West Seattle, Washington
26 Friday
1:11 PM: Those are some scenes from the Alki Art Fair‘s second day, including singer Monica Ramos of Monamor; Day 3 is happening right now, and today’s live music is under way until around 5 (see the lineup here), and the artists’ booths are open until 6. WSB’s Hayden Yu Andersen is there to feature more of the fair beyond what we covered Friday:
Above is sculptor Michelle DeLarme, and her baby (and mascot!) Phoebe, with Happy Yak Creations.
She specializes in miniature polymer-clay animals, and she’s been sculpting since middle school. “I like working on a smaller scale, it helps me keep things fun, and sorta whimsical. For a while I was making them so small they’d fit on the tip of your finger.” Last year Michelle was an “emerging artist” at the fair, so this is her first year with her own booth.
Her favorite item by far is the dragons. “I got on a dragon kick a long time ago, and I’ll probably never get off it.”
ADDED 1:30 PM: Up on the bathhouse stage this past hour, Stargazy Pie.
Vocalist Jack inroduced the Tacoma-based shred-pop band, signing off with “and I am Jack, and I don’t know what I’m doing here. … If you wanna get merchandise, or, if you wanna talk to my dad, you can do that,” pointing to the parentally staffed merchandise stand next to the stage before beginning another song.
ADDED 2:07 PM: Meet Sabella – an artist, writer, and designer living in Seattle who works under the moniker “the monarq.”
“This is my first time doing anything in West Seattle and it’s been great, the crowd has been very supportive.” She works primarily in goauche, acrylic and collage, with the goal to create varying images of Black women.According to her bio, “(Sabella’s) series “Portraits of Black Women I Have Yet to Name” began as a form of art therapy that helped her heal after burning out from work. While creating this series, she found the strength to quit fulltime employment
and pursue a career in the arts.” Sabella can be found seasonally at Pike Place Market, and at shows across Seattle.
ADDED 2:43 PM: It’s Johanna Lindsey‘s 18th year at the Alki Art Fair.
“There’s been a really great turnout this year, lots of out-of-town folks, and it’s gotten a lot more professional.” She’s the artist behind Penguina Designs, weaving together jewelry using beads and specialized thread. “We have our own little traditions at this point, like always getting dinner down here … It’s almost like a family reunion, seeing the same artists and people every year.” Below, she showed off one of her favorite pieces this year. When the fair is over, she’s going to keep experimenting with this orange & teal color combination:
2:59 PM: With a few hours to go for the 2025 Alki Art Fair, the beach is still flooded with people. Evan Hilsenberg-Riley, a Shoreline-based artist, was painting the Puget Sound horizon live for a crowd while chatting with onlookers.
Hilsenberg-Riley has had a tent at the Alki Art Fair since 2018, but she’s been painting with acrylics since she was 12.
“It’s been a fabulous weekend, and I’ve had a lot of practice painting and talking to an audience today.” Today, she’s painting Blake Island. “You won’t find me on top of a mountain or anything, but I love bringing out the easel to paint live, it makes the colors feel so much truer … I also like painting teeny-tiny pieces” She said, showing off a hand-held painting, also of Puget Sound.
“Shipping-container ships,” Hilsenberg-Riley said, “move a lot quicker when you’re trying to paint them.”
You can find her work in coffee and gift shops, including CAPERS (WSB sponsor) in The Junction.
The fair – which is on and around the Alki waterfront promenade west of 2701 Alki SW, with more than 90 booths – continues until 6 pm!
More than 90 booths/tents line the Alki Beach Park promenade for this year’s Alki Art Fair, with the first of three days on until 8 pm. You can shop and nosh/sip – at one of several food/drink booths (Cambodian food, hot dogs, more), or at Alki’s year-round places right across the street. West Seattle creators we saw include Julia Douthwaite Viglione, with a variety of creations including quilts and the story book created by her students in free writing classes for kids:
Want a stylized map of West Seattle or Puget Sound? Or regional mountain peaks? Elizabeth Person is your person:
Many types of art to browse and/or buy – including jewelry and apparel – and quirky items as well as the breathtakingly beautiful. While you’re at the fair, stop by the Info Booth, where you can buy a “vintage” Alki Art Fair T-shirt from last year for just $10, or one of this year’s design for $20:
The silent auction inside Alki Bathhouse isn’t open until tomorrow, which is also when the live music starts up. But a DJ is spinning today, the Kid Zone is open (nothing fancy but we did see bubbles!), and it’s a fine time to visit the beach. Booths are open until 8 tonight, 10 am-6 pm Saturday and Sunday (with live music noon-7 pm Saturday and 11 am-5 pm Sunday).
6:44 PM: Another wonderful warm summer night with the opportunity to sit in a shaded park and enjoy live music! This time it’s Belvedere Park (3600 SW Admiral Way, though it’s best to approach from the 37th/Olga side), opening venue for the three-park, three-show Admiral Music in the Parks series, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. The West Seattle-based “country tonk” band Lookout Mountain Lookout is performing tonight, until about 8 pm – bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic dinner, even your dancing shoes if you feel like it.
We’ll have video clips later; if you can’t get to this show, the next two Thursday nights bring two more – listed here.
9:10 PM: The show lasted until about 8:20 pm. Back at HQ now and downloading video (almost all of which is full of exuberant toddlers and preschoolers dancing in the open space between the band and the audience).
10:03 PM: First clip:
Two more songs:
Their show was largely a mix of country classics and originals:
The band members include lead vocalist Scott Herman and drummer Travis Curry:
Bassist Alex Hagenah:
And guitarist Aaron Stayman:
Emcee was ANA president Joanie Jacobs:
She and husband Dan Jacobs – another ANA Board member singled out for major AMP support tonight along with Meagan Loftin – will ride toward the start of Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade as Orville Rummel Community Service Award winners. Meantime, one more clip from the concert:
7:05 PM: No A/C? Get out of your warm apartment/house/townhouse and hang out at High Point Commons Park with the West Seattle Big Band, whose Concert in the Park has just begun!
Free, great music; the park is just north of Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW) and the concert will be on at least until 8:30 pm.
9:04 PM: The concert ran about 10 minutes past that! We are back at HQ now and will add video and more before the night’s out.
10:52 PM: We’re adding the clips as they’re ready. WSBB, directed by Jim Edwards, opened with Glenn Miller‘s classic “In the Mood”:
Jenaige Lane was featured vocalist on Michael Bublé‘s “Sway”:
Sam Henry was featured vocalist on Frank Sinatra‘s “Come Fly with Me”:
This instrumental number had a ’60s TV vibe going, predominantly the “I Dream of Jeannie” theme:
Another song featuring Jenaige Lane, ABBA‘s “Dancing Queen”:
The vocalists sang a duet on “Slow Boat to China”:
Between songs, Jim Edwards explained both the band’s background – rooted at West Seattle High School, supporting music education, well past 350 performances in its nearly three decades – and this concert’s ties to the West Seattle Grand Parade: Edwards himself coordinates safety and communication (and is a past parade coordinator), his daughter Michelle Edwards – WSBB keyboardist – is current parade coordinator, wife Barbara Edwards – parade judging coordinator – was at the show in support, as was parade chair Keith Hughes from the Rotary Club of West Seattle (which presents the parade). Also seen at the concert: Make-A-Wish super-volunteer Lou Cutler, this year’s Grand Marshal!
MORE CHANCES TO SEE THE WSBB: As its director told the crowd, you’ll see them at the Fauntleroy Fall Festival (October 19), holiday gig(s) TBA, and the annual Big Band Dinner Dances supporting the music programs at WSHS and Madison MS.
(WSB photo, Alki Art Fair 2024)
Another three-day festival is right around the corner – the Alki Art Fair, this Friday-Sunday (July 18-20). In case it wasn’t already on your calendar, here’s the official announcement:
FRIDAY 2-8 pm
SATURDAY 10 am-6 pm
SUNDAY 10 am-6 pmNow in its 28th year—this FREE, family-friendly, annual arts and music festival brings Alki to life with over 100 professional artists, craftspeople and emerging artists. There will be live music, children’s activities, live demonstrations, and local artisan food vendors for everyone to enjoy.
Visitors can take in the colorful views while strolling the promenade, as they eat and shop among the expansive lineup of artists, makers and performers. It’s a great opportunity to engage with the local creative community and celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of our local arts and culture.
The Alki Art Fair still needs volunteers to help with this year’s festival. Volunteers can assist and mingle with the artists, help with the silent auction, staff the information booth, assist musicians, and more. Visit Volunteer at AAF 2025 for a full list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up today!
Event Highlights:
–100+ local artists & crafters selling works in a variety of media including painting, pottery, glass, textiles, metal, jewelry & more.–Live music and performances throughout the weekend on the Bathhouse Stage sponsored by Canna West Culture Shop and Live Oak Audio Visual. This year we’re featuring a variety of genres including Latin, Soul, Funk, Pop, Rock and more. See the full lineup and schedule at alkiartfair.org.
–Interactive Kid Zone with creative activities for all ages.
–Silent auction in the historic Alki Bathhouse featuring unique items from local artists and businesses.
–Local food lineup features a range of sweet, savory, spicy and delicious options including Little Jamie’s Mini Donuts, Alpenglow Cocktail Company, Theory Cambodian Foods, The Snack Shop, Oh Dang in a Cup, Road Dawg, and Caribbean Cuisine.
And of course there’s a lineup of year-round food and drink purveyors right across the street!
Tonight through this weekend, West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction is in the spotlight. The music doesn’t stop there, though. One week from tonight – Thursday, July 17 – you’re invited to the first of three free Thursday night concerts in the Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Admiral Music in the Parks series. Here’s a reminder from ANA:
Get your picnic blankets ready for the first concert of Admiral Music in the Parks 2025! Join the Admiral Neighborhood Association on July 17th at 6:30 PM as we gather at Belvedere Park for an evening of PNW country-tonk with Lookout Mountain Lookout.
Then mark your calendars for our other concerts:
6:30 PM on July 24th at California Place Park where we will welcome back West Seattle favorite Micheal Pearsall and Friends.
6:30 PM on July 31st at Hamilton Viewpoint Park as we close out AMP 2025 with The Flaming Pies and the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
New this year, you can join Seattle Yarn’s knitting circle at each event.
Thank you to our business sponsors, including our “Producer” partners: West Seattle Realty, Timeless Kitchen Design, and West Seattle Grounds, and our individual donors who make this event possible.
To find out more about AMP, visit us here.
This is the second year that AMP is happening in parks that aren’t often used for events – worked out great last year, so ANA is doing it again! Belvedere Park is at 3600 SW Admiral Way. (WSB is media sponsor for the concert series.)
Not like you need an excuse to go to the beach on an afternoon like today, but if you do … this month’s edition of the Makers Art Market has more than 20 vendors, just east of the Alki Beach Bathhouse, until 5 pm. Want to combine sun protection and fashion? See Campelle hats at the east end of the market, made by Simge:
If you sense a bit of tropical vibe, that might be because Simge founded Campelle in Miami. Meantime, on the north side of the market, it’s all Pacific Northwest inspiration for what Dan‘s selling at Dannomyte!:
And Tobi‘s crocheted Fawna’s Friends stuffies range from octopuses to chickens:
A quick trip through the market also revealed jewelry, photos, pottery, cards, and more (see the vendor list here). At the very least, this will get you in the mood for more outdoor shopping with artists and crafters, including next Friday through Sunday at West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction, and July 18-20 at the Alki Art Fair.
As we’ve noted, outdoor-music season is heating up, with West Seattle Summer Fest a little more than a week away (next preview later today!), but we want to take a moment to look a little further into the future: Two weeks from tonight, the Admiral Neighborhood Association presents the first of three free Admiral Music in the Parks (AMP) concerts! The lineup, as announced in late May:
6:30 PM July 17th @ Belvedere Park: Get your dancing boots ready for PNW country-tonk band Lookout Mountain Lookout
6:30 PM July 24th @ California Place Park: West Seattle’s fan favorite Michael Pearsall and friends return for a second year at AMP!
6:30 PM on July 31st @ Hamilton Viewpoint Park: Enjoy the music of John, Paul, George, and Ringo as we welcome The Flaming Pies to close out our 2025 season.
As with all “free” events, they’re not “free” to the organizers, so if you can support the music series, donations are welcome.
P.S. New this year, knitting circles at every concert, with Seattle Yarn!
As we mentioned last month, the West Seattle Art Tour is doubling this year, to two days, and organizers are working on the lineup now. The final deadline, for artists, is just days away, so here’s one more reminder:
West Seattle’s community-wide arts event is back – now a two-day event! Save The Date for Art, September 20th & 21st!
The West Seattle Art Tour returns on September 20- 21, 2025 (10 am – 5 pm) for its fourth year, and its first year as a two-day event. This free, self-guided tour features a full spectrum of high-quality art, a chance to meet and talk with artists, and the opportunity to purchase exceptional works of art, all while exploring West Seattle’s beautiful neighborhoods. This year, sites will be open for two days, allowing more time for visitors to see all of the locations.
Artists interested in participating will want to act quickly. Artist applications are due by July 6th. Artists can review event details, artist criteria, how to host and submit their application at: wsartwalk.org/west-seattle-art-tour
The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by local artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk. Individuals interested in supporting the West Seattle Art Tour can reach out to WSArtHop@gmail.com
WSB is media sponsor for this year’s West Seattle Art Tour.
(WSB photos)
If you traveled on SW Oregon today west of California SW and wondered about the painting project – Inner Alchemy Treasures and Transformation (4312 SW Oregon) is the next West Seattle Junction business incorporating its streetfront signage into a mural! Artist Cody Huff is painting today – perfect weather, notes Inner Alchemy proprietor Maari Falsetto, who’s supervising:
The mural will incorporate Inner Alchemy’s logo symbol, the purple clematis, with big flowers wrapping around the edge of the building. One flower will likely be done by day’s end, and then painting will resume on Friday. This is one of three locations that comprise Inner Alchemy, which took over the Junction space this past spring – its former storefront at 3043 California SW is now a healing room, and the Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio in the American Legion building in The Triangle hosts classes and workshops.
(File photo)
Now that July is here, outdoor music season has arrived too – this month, that includes West Seattle Summer Fest (July 11-13), Admiral Music in the Parks (July 17, 24, and 31), Alki Art Fair (July 18-20), the West Seattle Big Band Concert in the Park (July 15) … and one multi-night event in which you can participate! That’s the West Seattle Community Orchestras’ Play Along in the Park, 6-8 pm on the next four Tuesdays (not tonight) in July in Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), near the north lot. Rotating WSCO conductors lead full ensembles in “music ranging from classical to contemporary.” Spectators are welcome too, of course, but players are especially encouraged. If you want to play, register here so you’ll get the music parts for the night(s) you want to join in. Free for musicians and audience!
12:01 PM: Historic Kenyon Hall, the event venue in Sunrise Heights, is just beginning a summer-long closure this week for some much-needed renovation work (as explained here). One part of that work involves the hall’s iconic Mighty Wurlitzer sign – heralding its beloved pipe organ – part of which is suddenly missing, because somebody stole it:
It is one half of the Mighty Wurlitzer sign that was stolen over the weekend. We are in the process of refurbishing the sign to re-hang during the remodel. We are asking it be returned, no questions asked. This sign is part of a registered City of Seattle historical site and is very important to the history of the building. The missing piece is 8 feet by 18 inches.
The sign is made of “wood pressboard.” We’re told it was leaned up against the south-neighboring building (home to The Westy) when taken. If somehow you’ve found yourself in possession of the sign and don’t know where Kenyon Hall is so you can return it – 7904 35th SW.
2:17 PM: The sign has been recovered. Just heard from the Kenyon Hall volunteer who sent the original report. She says:
Sign was FOUND!!!! By a kind neighbor who was at EC Hughes Playground with their kiddo and saw it in the encampment area.
Outdoor-music season is on! Good turnout for the first of two West Seattle performances today by the trio traveling with the Seattle Chamber Music Society‘s Concert Truck. The crowd filled much of the green east of Alki Beach Bathhouse under the noontime sunshine.
Here’s the full program played this afternoon and scheduled to be repeated tonight. We recorded a longer clip (apologies that one musician is out of view in it) from a work by Fanny Mendelssohn:
This evening’s concert is at 5 pm at the Seattle Chinese Garden on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge, 6000 16th SW, also free of charge, lasting about an hour (bring your own chair/blanket).
Six and a half years after West Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen painted karate master Chojun Miyagi on the signal box at the northwest corner of 35th/Roxbury, a driver has taken it out. The hit-run happened overnight and we have few details except that the driver took out the signal box, and that left the intersection signal in flashing mode for many hours. Our photo is from late morning; we went by again a little while ago and a replacement signal box was in place. Archived radio from overnight suggests the hit-run car might have been found nearby but we won’t be able to follow up until Monday.
This weekend marks the end of an era at Fauntleroy Church – Bronwyn Edwards is ending nearly two decades as the church’s music director. Her successor starts next week, as Judy Pickens tells us:
After a nationwide search, Fauntleroy Church, United Church of Christ, has found its new music director close to home. On July 1, Zachary Fitzgerald, a doctoral candidate at the University of Washington, will take the baton from retiring director Bronwyn Edwards.
Zachary earned master’s degrees in choral conducting and vocal performance from Kent State University and is nearing completion of his doctoral degree in vocal performance. His career has included church music director, vocalist, teacher, and instrumentalist (oboe, English horn, and saxophone). Along the way, he deepened his passion for opera and musical theater.
In addition to coordinating music for Sunday services, Zachary will devote the summer to getting better acquainted with the 439-member congregation’s existing choirs and ensembles and plan new performance opportunities, including for children, to start introducing in the fall.
Edwards, meantime, also is retiring from her role with the Boeing Employees Choir, but plans to continue composing and teaching.
This summer, like last summer, the Seattle Chamber Music Society‘s Concert Truck will bring live classical music to two West Seattle spots, the S-Seattle Chinese Garden and Alki Beach Bathhouse. This year, however, both performances are on the same day – and that day is this Sunday (June 29). You can enjoy the free concert at noon Sunday on Alki (2701 Alki SW) and/or at 5 pm at the garden (north end of South Seattle College [WSB sponsor] campus, 6000 16th SW). Both performances are scheduled for the same music and instrumentalists – see the program here. These are free concerts – just bring your own chair/blanket to sit on!
This weekend, young ballet dancers are invited to audition for West Seattle-based Seattle Civic Dance Theatre‘s holiday production. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
Who: Seattle Civic Dance Theatre (West Seattle-based dance nonprofit est. 1985)
What: Free, open ballet auditions for children ages 8-18 for an annual community fundraising performance of “The Magical Doll Maker” (its 36th production)
When: Auditions are Sunday, June 29. Beginning level dancers 11 am-12 pm, Intermediate/Advanced level dancers 12:30 pm-1:30 pm
Where: Auditions will be held at 15811 Ambaum BLVD SW, Suite 160, Burien
How: To Register: Use this link, access the link through our website, or email Allison Gross, SCDT Board President, at scdtboard@gmail.com
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Junction FC drew their fourth match of the season Sunday against Tacoma Stars FC. But what has been an otherwise difficult month of games had a bright spot: A community event hosted by Junction FC to highlight local artists, coinciding with their newest merchandise release, a line inspired by well-known West Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen.
(Photo by Erik Sandvik)
It was a tensely fought game with three injuries, mostly springing from a series of close shaves in both team’s goal boxes. Junction FC managed to keep up a strong defense, as goalkeeper Liam Ryan fended off several close calls in the first twenty minutes, and pressed the offense with an especially close shot by James Lear at the thirty-minute mark. The game resulted in yet another draw for both teams, though Junction FC managed to hold up with one player out of commission for the second half of the match.
Sunday’s match also marked the release of Junction FC’s third kit (a version of the team’s uniform fans can purchase and wear) inspired by Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen. The kit draws from his experience as a street artist, moving from graffiti into professional mural painting. “I’ve designed my own shirts, but never a jersey,” Hansen said. “I knew I wanted to do something colorful and incorporate actual spray paint.”
The jerseys incorporate layered spray-paint effects, giving them an identity unique to Hansen’s style, and to the West Seattle artist community.
(Photo courtesy Junction FC)
During the game, attendees were able to browse through several artist stalls set up behind the bleachers, purchase Junction FC merchandise and add to the community mural. The artist alley was a mix of established painters, community organizations and up-and-coming artists. At the end of the alley was Lora Radford, the lead artist of Potterings (WSB sponsor), a new pottery studio in the Harbor Avenue ActivSpace.
Radford started doing pottery as a form of self-expression, and as a self-described “community builder,” wanted to bring the experience to her community. Since opening in May, she’s been able to help people without any prior experience enjoy pottery.
“I decided that potters needed a place,” Radford said, “If you took a pottery class in middle school and you want to make a gift for a friend or a piece for yourself, this is the perfect place. That’s what we’re about.”
Further up the alley was Sunshine Arts and Crafts, owned by artists Marcia and Dennis Schramm. They moved back to West Seattle recently from Colorado, and have found painting as a hobby in their retirement. Marcia has been painting with acrylics for three years, and Dennis painted a set of Seattle-themed lazy susans.
Setting up an elaborate metalwork piece across the walkway, West Seattle native Jerry Austin is the founder of Mindful Metal, specializing in metalwork installations that utilize recycled metal pipes. Austin started his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Finally, sitting next to the Junction FC booth was Johnny Gillespie. Sunday’s event was his first time tabling. Gillespie has been drawing since he was a kid, and focuses on artwork that centers on animals.
Next home match for Junction FC (0-4-4) is Sunday (June 29) at 2 pm vs. Portland Bangers – tickets are available here.
Less than three weeks until the peninsula’s biggest party of the year, West Seattle Summer Fest! This year student artists have a unique chance to be part of it – and just one week left to apply for the opportunity. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
Do you have a student who is passionate about art and interested in showcasing their work to the community? We’re excited to invite student artists to participate in the upcoming West Seattle Summer Fest on Saturday, July 12th.
My name is Molly Ryan, and I serve as the Director of the West Seattle Art Walk. One of my primary goals is to foster student engagement in the arts, and I’m thrilled to share that the West Seattle Junction Association is partnering with us to support this initiative.
This year, we’ve received approval to display student artwork along the construction fencing on California Ave SW near SW Oregon St. This unique outdoor gallery will allow student artists to share their creativity with thousands of festival attendees.
We are currently accepting submissions and plan to select 50–70 pieces representing a variety of ages and grade levels. While we wish we could showcase all submissions, please note that not all entries will be selected due to space limitations. We will notify selected participants during the first week of July.
To ensure that artwork is ready to be displayed outdoors, we kindly request photos of the completed pieces with each submission. This helps us confirm that the work is presentation-ready for hanging along the fence.
If you have students who may be interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or submissions.
Thank you for supporting young artists in our community!
Here’s the link for applications – the deadline is June 30, one week from today.
The West Seattle Art Tour is doubling this year, to two days! It’s not until September, but organizers are lining up the participating locations and artists now, with deadlines nearing – here’s the announcement:
West Seattle’s community-wide arts event is back – now a two-day event! Save The Date for Art, September 20th & 21st!
The West Seattle Art Tour returns on September 20- 21, 2025 (10 am – 5 pm) for its fourth year, and its first year as a two-day event. This free, self-guided tour features a full spectrum of high-quality art, a chance to meet and talk with artists, and the opportunity to purchase exceptional works of art, all while exploring West Seattle’s beautiful neighborhoods. This year, sites will be open for two days, allowing more time for visitors to see all of the locations.
Applications are open for artists and host sites! Artists interested in participating will want to act quickly. Host site applications close June 30th, and artist applications are due by July 6th. Artists can review event details, artist criteria, how to host and submit their application at: wsartwalk.org/west-seattle-art-tour
The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by local artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk. Individuals interested in supporting the West Seattle Art Tour can reach out to WSArtHop@gmail.com
WSB is media sponsor for this year’s West Seattle Art Tour.
(WSB photo, October)
Urban ArtWorks has been involved in more than a few mural projects around West Seattle, and now it’s offering teens a chance to get involved this summer, and get paid for their work – here’s the announcement:
Urban ArtWorks is partnering with Southwest Youth and Family Services to bring the Mural Apprentice Program (MAP) to Delridge this summer! They are currently recruiting teens ages 14–19 to join this paid opportunity where participants will design and paint murals, build community, and gain valuable job skills. No prior art experience is needed and we especially welcome BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ youth, and students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Learn more and apply at urbanartworks.org/programs, or email programs@urbanartworks.org to get started.
The deadline for applying is just four days away – June 23 – so don’t procrastinate if you’re interested!
One ticket will get you into a legendary venue to see more than 20 performers and bands this Sunday for “School’s Out!” – a concert to raise money for scholarships at West Seattle’s nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts, so more students can have music in their lives. The show is off-peninsula but well worth the trip – here’s the announcement:
School’s Out Benefit Show Brings Students, Teachers, & Seattle Artists Together at The Neptune Theatre
A Community Concert to Raise Funds for Music Lesson Scholarships
Sunday, June 22 • Doors at 2:30 PM • Show at 3:30 PM • All AgesMode Music and Performing Arts is thrilled to present the School’s Out Benefit Show on Sunday, June 22 at The Neptune Theatre — a powerful all-ages event bringing together students, teachers, and friends of Mode on one iconic Seattle stage.
This one-of-a-kind concert celebrates mentorship, community, and the transformative power of music education. The lineup features 22 acts, from young Mode students and teen-formed bands to current and former Mode teachers and celebrated local artists — all performing to raise money for private music lesson scholarships that make lessons more accessible for students across our region.
“There’s something really special about seeing a young person share the stage with the teacher who inspired them,” says Erin Rubin, founder of Mode Music Studios. “These kids are playing the same stage as some of their mentors — and in the same rooms where their favorite bands have performed. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you.”
Proceeds from this event directly support Mode Music and Performing Arts’ scholarship fund, which provides financial assistance for private lessons in voice, piano, guitar, drums, and more — ensuring access to music education is never limited by income.
EVENT DETAILS:
School’s Out Benefit Show
Sunday, June 22
The Neptune Theatre (1303 NE 45th St, Seattle)
Doors at 2:30 PM • Show at 3:30 PM
All ages welcomeTickets: stgpresents.org/events/schools-out-benefit
TICKET PRICING + DISCOUNTS:
General Admission: $52
Community Discount: $37 (use code 37SCHOOLSOUT)
Youth/Accessibility Discount: $22 (use code 22SCHOOLSOUT)How to use the discount code:
Click the ticket link and look for a small “UNLOCK” button near the ticket quantity.
Tap it, enter the code, and the discounted ticket price will appear.
(Note: It’s not a promo code at checkout — you must unlock it first.)
FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY:
Students, teachers, and friends of Mode — including Naked Giants, Shaina Shepherd, Beautiful Freaks, Caitlin Sherman, Midnight High, It’s All Happening, Daphne Sweetland, and many more.
This event is a joyful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given tools to create — and when a whole community shows up to lift them higher.
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Madison Middle School has unveiled two new community-led murals, as part of a push by the district to increase the number of murals in schools.
(Photo courtesyMadison PTSA)
The first mural is located in the main hallway. It was painted by student volunteers and coordinated by two Madison parents, Brian Peters and Royce Bixby. The project wasn’t just a chance to spruce up the school; it was also an opportunity for the students to exercise creative freedom, according to Audrey.
She is a student at Madison Middle School and helped work on the entryway mural. “I thought it was a really good environment. We got to work on the mural, and spend a lot of time together as friends.” The mural was painted over four 4-hour shifts, and each student volunteered time outside their class schedules, sometimes working until 9 pm.
(WSB photo)
Audrey was particularly proud of the whales in the sky and the mermaid template, both of which she suggested. It was a challenging process (especially painting the Ferris Wheel, which, according to her, took forever), but one she said felt incredibly rewarding.
The sentiment was shared by Bixby, an architect and Madison parent. He and graphic designer (and fellow parent) Peters, the two helped simulate a professional creative environment, planning and collaborating with the students to help realize their vision. Bixby said he was constantly impressed by the students. “We’re helping train the next generation of designers, and I was really impressed. It’s important to bring art to the schools.”
(Photo courtesyMadison PTSA)
“It’s so exciting to see these murals finally come together,” said Madison PTSA Co-President Amber Zeddies. Both murals were funded by the PTSA.
The second mural was painted by West Seattle-born artist Desmond Hansen, who first came to fame from his murals on the side of SDOT signal boxes, many in WS, some scattered across the city. This mural, located in the Madison Middle School Gym, sought to add more life the the building.
(Photo courtesy Madison PTSA)
Working with flexible hours, Hansen focused on Madison’s mascot, the Bulldog. “I’m honored that (the school) reached out to me,” Hansen said. “My son went to Madison, and now he’s moving up to West Seattle (high school). It feels like leaving a Hansen mark on the school, for me and my son.” (To see more of Hansen’s work, check out his website here.)
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