West Seattle, Washington
28 Sunday
(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.
(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.
(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.)
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.
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!
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.
Libraries haven’t reopened yet, but the Seattle Public Library‘s 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 pmDrop 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.
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.
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:
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).
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!
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.)
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.
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?
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.
For a second month, the West Seattle Art Walk – a longtime second-Thursday tradition – is happening online tonight. Organizers have just published the lineup of participants, with this introduction:
Our virtual Art Walk was such a success last month, we had to do it again! Check out the full gallery of work [on the website] or click this link to view a curated virtual Art Walk on YouTube!
We again opened Art Walk to all artists who wanted to join, so have a blend of business-coordinated and artist-led exhibits. Marvel at the wide and deep variety of media, formats, subjects and moods of our 46 artists, an Art Walk Record!!
As for any second Thursday, all art is available for sale. If you would like to purchase something from an artist coordinated by a business, please contact the business first. If you would like to purchase something from an artist exhibiting on their own, please reach out directly to them with the contact information listed.
The Art Walk usually begins – when an in-person event – at 5 pm, so the YT playlist isn’t final until then, but you can follow that link to get a preview of some of the art starting now.
We’ve been so busy spotlighting other ways to help, we haven’t had a chance to mention the South Park Arts AID auction until now – but it’s not too late; you still have a full day left to bid!
Last month, the reality of our situation began to sink in, and the pandemic was hitting artists especially hard. For so many, their livelihood relies on human interaction, and the government support was unreliable or nonexistent. South Park Arts wanted to help. The tight-knit community had weathered many storms together, and this was no different. The obvious solution was to buy lots of art. This auction features those pieces. So when you buy this work, you’re supporting not only the artist but you’re refilling the reserves of an art organization to provide for future assistance.
What – an amazing online art auction of painting, photography, collage, home goods, watercolor, letterpress, sculpture, stained glass, even body armor. Yes, body armor.
Who – featuring talented SPArtsAID recipients
When – Through Monday, May 11th at 7:30 PM
Where – from the comfort of your home
How – Go to www.auctria.com/auction/SPArtsAid to bid on the pieces.
Why – Because we could all use some beauty and community right now.
When the Alki Art Fair‘s 2020 cancellation was announced two weeks ago, organizers promised special “at home” programming ahead. Today – the first presentation! Here’s the announcement, with word of more next weekend too:
Although we are unable to gather in our usual beautiful beach location this year, the Alki Art Fair is excited to announce #AlkiArtFairatHome – a Virtual Art Fair throughout the month of May. Over the next few weeks we will feature local artists, performers and businesses. Tune in to Facebook and Instagram for artist spotlights, studio tours, live performances, creative tutorials and more!
Mother’s Day Concert w/ Jaspar Lepak of Raising Hazel
5/10 @ 5-6 pm PTGabriel Wolfchild of the band Wolfchild
5/16 @ 7 pm PTTo learn more about these artists you can visit alkiartfair.org and also explore a variety of local artists and performers. You’ll find a wide range of performers, painters, illustrators, ceramicists, sewers and more for you to peruse in your pjs.
Local artists add more than just beauty and sound to our community so let’s continue supporting them. Many artists have a true passion for making our community a better place to live through their work. So stay healthy, stay safe and support your local creative community.
Yet another creative way students and educators are honoring school traditions despite campus closures:
Ella Richardson sent the link and announcement:
The West Seattle High School Junior Class ASB is hosting a virtual talent show.
It is filled with spectacular acts by West Seattle High School students and teachers! Our annual talent show is usually a huge fundraiser for the West Seattle Junior Class. However, due to Covid-19, we were unable to host this event in person, and miss out on money made from ticket sales. Please donate to our GoFundMe if you would like, so come next year our Junior Class ASB has the funds to plan exciting events for the student body. Thanks! Hope you guys enjoy!
The talent-show video premiered last night.
In our nightly coronavirus-response-related roundup on April 22nd, we mentioned #SeattleTogether, for which the city commissioned artists to create 1,000 signs to be displayed in neighborhoods. Michael Taylor-Judd let us know that North Delridge has more than two dozen of them, and shared photos.
So, where to see them? He also made a map of where to look:
The original announcement lists the commissioned artists: Amaranta Sandys, Asia Tail, Danielle Morsette, David Rue, Denise Emerson, Hailey Tayathy, Hugo Moro, Lauren Iida, Lin-Lin Mao, Nasrin Afrouz, Shawn Parks, and Vikram Madan.
The signs are also destined for other unspecified West Seattle neighborhoods – so please let us know if YOU see them!
Two things coming up tonight:
CORNER BAR, ONLINE: First Friday means the Highland Park Improvement Club Corner Bar. Still can’t do it in person, so tonight they’re presenting an hour of live music online, 8-9 pm:
Come join us for an hour this Friday evening. We missed April’s event and who knows when we are all going to get together again. This one will be from the comfort of your own home.
Evan Flory-Barnes will livestream us some songs and we can all sit around at home, have a drink, and dance along.[The livestream will be via HPIC’s Facebook page]
These are difficult times for a lot of us. Please feel free to tip Evan at your favorite sites – Venmo @Evan- Flory-Barnes PayPal evflorybarnes@gmail.com or the Cash App. $EvanFloryBarnes
Also, there are no events at the club since the stay at home order has been in effect – feel free to join the HPIC as a member, and help us chart our course for the future.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, #3: If you missed the mention in last night’s roundup – look for SFD trucks/engines driving through neighborhoods, with flashing lights and maybe even siren bursts, 6:30-7:30 pm tonight.
It’s set to happen in the highlighted areas on this map.
One of the many events regularly hosted by C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) pre-pandemic was the monthly PoetryBridge event, with guest readers and a community mic. C & P co-proprietor Cameron Moores tells us that PoetryBridge is now having online events – and the next one is tonight, 7 pm, featuring guest readers Koon Woon and Carrie Gilstrap-Nettle. If you want to check it out, email info@poetrybridge.net for info on how to join via Zoom.
Two scenes shared by WSB readers, as joy resounds through our neighborhoods, even in these stay-home days and nights:
The photo is from Laura Wood, who explains, “Trombone practice in the sunshine: Henry and Patrick Wood, 15 year old twins from West Seattle High School who really miss playing in their music groups!!”
Below, fiddler Dawn Hepburn joined neighbors on the east side of The Junction in “making a joyful noise” on Friday night:
She was in the Alki Masonic Lodge parking lot, with The Whittaker to the north and east, Broadstone Sky to the west, the 4801 Fauntleroy Apartments and Origins Cannabis (both WSB sponsors) to the south.
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