicle – reported to be a Toyota 4Runner – when police arrived, but they’ve just found one of the apparent occupants a few blocks north and are looking for the other one nearby.
7:46 AM: Archived radio communication indicates officers found the suspected driver walking on Puget Ridge around 3 am.
| Comments Off on CONTINUING SUNDAY: Visiting Duwamish Longhouse’s first Native Art Market of the year