West Seattle, Washington
26 Tuesday
(PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG)
Along the north and west sides of the CVS site at 5217 California SW, the retaining walls are again alive with art.
We reported earlier this spring about the previous art getting painted over.
It followed a city enforcement action after someone complained and CVS ordered the paintout with no knowledge of the previous permission given by ex-tenant Rite Aid.
Local muralist Desmond Hansen jumped in to get things straightened out.
And now he and others are returning art to the walls.
Photojournalist Dave Gershgorn counted more than half a dozen artists there today.
Thanks to Gretchen for the tip!
The West Seattle Junction Association has just announced the music lineup for this year’s festival, which starts Friday, July 10:
FRIDAY, JULY 10
4:00 Ghost Fetish
5:00 Chico Detour
6:00 Thee Deception
7:00 Zookraught
8:00 Blackie
9:00 Caitlin & Brent w/ the Passenger String Quartet
10:00 Alien Crime SyndicateSATURDAY, JULY 11
12:00 Mode Music
12:45 School of Rock
2:00 Beautiful Freaks
3:00 Black Whales
4:00 Massy Ferguson
5:00 Butch Bastard
6:00 ToXic MaX-Q-Linity
7:00 Bog Ore
8:00 Bexley
9:00 Dark Chisme
10:00 True Loves
Again this year, there won’t be mainstage music on Sunday, as that’s the day the Farmers’ Market will be set up on California SW north of SW Oregon. You can preview any or all of the bands’ music via links on this page of the Summer Fest website.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Looking to expand your creative hobbies without the barrier of purchasing all new materials? CraftLab Seattle, opening this fall in West Seattle, will provide a space for prospective creatives to get a taste, and potentially pick up a new craft.
CraftLab has existed since 2022 as a mobile crafting service, founded in a West Seattle home, collaborating with local elementary schools, corporations, or hired for birthday and company parties. CraftLab founders Laura Duris and Kathleen Sande started the company in 2022, when Duris transitioned from the architecture field after 25 years.
“I decided that I really loved art and crafts and doing things with my hands. I noticed that a lot of other people were really enjoying doing that too during the COVID lockdown,” she said.
Currently, CraftLab is in around 12-15 afterschool programs all over Seattle – but they cater crafts to different audiences and age groups. Duris recalled throwing events ranging from creating a homemade Pokémon catapult and magic mirror, to introducing adults to the worlds of weaving, macrame, painting, and beading. Duris collaborates with her clients – getting a sense of their overall theme before suggesting a few craft ideas.
The new space at 4411 California SW brings to fruition Duris’s longtime desire to create a community hub for crafting. Now not only will she be continuing with mobile services, but offering in-house classes for adults, children, and families. Duris plans to have a year-round schedule, with 2-3 workshops offered per week. Initially, she wants to teach the majority of these, but plans to bring in guests and local artists depending on the activity.
“One of the things I really love to do is teach… and see people’s faces light up when they realize they can do something that they didn’t know they could do.”
Duris hopes CraftLab will be open to the public around September 15. As for any initial events planned, she mentioned wanting to teach a weaving class – where attendees make their own loom and weave – and is especially drawn toward jelly printing and linoleum printing. Recently, she attended Seattle’s Zero Landfill event, where she picked up plenty of leather scraps with which she is planning a leather wallet-making class.
CraftLab mainly sources materials secondhand – accepting donations, upcycling, and thrifting “as much as possible” depending on the craft. Duris plans to host community garage sales out of the new space– selling some donations to keep raising money for after school programs.
Until CraftLab moves into its new home in West Seattle, the company will be hosting its youth summer camp out of their current location in the International District. Crafters are invited to explore their creativity there in anticipation of the West Seattle based crafting hub opening in the fall.
Parade season is under way! West Seattle High School music director Ethan Thomas sent the photo and report:
The West Seattle High School Marching Band participated in the 88th annual Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade last Saturday. The weather was cold and wet, but we had a great time performing for a large and enthusiastic audience. The West Seattle High School Marching Band was recognized as one of the Lilac Parade’s Gold Standard bands. The Lilac Festival has been a tradition in Spokane since 1938. The parade featured over 150 entries from across Washington State.
You will likely see some of these student musicians in the West Seattle Grand Parade on July 18 as part of the Seattle Schools All-City Marching Band. The WSHS Band’s schedule each year includes leading the Costume Parade during the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival.
(2024 WSB photo)
Lots of outdoor music this summer! Another announcement today – The Seattle Chamber Music Society Concert Truck is hitting the road again with live free chamber music. Its schedule in June and July includes two West Seattle stops – here’s the announcements:
The Concert Truck returns to Seattle in Summer 2026! This concert hall on wheels brings live chamber music directly to neighborhoods, parks, and markets across the region—free and open to the public. Seattle Chamber Music Society musicians join The Concert Truck founder Susan Zhang, to perform engaging, hour-long programs that transform everyday spaces into vibrant concert experiences. Perfect for families, first-time listeners, and music lovers alike, The Concert Truck makes world-class music fun, accessible, and unforgettable.
The Concert Truck returns to Seattle on June 18!
Summer Festival 2026 Residency: June 18 – July 6
(editor’s note – many dates around the region, we’re just listing West Seattle)
Sat. June 27 | 7 pm | Alki Beach Bathhouse
Wed. July 1 | 6 pm | Seattle Chinese Garden
Plenty happening tomorrow in West Seattle – including unique one-time events like this one tomorrow night:
“The Year to Save the Earth” music & multimedia experience by Jim Scott @ Our Lady of Guadalupe
May 16 @ 7:00 pmThe Care for Creation Ministry of the West Seattle Catholic Community Presents:
“The Year to Save the Earth” – A Musical and Multimedia Experience by Jim Scott@ Walmesley Center, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3410 SW Myrtle St
Doors: 6:30 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
$10 donation requested
Mixing powerful songs and beautiful projected images, “The Year to Save the Earth” takes us from grieving to celebration and from protest to positive vision for the planet.
Formerly a member of the Paul Winter Consort, Jim Scott was co-composer of their celebrated Missa Gaia/Earth Mass and sang their anthem song Common Ground. He has toured the world, recorded nine CDs of original music and published a long line of choral works. One of the originators of the Unitarian Universalist “Green Sanctuary” program, Jim also compiled the Earth and Spirit Songbook, an anthology of 110 songs of Earth by many contemporary composers.
(WSB photo from July 2025 AMP concert at California Place Park)
Just announced by the Admiral Neighborhood Association – this year’s lineup, both bands and locations, for the three Admiral Music in the Parks concerts! Sent by ANA’s Meagan Loftin:
The Admiral Neighborhood Association, with the generous support of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and in partnership with our “Producer” sponsors Far Away Entertainment and the Historic Admiral Theater, is excited to announce the lineup for our summer concert series AMP: Admiral Music in the Parks!
Join us for three weeks of free, family-friendly concerts in our beautiful neighborhood parks this July. We’re leaning into community and joy this summer with spontaneous dance parties in the park, picnics with our neighbors, and most importantly great music! Mark your calendar now to get in on the fun:
6:30 PM on July 16th @ Belvedere Park: Get ready for smokin’ guitars, rock- solid rhythms and dynamic vocal harmony as we welcome Steve Aliment and Annie O’Neill to the stage!
6:30 PM on July 23rd @ California Place Park: Get there early because it’s always a packed show when West Seattle’s fan-favorite Michael Pearsall and Friends return to this pocket park!
6:30 PM on July 30th @ Hamilton Viewpoint Park: We’re closing out AMP 2026 with a bang as we throw an epic dance party to hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s with Driftwood Drive!
AMPlify your summer with the Admiral Neighborhood Association!
If you’re interested in learning more about AMP and our commitment to supporting local musicians, or if you’d like to learn how you can invest in our mission to provide free and accessible public arts programming to everyone in our neighborhood, visit our website, connecttoadmiral.org/amp.
One other unique performance tomorrow afternoon – it’s your last chance to see “Little Shop of Horrors“ presented by and at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), 2 pm Sunday. Nathan from Denny-Sealth Performing Arts, who sent us the pics, says, “Super entertaining, a show not to be missed.”
You can get tickets here!
(Behind-the-scenes rehearsal clip for The Byrd Ensemble’s Handel concert)
Sunday afternoon, The Byrd Ensemble returns to West Seattle, and you can get a deal right now on tickets. Here’s what tomorrow’s concert is all about:
The Byrd Ensemble and players present a program inspired by the Carmelite Vespers of 1707. The program features Handel’s Dixit Dominus, Laudate pueri, Nisi Dominus, Saeviat tellus inter rigores, and chant, for baroque orchestra, choir, and soloists. The program features guest concertmaster and internationally acclaimed violinist Augusta McKay Lodge.
The concert is at 3 pm Sunday (May 3) at West Seattle’s Holy Rosary Church (42nd SW and SW Genesee). You can go here for program details and tickets, and on the checkout screen, you can enter the discount code WSBLOG to get 30 percent off your ticket(s). The Byrd Ensemble, directed by Markdavin Obenza, is sponsoring WSB this weekend to amplify the news about it.
(Photos courtesy Desmond Hansen)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One month after we reported on the paintout of the “West Side Wall” murals on the west and north sides of the CVS store lot south of The Junction, the art wall’s comeback is confirmed.
That’s the word this morning from West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen, who had overseen the project to permit artists – himself included – to use the extensive retaining wall as a canvas. This was all approved by the lot’s previous tenant, Rite Aid, as we reported in 2023. Since then, the store has been taken over by CVS, to whom somebody complained to the city, which told CVS it had to go, and since CVS had no knowledge of the artist’s agreement with Rite Aid – it wasn’t in writing – away it went.
Once Hansen found out, as he told us when we talked for the March 31 WSB story, he vowed to do whatever it took to bring back the “West Side Wall.” He said CVS was supportive, and they indicated the same thing when we contacted a corporate spokesperson. Now, it’s official: “We have official permission to continue painting at the ‘West Side Wall’ now. So we are planning a painting mini-festival for mid to late May to reboot and kick it off officially.”
Hansen is also hoping to crowdfund for more signs like this:
And he told us via email that he’s already done preparation work
“We are very excited that the city and CVS have been so apologetic and supportive. Any comments, questions or concerns can be emailed to westsidewall26@gmail.com
Soon we will organize a gofundme campaign to cover the costs of making more signage and if we raise enough we will possibly be able to establish a couple garbage cans for repeat disposal of any paint cans and litter. I personally spent 3 days down there revitalizing the wall [top photo], pulling weeds and landscaping. I filled 27 bags with yard waste and rented a U-haul to take it all to the dump.”
(We also noticed while passing through the area that some advance art is already painted halfway down the alley.)
FRIDAY 12:37 PM: Just got the crowdfunding link from Desmond Hansen.
(Richard Reed’s winning art for this year’s WSGT)
In addition to celebrating local garden and gardeners, the West Seattle Garden Tour raises money to help local organizations grow. But to get it, you have to apply for it, and next year’s applications are being accepted right now – here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
Each year, the West Seattle Garden Tour, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides grants to other nonprofit organizations for projects that fit our mission — to promote horticulture, education and artistic endeavors within West Seattle and neighboring communities. The 2027 grant cycle is now open. Nonprofit organizations with eligible projects are invited to apply.
Our 2027 grant application form and guidelines are now available at https://www.westseattlegardentour.org/grants. Completed applications are due by midnight July 15, 2026. Grant requests are usually in the $2,000 to $6,000 range with some requests higher or lower.
Accepted projects would receive funds in March 2027.
ABOUT WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR: Since its inception in 1995, West Seattle Garden Tour has been one of the premier garden tours in the Northwest, as well as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. The West Seattle Garden Tour donates approximately $50,000 each year to local grantees in support of their horticultural, educational and artistic missions. Over $600,000 in grants has been awarded since our inception.
The 2026 garden tour is on Sunday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are now available for sale online and will also be sold in select retail outlets beginning in early May. More information can be found at westseattlegardentour.org.
We haven’t been through The Junction in a few days so we don’t know how long this has been up, but this mural on the east side of the California/Erskine 7-Eleven caught our eye this evening, so we pulled over for a quick through-the-windshield pic. It bears both the Coca-Cola and 7-Eleven logos, so we’re pretty sure it’s official, though probably not part of the major Seattle World Cup mural project. (Seen other signs of World Cup mania-to-come in West Seattle? Let us know – thank you!)
(Photos courtesy Denny-Sealth Performing Arts)
Turning now to good news: The jazz program at Chief Sealth International High School is growing, and student musicians brought home proof of that from a prestigious festival in Idaho. Here’s the report from Denny-Sealth Performing Arts president Jaeney Hoene:
The Chief Sealth International High School Jazz Program brought home honors from the 59th Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival this past weekend. Led by Director of Bands Joey Roberts (Jazz I and Jazz Combos) and Director Dave Niimi (Jazz II), the Chief Sealth Jazz Bands competed with high school jazz groups from the United States and Canada and earned these recognitions:
(From left: Theo McGaughey, Tito Puente, Jr., Ella Ward, Noah Kimball at the 59th Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival)
Jazz Trio — Division II Winner, Senior Instrumental Combos (Theo McGaughey, Ari Peck, Ethan Faunce)
Jazz Combo I — Division II Runner Up, Senior Instrumental Combos
Jazz Band I — Division II Runner Up, Senior Instrumental Large Ensembles
Theo McGaughey — Runner Up, Avista Scholarship Solo Instrumental AwardStudents attended workshops and performances and learned from jazz greats like Warren Wolf and various college faculty members. See all student performances at the Denny Sealth Performing Arts website: dspaboosters.org/programs/jazz-band.
Chief Sealth’s jazz program has grown by leaps and bounds this year, splitting into Jazz Bands I and II at a time when funding is scarce. Dave Niimi came out of retirement and donates most of his hours leading Jazz II. In addition to the two Jazz bands, Sealth boasts four individual student jazz combos. These combos self-select their individual music, allowing them to explore their interests and education within the field of Jazz music. Congratulations again, students, it is wonderful to see hard work and dedication pay off!
Want to have fun and support the program? Come to our first annual Rent Party on May 17 at Kenyon Hall, where the jazz bands will take the stage again along with local musicians for a rousing evening of jazz. Many thanks to the growing list of sponsors: Reubens Brews, Georgetown Brewery, The Locol Kitchen and Bar, West Seattle Thriftway, and especially Kenyon Hall Management for providing us an amazing space for our jazz party!
.
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.
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
As we previewed last night (when music fans were already getting in line), doors opened at 7 am this morning at Easy Street Records for the biggest day of the year: Record Store Day.
We stopped by at 7:40 am, when the line was still wrapped around the block past the Wells Fargo parking lot on 44th Ave SW:
The weather was clear and pleasant and spirits were high:
Many of those in line told us that their shopping list included the “Brandi Carlile Live at Easy Street Records Volume II” record (a followup to the Grammy winner’s first live album recorded at the store almost 20 years ago). The album contains recordings from her band’s performance at Easy Street last October (WSB coverage here). Yesterday, the band stopped by the store and signed the wall.
This morning, owner Matt Vaughan (pictured below with the aforementioned wall poster and coveted album) told us that the morning had gone smoothly thus far (“we’ve got it down pretty well!” he chuckled) and that the first purchase of the day was (unsurprisingly) the Brandi Carlile album, with other hot titles including exclusive releases from Taylor Swift, Olivia Dean, Jeff Buckley, Thin Lizzy, Paramore, Dijon and more:
Vaughan’s pocket list of popular RSD items:
Customers entered through the cafe and were guided upstairs, where vinyl department guru Andy was holding court and helping people find what they were hunting for:
The most popular titles are going fast, but the store will be open all day. At 4 pm today, Geoff Whitman will be on-hand to sign his new Pearl Jam photobook.
BONUS PHOTOS: Music fans Dan and Joanie Jacobs (from the Admiral Neighborhood Association) were among those in line, and they sent us earlier photos of Vaughan handing out the traditional “Record Store Day bacon” to the crowd (free coffee was available at the corner as well)
8:43 PM: Easy Street is about to close after a 14-hour RSD. One more photo to share, from Geoff Whitman’s book signing:
Thanks to the texter who sent that photo from California/Alaska, where some fans are already lined up awaiting Easy Street Records‘ 7 am opening for Record Store Day. This time there’s something extra-special, “Brandi Carlile Live at Easy Street Records Volume II” – a followup to the Grammy-winning singer’s first live album recorded at Easy Street almost 20 years earlier. The album was made from recordings of her appearance at Easy Street last October, which we covered:
Brandi Carlile and her collaborators The Hanseroth Twins stopped by Easy Street today and signed the wall – see it here.
You’re invited to sing this spring in an upcoming community concert at Alki UCC, no church or choir membership required! Here’s the call for singers:
You’re invited to add your unique voice to “Earth Mother,” Alki UCC’s spring community concert on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 pm. All singers ages 16 and older of all experience levels are invited to participate.
The deadline to sign up to sing is Monday, May 4. The only requirement is to attend two mandatory rehearsals on Wednesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 13 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm at Alki UCC, 6115 SW Hinds St.
The Earth Mother program, featuring the Alki UCC Community Choir and friends, celebrates themes of nature and motherhood, featuring a range of provocative and compelling contemporary choral works by living composers. Compositions by Frank Ticheli, Ola Gjeilo, Katarina Gimon, Dan Forest, and other beloved composers are showcased.
To sign up, email music@alkiucc.org by May 4 to express your interest in singing with us. Digital music and rehearsal resources will be provided so that singers can study independently ahead of our two rehearsals.
This Sunday night, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) begins a year of celebrating its half-century old organ with the first of four concerts:
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the gallery Noack organ. To mark this important event, four concerts are planned from April 2026 to February 2027. This series is in honor and memory of Andrew King, cantor and organist at First Lutheran for 50+ years.
*The first program will be on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 7 pm, with Nathan Laube, Associate Professor of Organ at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
*On Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 3 pm, the second concert in the series will include a Concerto for Keyboard in d minor, BWV 1052, by J. S. Bach, performed by our organist/choirmaster Dana Robinson and joined by a chamber group of period instruments led by Tekla Cunningham of the Seattle Bach Festival. The program will also include selections for two organs. The other organist is Paul Tegels, organist/choirmaster at Christ Church, Tacoma, and Associate Professor Emeritus of Organ at Pacific Lutheran University.
*The third concert in the series will be played by Michael Kleinschmidt, who is Canon for Cathedral Music at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral here in Seattle. Before coming to St. Mark’s, he served as Canon for Cathedral Music at Trinity Cathedral in Portland, Oregon. He holds degrees from Eastman School of Music and Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. He has played recitals across the world, has a keen appreciation for the ministry of music for children, and serves on the faculty of the Royal School of Church Music summer courses. This concert will take place on Saturday, November 7th at 3 pm
*Our fourth and final concert will be on Sunday, February 8, 2027 at 3 pm. The recitalist is Anne Laver, Associate Professor of Organ and University Organist at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music. She has performed in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and in the United States. Anne is often a featured artist at conventions of the American Guild of Organists, the Organ Historical Society, the Westfield Center for Historical Keyboard Studies, and the Goteborg International Organ Academy in Sweden. In 2010 she was awarded 2nd prize in the AGO National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance.
Mark your calendar. These are going to be outstanding programs. All extremely talented artists, yet all very different. This will give us all a marvelous experience of the diversity of the gallery Noack organ.
Admission is free; donations are welcome to support future events. These events are open to the entire West Seattle community and beyond!
The organ was the first of its kind in the region when designed and built in 1976.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
More change is on the way for the heart of the Luna Park mini-business district.
Shannon Felix and Jon Felix are looking for new ownership for Avalon Glassworks, which they’ve owned for 23 of its 33 years at 2914 SW Avalon Way.
Their one-of-a-kind business – West Seattle’s only commercial glass-blowing studio and retail shop – is next door to Luna Park Café, which itself changed ownership in 2024 after 35 years.
We talked to the Felixes this afternoon at Avalon Glassworks. Shannon said the decision to sell the business has been a decade in the making. “I’m calling it ‘retiring’ because I don’t have another job or business I’m going to, but” – she said cheerily – “I have a beach house, family in California, a fun dog, a fun husband,” and she feels she’s learned everything she can about art retailing, so it’s time to do something else. Running a small business can be intense, the Felixes know, and for the past decade or so, they’ve been putting things off like visiting family and friends, but now it feels like time to stop deferring, start doing.
They and their landlords – the Bennett family – really want the space to remain a glass-blowing shop, the Felixes say. They’ll be turning it over in good condition, with newer equipment (the sale flyer has specs), and they hope there’s an experienced glass blower who’s ready for their own studio/shop, “somebody with the likelihood of succeeding,” out there.
But they say that won’t be their chief glass-blower Sean Welch, who’s worked for Avalon Glassworks for 20 years – he wants to keep creating blown-glass art, not run a shop, they explain.
But he’s “certainly one of the secrets to our success,” and they count their landlords as another. We asked about highlights of their 23 years; Shannon says she’s “enjoyed coming in every day (and) making new things every day … It’s hard to leave something I love, but I know there are other things [out there] I’m going to love too.”
Ideally, they’d love to be able to turn over the shop by “early summer.” Contact Shannon through the shop to find out more (including getting the entire flyer), or stop by during Avalon Glassworks’s business hours.
Story and photos by Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The sun shone down Saturday as West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center welcomed visitors – including Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson – to celebrate Vietnamese Heritage Day. The afternoon was not only to acknowledge veterans of the Vietnam War and celebrate Vietnamese immigration to Washington state, but also to welcome the participation of a new generation in historical education and cultural celebration. After the U.S. and South Vietnamese anthems, Michelle Lê took to the podium to give a rundown of the day’s proceedings, with center director Lee Bui.
Next came the proclamation delivered by Mayor Wilson – her second West Seattle visit this week – officially declaring April 4th as Vietnamese Heritage Day. Her speech addressed Vietnamese refugees landing in Washington state after the fall of Saigon, and the continued essentiality of Vietnamese-Americans in maintaining the fabric of the city.
“Today is about those of you or your parents or your grandparents who left behind all that they knew and started over, all while holding on to what matters most,” the mayor said. “We are here to honor all of you, you reflect what it means to be a welcoming city, one where people can arrive, rebuild, belong, and build a future.”
Following her remarks, the mayor introduced Tukwila city councilmember Jane Ho, who reflected the mayor’s sentiment but added her personal pride at being born to immigrant parents.
“Their journey was not easy. It was guided by hope, resilience, and unwavering belief in the American Dream. Because of their sacrifices, I stand here today because of their courage.” the councilmember said.
Both speakers also touched upon the afternoon being a time to honor the founding fathers of Vietnam, and the “freedom flag,” recognized as a yellow flag with three horizontal red stripes which was used in Vietnam from 1948 to 1975.
Though the founders are typically honored on the 10th day of the third month of the Lunar calendar which lands on April 27th, this sentiment was moved forward as to not coincide with another event being hosted at the Vietnamese Cultural Center later this month. These founders, known as Hùng Vương in Vietnamese, are the 18 kings who are seen to have founded the first Vietnamese State in 2879 BC. They were commemorated with a ceremony.
The afternoon then moved into performances beginning with Vovinam Burien.
The group performed a Lion Dance and a martial-arts demonstration.
Guests were then invited to get some food, which was being provided by the center – after which more performances ensued including Vietnamese Opera by Liêm Sương; a zither group, Tranh Anh Đào;
Also a dance group, Thanh Trà:
And a family band, Phuc Phan and his children, with guest singers Thach Thao, Bao Son, and Trieu Thanh.
The center also hosted some special exhibits at its entrance, including a Bee art exhibit provided by Kim Tran, and a historical exhibit provided by the Vietnamese American Senior Association of Spokane, Washington.
The cultural center, at 2236 SW Orchard, is open to the public for visits most Saturdays, noon-3 pm, and hosts multiple celebrations and history events each year at which the community is welcome.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Where what’s likely West Seattle’s longest retaining wall once sported these murals along its street side …
… and art like this along its block-long alley side …
… it’s all now a drab gray that was blank for about a day until it drew this protest:
We got tips about this last weekend. The wall story on the north and west sides of the CVS/ex-Rite Aid lot (5217 California SW) dates back almost three years – here’s our first report from 2023, about what was given the name the “West Side Wall.” We learned shortly afterward that not only was renowned West Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen the creator of the baseball mural on the SW Dawson side, but also shepherding the evolving multi-artist project on the alley side.
That’s who the first reader to tell us about the paintout, Jared, contacted when he discovered it a few days ago. He told us Hansen was on the case. We contacted Hansen directly and met him at the wall this afternoon to talk about what happened and what’s next.
The situation is “really unfortunate,” he told us. “This alley was a great place” to make art. Not all graffiti-style, either.
He says someone complained to the city, the city sent CVS an abatement letter, and – not knowing the history behind the wall art, since it wasn’t anywhere in writing – the corporation hired a paint crew.
As soon as Hansen heard about it, he got busy contacting CVS management. “CVS is supportive,” he said – that included the acquisitions director, whose portfolio included this store (converted from Rite Aid last summer), and district manager. He says they’re in contact with the city and restoration can start once they have an acknowledgment in writing that it’s not going to generate another abatement action.
The “West Side Wall” was more organized than it might have appeared to casual viewers, Hansen explained – the alley-wall art rotated – an artist who came to work on the alley might decide which was the “ugliest” of the current crop and paint something new in that space. Meantime, he said the artists policed the work to ensure “no hate,” among other rules.
He and some of the artists also did weeding and trash pickup periodically – including syringes and mini liquor bottles – and Hansen said he’d also moved along some people who tried to camp in the alley, which stretches from Dawson to Brandon Streets, with back yards and garages lining the west side.
Before talking to Hansen today, we had sent an inquiry to CVS corporate to ask if they indeed had initiated the paintout; the reply came at the end of the day today from corporate communicator Amy Thibault, who confirmed it was them: “The wall was recently painted after we received complaints from community members about graphic and offensive content. We’re in touch with a local artist and the city about the wall and evaluating potential ways to ensure local artists can continue showcase their work in a way that all can enjoy.”
We also inquired today with the city Department of Construction and Inspections – which handles this type of complaint – but haven’t heard back yet.
Hansen says part of the situation might be a “blessing in disguise” – he expects this will lead to a written record of the art agreement, to avoid something like this happening again, at least as long as CVS is leasing the property (which is owned by an unrelated investment firm that Hansen said he tried to reach but couldn’t). He says he probably won’t re-create his baseball murals, instead considering featuring Kraken hockey or Sounders soccer, maybe even the once-and-future Sonics. But first he’s going to continue checking in daily until the situation is resolved: “I’ll do whatever I can to get this wall back.”
That would include, if there was a way, talking with whomever complained, to listen to their concerns and explain what a place like this means to artists. (If that’s you, you can reach him through his website.)
Thanks to Lisa for the photo! Her garage door in Upper Fauntleroy now holds a mural by artist Henry, just completed this afternoon. She explains, “It’s a continuation of the 1000 Sasquatch Heads project he started last fall.” And, she adds, “I’m hoping it will put a smile on people’s faces when they see it … we can use some joy these days!” The mural’s on SW Barton near 39th SW.
Christian J. Pearson‘s ceramic birds have a surprise inside, making them audible art too (hint: gently shake one). That was pointed out by one of the other five artists also in the “Feather in the Wind” pop-up, in its final day upstairs at Alki Arts in Morgan Junction (6030 California SW) until 6 pm. It’s a light-filled space, and not just because of the windows:
Jody Wally‘s ceramic work includes lamps – functional as well as beautiful. Or if you’re contemplating sending someone a note. Gretchen Flickinger has original prints on her cards:
Kassie Hennessey‘s feather studies inspired the pop-up’s name:
Angie Marcelynas – The Little Merle – incorporates recycled material into her jewelry, including new charm bracelets at this weekend’s pop-up:
Sketcher Pam Lustig is an addition to the “Feather in the Wind” roster since last pop-up:
You have until 6 pm to meet the artists, browse their work, and enjoy complimentary snacks – look for the staircase just north of the main Alki Arts entrance.
| 15 COMMENTS