WS culture/arts 2990 results

WEST SEATTLE ART: New signal-box mural in The Junction

Thanks to the West Seattle Junction Association for the photo of the newest signal-box mural by West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen – this one is a sort of dual tribute, for women in trades as well as the West Seattle Bridge. WSJA also sent the photo that inspired it:

WSJA executive director Lora Radford was looking into the history; via an online image search, we note that it was featured at her former business Hotwire Online Coffeehouse in a collaboration with the Southwest Seattle Historical Society in 2014, the year the now-closed bridge marked its 30th anniversary.

P.S. The signal box is Hansen’s third in The Junction this summer, after Black Lives Matter at 42nd and Alaska and the Progress Flag at California/Oregon.

WEST SEATTLE ART: Junction BLM street mural, phase 1

(SDOT camera image)

Looking north from California/Alaska’s SDOT camera, that’s the view this afternoon of the first phase of the street mural that West Seattle Artists for Social Justice is creating at Walk-All-Ways. The lettering of BLACK LIVES MATTER was done while that block was closed for today’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market.

(WSB photos from here)

Organizer Stevie Kramer was overseeing the work:

She explained that the nine artists – four youth (Saiyana Suzumura, Gloria Cropper, Vanessa Musonwa, Raquel Stewart) and five adults (Lashanna Williams, Adonis Piper. Jasmine Iona Brown, Jaymin Brown, Jolyn GC) – will be on site during next Sunday’s market. They will each paint one or more letters of the mural – no pre-planned design, they will show up and paint (Stevie says they’ve already been given guidelines on what’s appropriate for this type of mural). T

The paint they’re using is fast-drying and self-sealing. WS Art for Social Justice says their crowdfunding wiil cover future maintenance too – like a touchup next year.

WEST SEATTLE ART: Big birds on Alki

Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo! He explains, “Artist Naomi Haverland was at the east end of the Alki promenade (Saturday), creating a 3D chalk artwork. She was doing this in association with the Alki Art Fair, which unfortunately had to be cancelled this year due the COVID-19 situation.” A nearby sign directs you to stand on marked “footprints” and use your camera “to see the illusion.”

SUPPORT FOR BLACK LIVES: Overpass vigil tonight, West Seattle Junction mural work Sunday

Two previews in the ongoing community support for Black lives:

(Last Friday)(June photo)

OVERPASS VIGIL: It’s Friday, and organizers again invtte you to be part of this:

Please join us to show support for our Black friends, family, and neighbors, to #SayTheirNames, and remind each other that people are still suffering injustice.

What: #SayTheirNames
When: Friday, July 17th, from 5:30-6:30 pm
Where: Pedestrian overpass on Delridge at the Delridge Community Center/Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

Please remember to wear your masks!

JUNCTION MURAL WORK: Last month, we wrote about the plan for on-street Black Lives Matter mural art in The Junction. This Sunday, while the street is closed to vehicles for the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, the work begins at California/Alaska, with stenciling 10 am-2 pm. The project is led by West Seattle Artists for Social Justice; this update on the WS Art Walk website has more details, including how you can support the project.

Scenes from July’s West Seattle Art Walk, including drive-by sights in Arbor Heights

5:59 PM: That’s artist Mimi Miles outside Brace Point Pottery in Arbor Heights, with an unusual West Seattle Art Walk sight until 8 pm:

Brace Point Pottery opens its patio and gallery for an outdoor, drive by, wander through sculpture exhibition. Mimi Miles‘ ceramic torsos and portraits are ceramic manifestations of human emotion and movement. Eight larger than life size busts of old white men make up “SENATE MAJORITY” and occupy center gallery, visible from the street. Female torso, “Attitude” conveys its message clearly.

BPP is at 4208 SW 100th. Other Art Walk locations – and online links – are in our preview from earlier today.

6:51 PM: A few sights from the Junction:

Painter Linda McClamrock is showing her work outdoors, at the KeyBank corner. And indoors at Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor), co-proprietor Frances Smersh (below with husband/co-proprietor John) is tonight’s featured artist:

Stop by The Junction before 8.

P.S. Not to get too morose … but if not for the pandemic, tonight’s the Art Walk that would have been combined with what we always called “Summer Fest Eve,” streets closed for setting up our area’s biggest annual festival. Here’s hoping for next year!

TONIGHT: West Seattle Art Walk goes hybrid – part in-person, part online

July 9, 2020 1:03 pm
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 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

With King County going to Safe Start Phase 2 since the last West Seattle Art Walk, that opens more possibilities for in-person participation – so this month’s WSAW is hybrid: Part in-person, part virtual. From the preview on the WSAW website:

Visit an outdoors art show and reception under a shelter tent or overhang:
*Linda McClamrock, Key Bank Plaza, Alaska Junction

Visit an indoor art show and reception, following all state guidelines for masks and capacity:
*West Seattle Grounds, Admiral Junction
*Click! Design That Fits, Alaska Junction
*Capers Home, Alaska Junction
*Wild Rose, Alaska Junction
*West Seattle Cellars, Morgan Junction
*NW Encaustics, Morgan Junction
*Brace Point Pottery & Gallery, Arbor Heights

Stroll by businesses that have art featured in their windows during Art Walk or displayed during business hours:
*Flying Apron, Alaska Junction
*Mailbox West, Morgan Junction

Or – online! See the gallery here, which is where you’ll also find the times and addresses for the locations mentioned above. Plus – this YouTube playlist! Support your local artists and businesses however you can; see you on the Art Walk (whose community co-sponsors include WSB).

VOTE! See the contenders in West Seattle Bridge T-shirt contest

(SDOT image: Crews on the bridge today)

From the “if you don’t laugh about it, you’ll cry” department … Yes, we’re semi-stuck on West Seattle Island, but every so often, you can’t help but see a little humor in it – evidenced by the stickers and yard signs that have popped up. Today, here’s one of those chances to do more than despair: Your chance to vote in the T-shirt design contest presented by the West Seattle Art Walk and WS Junction Association. As featured here previously, they put out a call for designs – and now more than 70 entries are ready for your consideration! You can see them all here, and vote for your five favorites, before the end of the month. The top three vote-getting designs will be produced as T-shirts and sold locally.

LAST CALL! Design a West Seattle Bridge T-shirt, win $

You have one more day to enter the West Seattle Art Walk‘s West Seattle Bridge T-shirt design contest (first mentioned here two weeks ago). The goal as explained here, is “to generate three different shirt designs for sale this summer. The artists of the three chosen designs will each receive $500 for their work.” The guidelines:

We would like all artists to consider the following as they create their designs:

*Capture the essence of the situation
*Raise awareness about the importance of the bridge closure to our community
*Convey the love we have for West Seattle

We recognize that art is a very personal expression and you may have mixed emotions about the Bridge closure. While we do not want to inhibit creativity, we do aim to find a balance among sentiments conveyed in the designs that will appeal to our community, with a suggestion of:

*Humorous
*Proud
*Encouraging

Designs can be all illustration, all text, or a mix of both. One submission per artist.

Please note: While we welcome all submissions, artwork needs to be family-friendly to qualify for voting and selection.

More details here; the form for submitting your design is here. The community will get to vote on the qualifying designs to choose the winners! Then the T-shirts will be sold to raise money both for the merchants who sell them and for the nonprofit West Seattle Junction Association.

SUMMER CAMP: Free theater training for youth – apply ASAP!

June 27, 2020 2:36 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy Bayfest Youth Theatre)

Still sorting out summer? Got a teen or tween in the household who’s interested in theater? West Seattle-based Bayfest Youth Theatre has an offer for you:

Although we are very sad to have to cancel our in-person West Seattle-based drama camp intensive in August due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are really excited to be able to offer a COMPLETELY FREE opportunity for 15-20 students to train and work on monologues, songs, and original performance pieces with some of our top teaching artists.

The camp will use the ZOOM platform for fun and active group and one-on-one meetings over the course of 10 days (up to 2 hours per day, with additional home assignments for participants to work on, with videos we will be posting on our site), and that it will culminate in a performance video that will be posted online and sent to thousands of our audience members.

The camp will run from August 10-21 and is open to participants ages 10-12 and 13- 19 (in two separate groups). Although it is open to all interested Seattle-area young people and is being supported by grants we have received from the City and County, we would love to have some local kids participate, since we are a West Seattle organization and work in local schools. Please tell your own kids or any others you know who may be interested, and have them get their applications in as soon as possible. Further information and a link to the application is available at www.BAYFESTyouthTheatre.org

Please email us immediately at: BAYFESTyouthTheatre@gmail.com if you are interested in applying for the virtual drama camp and if you have any further questions.

WEST SEATTLE ART: Black Lives Matter street murals planned for The Junction

(WSB photo, West Seattle Junction, June 6th)

Where thousands of people stood in support of the Black Lives Matter movement just two weeks ago in the West Seattle Junction, two street murals are now planned. Stephanie Kramer says two murals are planned on the street itself – one at California/Alaska one at California/Oregon – roughly 53′ by 20′, to be painted on a day when the street is already closed for the Farmers’ Market. The announcement:

West Seattle Art for Social Justice is a collective of educators and local small business owners with an intent of elevating the voices of BIPOC & LGBTQIA BIPOC youth and adults through arts initiatives.

Inspired by the many communities coming together to create art as a beacon for systemic change, we are inspired & honored to be organizing this important art piece at the West Seattle Junction. Artists from the greater Seattle community will be working together to create this important piece of art in late July with support of the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Farmers Market.

Artist bios and information will be featured on the WS Art for Social Justice BLM mural page [on social media] and inquiries can be sent to wsartforsocialjustice@gmail.com. To support this work, please see our gofundme @ gf.me/u/x9pasi

Each letter of the two murals – each reading BLACK LIVES MATTER – will have a separate artist, so, 32 in all.

WELCOME, SUMMER: Moon Dancers on Alki

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

Right after summer’s first sunset, Moon Dancers appeared on Alki tonight, twirling their way along the beach.

We got the advance alert from Denise, who explained that she and some friends created the dance for this year’s virtual version of the Fremont Solstice Parade, and they “had so much fun doing the shoot that we decided to do a guerrilla performance at Alki on the Solstice.”

(Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

(If you missed the Solstice Parade when it was livestreamed Saturday afternoon, the video is archived here – you can see the Moon Dancers at 1:09:30.)

ARTISTS! Want to see others wear something you designed? 2 local T-shirt contests

June 18, 2020 4:18 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Two local nonprofits have announced T-shirt design contests – both related to major current issues. First one is just in from the West Seattle Junction Association/West Seattle Art Walk:

March 23, 2020, will go down in Seattle history as the day life in West Seattle was changed forever. The announcement of indefinite closure of the West Seattle Bridge due to rapidly growing cracks, first discovered in 2013, sent shock waves across the Puget Sound. This news, amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and worldwide economic impacts, was a shift felt throughout West Seattle.

West Seattle is a giving community. Since early during the Stay Home order, The West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) has made significant strides to generate economic relief for merchants throughout the entire peninsula, from the Morgan to the Admiral Junctions. Organized by WSJA, the West Seattle Small Business Relief Fund was established on April 6, 2020. As of June 15, the fund has already provided over $105,000 to our local merchants and service providers to help cover essential monthly expenses like utility bills and payroll taxes.

Today, we announce an additional program to support the businesses of West Seattle and the essential work The West Seattle Junction accomplishes for our community. While businesses are permitted to reopen, there is still considerable work to be done to bring cohesion and spirit to our community, especially around awareness, education, involvement and concern about our future. References to the “West Seattle island effect” have already been seen and talked about since days after the Bridge closure.

The West Seattle Art Walk, a monthly Arts programming arm of the WSJA, has launched an artist-designed and community-driven T-shirt design and sales project where 100% of profits will go to benefit WSJA’s work and to merchants who sell the T-shirts. Artists in the community have been asked to submit T-shirt designs that artistically capture the essence of our situation, deliver a clear message, and inspire connection and involvement. The community will select three winning designs, and the creators of those designs will each win $500 in cash, in the effort to provide financial support to artists who may also be suffering from lack of work during the pandemic.

Once the three designs are chosen and finalized, T-shirts will be available for pre-order and at select West Seattle retailers. Pre-order is $29 (tax and shipping included) and merchant sales are $25.

Artists may submit work through this link from now until July 3. Additional details and announcement can also be seen on the West Seattle Junction Association website and the West Seattle Art Walk website.

And from West Seattle-based Stephanie’s Lifeline:

LOCAL ARTISTS – ADULTS AND CHILDREN: We are having a t-shirt design contest for our United In Change campaign. Create an image that depicts what the Black Lives Matter movement means to you and enter it into our contest!

Entries are being accepted starting June 15 and ending June 30. Finalist will be chosen July 4. Voting and T-shirt fundraiser will begin on July 5 and end July 31. Winner will be announced August 1.

Send your entry to stephanieslifeline@gmail.com. The winner’s design will be used as Stephanie’s Lifeline’s image for our United in Change campaign,; T-shirts with his or her design will be sold on our website; and the winner will receive a t-shirt with their design, free of charge.

CANCELED: Morgan Junction Community Festival; Summer Concerts at Hiawatha

Two summer traditions that are presented by West Seattle neighborhood councils will not be happening this year because of the pandemic. The announcements:

(WSB photo, Bubbleman @ 2019 Morgan Junction Community Festival)

MORGAN JUNCTION COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: Sent by Morgan Community Association president Deb Barker:

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that cancellation of the 2020 Morgan Junction Community Festival.

The Morgan Community Association (MoCA) has been sponsoring this unique one day festival in Morgan Junction for over 15 years. The 2009 opening of Morgan Junction Park gave us a permanent home to experience the live festival music and watch the Bubbleman make BIG bubbles, while businesses Beveridge Place Pub, Zeeks Pizza, and Whisky West have welcomed vendor booths and food trucks to their parking lots. It’s always been a lot of fun.

But the Coronavirus pandemic has shut down the safe gathering ability of the Festival-loving public. MoCA wants to keep our community safe. So we’re canceling the 2020 festival and scheduling the 2021 Festival date for Saturday June 19, 2021. We’d like to share this reply we got from the City of Seattle Special Event staff when they learned of the cancellation:

“Thank you so much for letting us know. Each time we hear that another event is cancelled, it makes me emotional too. Special events like the Morgan Junction Festival celebrate the health and vibrancy of our community. Cancelling them in some ways feels like a defeat at the hands of COVID. Please know that you are doing the right thing, the prudent thing, the safe thing by cancelling the event. We are all going to come back stronger.”

Thank you, everyone. Stay Safe!! We Will Come Back Stronger!

-Morgan Junction Community Festival Planning Committee

(Caspar Babypants at Summer Concerts @ Hiawatha, August 2019)

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: From Stephanie Jordan, who coordinates the series for the Admiral Neighborhood Association:

After many weeks of hoping for better circumstances, we’ve made the sad decision to cancel the 2020 Summer Concerts at Hiawatha. During these uncertain times, it’s become clear that gatherings of this size will be difficult to manage in a way that ensures the safety and enjoyment of our community and guests. These events are very important to us, but your health and safety will always be our top priority.

I will truly miss the community that these concerts create – neighbors meeting neighbors, old friends catching up, kids at their first live performances. They represent a true collaboration between the ANA, our sponsors, city partners (Seattle Parks and ARC) and the wonderful team at Hiawatha Community Center. It’s been my pleasure to connect you with some of the best musicians in the region.

To the extent to which you are able, I hope you will continue to support our local music community in other ways. Many artists are being impacted by cancellations like this. I encourage you to see who is performing on social media, releasing new work, or rescheduling shows. Even kinds words can make a difference. Please also consider contributing to any of the several artist relief funds that have been set up in response to COVID-19. A quick Google search for “Seattle artist fund” will bring these up.

When large gatherings are back, we will be too – and we’ll be very happy to see you again. Until then, stay safe West Seattle, and keep well!

ONLINE NOW: West Seattle Art Walk, June edition

June 11, 2020 5:00 pm
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 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | West Seattle online | WS culture/arts

It’s the second Thursday of the month, which means West Seattle Art Walk night, online! Just launched and viewable above, a video playlist with what organizers explain as a “curated gallery “movie” with a good selection of work for the artists who are coordinated by local businesses, and a representative 1-3 images for all the artist-led exhibits (plus) a selection of personal videos sent in by some of the artists.” You can see all the artists’ work – and find out about them – by going here.

ONLINE TONIGHT: Writing circle, presented by West Seattle libraries

June 10, 2020 11:37 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online | WS culture/arts

Libraries haven’t reopened yet, but the Seattle Public Librarys local branches are presenting this tonight, and you’re invited – just be sure to sign up ASAP!

Virtual Writing Circle with Hugo House: Seattle Writes
Wednesday June 10, 6-7:30 pm

Drop into a virtual writing circle, hosted by author Jeanine Walker, for writing exercises, motivation, and ways to connect with other writers. Registration required.

In this group, we’ll focus on generative writing through poetry prompts. The session will begin with introductions and a short warm-up, after which we’ll read two separate poems and write in response to those. At times writers will be invited to create community through sharing words or ideas with other writers in small groups. Attendees will leave the class with 2-3 new drafts of poems. Designed for all writers, this group supports poets as well those working in other genres, as the skills practiced in poetry can be thought of as “cross-training” for memoir and fiction, too.

Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. Have a laptop or pen and paper — and be ready to write!

To receive the link for this event, please click here and select the red date you want to attend. Phone registration also available at 206-322-7030.

ONLINE, ON-AIR TONIGHT: Chief Sealth IHS student’s DJ spotlight

June 4, 2020 1:48 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Nicole from the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA for word on this:

On Thursday, June 4th from 8:00- 9:00 pm, Elijah Allen-White ( Sealth Student) will be the featured student DJ for the KNKX 88.5 FM jazz24.org Evening Jazz Show with jazz host Abe Beeson. Tune in and listen or if you miss the show you can hear it online at jazz24.org.

WEST SEATTLE ART: In memory of George Floyd, and so many others

Three West Seattle sightings:

Above, the portrait is by Desmond Hansen, on the northwest corner of Delridge/Roxbury (thanks to Mike for the tip). Below, a window memorial in Seaview (thanks to Emily for the photo):

And Sarah just tweeted this photo from the Admiral Way Bridge over Fairmount Ravine:

WEST SEATTLE ART: On ‘Stay Healthy Street’ in Puget Ridge

Three weeks ago, our nightly roundup featured photos from Lisa spotlighting street art – on a “Stay Healthy Street” in Puget Ridge. Now there’s more – in non-permanent paint that tomorrow’s forecast rain might wash away, so here it is, photo-preserved for posterity.

That photo shows the finished version of one that was under way when Lisa sent photos previously. These are on SW Myrtle between 17th and 18th (map).

VIDEO: Supporting the arts with a sidewalk surprise

That’s soprano Ellaina Lewis, performing a surprise show in a West Seattle neighborhood this past weekend. L’Nayim Austin explains:

My husband and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary this weekend. Since we are social distancing, we couldn’t celebrate in the usual way (dinner and show). So, as a surprise for my husband, I commissioned a West Seattle friend and opera singer, Ellaina Lewis, to perform a short opera outside our home (following social distancing recommendations).

It was a lovely performance enjoyed by my husband, and everyone else in the neighborhood. The weather cooperated, and Ellaina’s beautiful soprano voice was magical. Two neighbors took videos.

Perhaps next time one of your readers needs a bit of celebration, they might consider hiring a local artist for an outdoor serenade. A little art during these times goes a long way to raise the soul.

(In the other clip, she sings an Elvis Presley classic.) P.S. Happy anniversary to L’Nayim and husband!

MEMORIAL DAY 2020: Heroes honored at West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center

Thanks to Vietnamese Cultural Center director Lee Bui for the photo: “Flowers and fruits to honor the heroes at Fallen Soldiers Memorial at Vietnamese Cultural Center today. Special for heroes of the Vietnam War.” (The center at 2234 SW Orchard is open to the public weekly during non-pandemic times.)

VIDEO: ‘Taps Across America’ in West Seattle and beyond

Last night, we mentioned Taps Across America after a few readers told us about it. Here are some videos sent by participants:

The sender tells us that’s “Chris Svehaug playing Taps on Tillicum. He’s standing in front of his Norwegian immigrant grandfather’s 48-star flag. Ole was a proud American who served in the Navy in WWII.” … Below, West Seattle High School juniors Henry Parker on baritone sax and Jonah Elbaum on trumpet

A clip from Fauntleroy:

(added) One more West Seattleite – Kevin Freitas:

And through the quirks of the internet, our preview from last night led to a few people from other areas of the U.S. sending us their clips. This one from North Carolina has special merit – 95-year-old World War II veteran Henry W. Hoell Sr., his wife of 79 years Rosa, grandson William Gore playing the trumpet and his children, Lydia and Naomi.

The original announcement noted that CBS will share some of the videos on its national newscast tomorrow night.

VIDEO: Anton’s still serenading neighbors nightly!

Back on March 26th, we published video sent by Richard in the Fairmount Park area,spotlighting his neighbor Anton‘s nightly saxophone serenades. Today, Richard sent this update:

Pretty amazing dedication and spirit in our community. Every evening, rain or shine – Fairmount Park’s neighbors come out at 6 pm to enjoy Anton’s performances. We all observe “physical distancing” while his performances entertain us during this pandemic. Anton, with the support of his wife (Dawn), has been awesome: his first serenade was on March 24th – 57 straight days and going strong!

Any longrunning pandemic traditions in YOUR neighborhood?

ART: Free online ‘coloring book’ offered by West Seattle Art Walk

That’s a page from the new printable online “coloring book” offered free by the West Seattle Art Walk. It’s by Dani Dodge, one of 19 artists who contributed to the brand-new “coloring book.” As we’ve seen – and shown – art has been therapeutic, even cathartic, in these pandemic times, so here’s a chance to express yourself – print one page or print them all. This post on the WSAW website explains how.