West Seattle, Washington
19 Friday
(2012 WSB photo of Youngtown Cultural Arts Center)
There’s a new opportunity for more arts/cultural organizations to get involved with West Seattle’s Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, without having to commit to something longterm: Youngstown is starting a new push to get the word out about its Civic Partnerships Program, in which it’s an “incubating hub” for start-up arts programs. The push was announced earlier this week at an event celebrating the success of performance-art group Saint Genet, whose director Ryan Mitchell is at left in our photo below with Youngstown director David Bestock:
At a Monday night reception at Youngstown, they talked about the Civic Partnerships Program, which offers the use of Youngstown space and “some gear or equipment” for “dance, theater, visual art, music production, culinary arts, or any creative endeavor that offers a good fit,” on a quarterly agreement, instead of requiring tenancy. Saint Genet used Youngstown space for choreography in one of its recent works, “Paradisiacal Rites.” If you’re interested in applying for a Civic Partnership at Youngstown, you can contact Bestock at david@youngstownarts.org.
In May, Highline West Seattle Family Medicine and Urgent Care (WSB sponsor) held a contest for local elementary-school students to send in their best health tips (and corresponding artwork) as a way of promoting health awareness among kids. The prize: The winning artwork will be featured on a billboard over the West Seattle Bridge, and the winner’s school will receive a $500 grant for health education. Now nine finalists have been chosen, and Highline is asking you to help pick the winner by July 15th. You can view the finalists below, then scroll back up to vote here!
Finalist A: Adelaide
Finalist B: Audrey
Finalist C: Betel
Finalist D: Isabella
Finalist E: Lola
Finalist F: Marie
Finalist G: Victoria
Finalist H: Natalie
Finalist I: Zoe
Vote by July 15; we’ll remind you again, but do it now if you can! The winner will be announced in August, and the billboard will be up in the fall.
Meet 5-year-old Iris Clementine. She believes she just might grow up to be the “most famous artist in West Seattle.” Tonight she is one of the artists in the spotlight at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse‘s first-ever art show. You’ll find work throughout the hallways – live music and refreshments too:
If you get there before the show’s over, say hi to schoolhouse manager Denise Wallace, proud about the turnout as well as the artist participatoin:
The schoolhouse – which is nonprofit-operated and raising money right now for more much-needed repairs/renovations – is at 9131 California SW, and tonight’s art show is on till 8:30 pm.
Been to the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse since it became a nonprofit community center? You’re invited to visit tomorrow night for the schoolhouse’s first art show, 6-8:30 pm. Local artists’ work will be hung in the schoolhouse’s hallways, including Linda McClamrock, June Olson, Gail Ann, and Pamela Coffey. The schoolhouse (at 9131 California SW) is in the final phase of a fundraising campaign to pay for long-needed improvements – stop by and see what’s been done already.
Thanks to CAPERS in The Junction for sharing that photo of work by their featured artist tonight during the West Seattle Art Walk, continuing till 9 pm: You might know Machel Spence best for her photography, but she also makes these beautiful boxes. CAPERS is at 4525 California SW, one of the many venues listed on the official WS Art Walk site. More to come!
(From left: Ian Bell, Gevin Wood, Nathan Williams)
By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Ever wonder what a film producer actually does?
Longtime West Seattle resident and filmmaker Gevin Booth would be happy to tell you. He is producing the movie “The Servant” here in Seattle and in Eastern Washington. And his work got under way long before the actual filming begins.
Among other duties, Booth explains, the producer is in charge of “getting the money, putting the pieces together so the director’s creative vision can happen, finding the cast, crew, locations, catering and looking at costume design. I’m creating an environment where the director can focus on the actors, cameras, and scene, and doesn’t have to worry about lunch arriving at noon.”
Booth adds that he and co-producer Ian Bell are “juggling 12 plates constantly, making sure nothing breaks.” All this juggling is for “The Servant,” a feature film written by local filmmaker Nathan Williams, described by Booth as “thought-provoking cinema. It’s interesting, entertaining and contemplative with philosophical implications.” And, he says, with “political, religious, and supernatural themes, but is actually none of those things.”
(Fauntleroy ferry dock, photographed by Flickr member alextutu1981, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Happy Sunday! Today’s highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm today and every Sunday in The Junction. (44th and Alaska)
LAST DAY FOR JUNCTION BAKERY AND CAFE: As reported here yesterday, they announced via signboard that they’re closing after today, and would love to say goodbye in person, till 5 pm. (4541 California SW)
TIDEWALKING: Today’s low tide isn’t super-low-low, but low enough for Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists to be out answering questions and otherwise assisting visitors, 11 am-1:30 pm at Constellation and Lincoln Parks.
COLMAN POOL: The saltwater outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park is open for its final pre-season weekend, noon-7 pm – broken up into these sessions. The full 7-day-a-week summer season begins next Saturday.
BENEFIT CAR WASH: Seattle Lutheran High School‘s cheerleaders are raising money by washing cars this afternoon at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor), starting at noon (35th/Webster)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays, you can stop by the museum to learn about and enjoy West Seattle history. (61st/Stevens)
OPEN HOUSE AT ‘THE TRIPLETS’: Shopping for a new home? Tour three in the same block, at the first open house for the remodeled “Triplets,” as previewed here. (8800 block of 24th SW)
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: 1-4 pm Saturdays and Sundays, through the end of August, you are welcome to tour this century-old West Seattle treasure. (just north of Beach Drive/Alki SW)
WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Today’s ingredient is rice – make something with it and bring it to the meeting at Beveridge Place Pub, 3 pm. (6413 California SW)
HANDBELL CONCERT: “Spring Ring” at 4 pm, handbell choirs in concert at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (3940 41st SW)
This morning, the first-ever VloggerFair – a gathering of v(ideo bl)oggers, not a conference! insisted organizers including Chris Pirillo (above right, with vloggers Judy and Benji) – wraps up at West Seattle’s Terminal 5. Yes, at the port, not at a convention center somewhere. Terminal 5’s that big building you see from the westbound bridge, parallel with Nucor, lined with numbered truck bays. All day Saturday, it was full of camera-wielding vloggers and vlogging fans, instead of freight. If you were there, even just to observe, you probably wound up in somebody’s clip. See for yourself on this overview video (we spotted ourselves way in the background at about 1:30) by Kirsten Collison:
The vlogging world has its own celebrities, and some are in attendance:
“Joyful, Joyful” is the song you hear in our clip of the Chief Sealth International High School Choir performing their final concert of the year, sharing the bill last night with orchestras from their school and adjacent Denny International Middle School. You’ll see the two schools’ orchestras playing together in this next clip:
You know Seattle Public Library branches are places to go for books, videos, computers, more … but don’t forget the art! It was a big reason why Gatewood Elementary 4th graders hiked up SW Morgan Street to get to the High Point Branch last Thursday. Teacher Darren Radu, who shared the photos, says local ceramic artist Steve Gardner talked with them there:
The artist, says Darren, “is the creative genius behind the beautiful artwork that adorns the High Point library exterior. He provided insight to his creative process and retold the ‘Sky Legends’ from Somali, Mexican, Native American, Asian, and Greek cultures that inspired his work. The kids were extremely impressed with both the art and the stories, and made a number of connections to their studies of myths and legends this year. We’re grateful to Steve for taking the time to meet with us and share his expertise.”
While at the library, he adds, they also talked with librarian Nathalie about summer reading. “The kids wanted to pass along a message – they hope that the West Seattle community spends the summer appreciating both great art AND great books!”
Young musicians from West Seattle are showing their stuff at Disneyland this weekend, and gaining recognition for it, reports Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark:
It is an honor to share with you that the Denny International Middle School senior band, senior orchestra, and jazz band musicians are performing this weekend at the Disney Magic Music Days in Anaheim, California. Mr. Pimpleton, Ms. Shaffer, and other Denny staff and volunteers are with nearly 100 students as they perform. Our scholars are having a great time and earning some prestigious awards. So far, we have been presented with a 1st place and overall top Jazz Band, 2nd place Middle School Orchestra, and 3rd place Middle School Concert Band awards! Congratulations, Dolphins! Thank you to our staff and volunteers!
P.S. After they return, the orchestra’s final concert of the year, along with Denny singers, is this Wednesday night.
SIDE NOTE: Thanks to ALL local school staffers, volunteers, parents, and others who have helped us update tens of thousands of people in the West Seattle community and beyond with news of many local schools/students’ activities, honors, open-to-the-public events and more, again this year. We appreciate hearing from any and all schools in the area! Whether it’s an upcoming event announcement, an invitation to cover something at/involving your school, or photos/info on something that’s already happened, editor@westseattleblog.com is the place to send it (and if you have questions on how or what to send, same address – thanks!).
(Denny Jazz Band)
More achievements by local student musicians in the waning weeks of the school year – the Chief Sealth International High School was the scene last night for performances by jazz bands from both Sealth and adjacent Denny International Middle School, whose principal Jeff Clark shared photos and this note:
The sweet sounds of jazz filled the auditorium as the scholars in the Denny and Sealth jazz bands skillfully performed. A special thanks to our partners at the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra and all of our families and volunteers. Congratulations to all of our kids, to Mr. Pimpleton, and to Mr. Morales–your performance was fantastic!
(Sealth Jazz Band)
Denny, Sealth, and other Seattle Public Schools have just two weeks to go till summer break – the official last day is June 14th; some independent schools get out even sooner.
P.S. Any more school performances coming up before year’s end? Please be sure to send an announcement for our calendar! Thanks!
(1975 trailer for “Jaws”)
Three more big-screen special events have been announced for the Admiral Theater – this time, movies and more, presented as benefits, explained by Mind Unwind‘s Krystal Kelley:
I am happy to announce a series of Art events that we are doing this summer at the Admiral Theater. This is a fundraiser to raise money for both the Admiral Theater’s renovations and for supporting Arts in Education through the Mind Unwind Foundation. It also helps support local artists!
Tickets for the first two events go on sale June 7th. First one:
JUNE 21
Late-night showing of JAWS at 11:00 pm
Join us for a late showing of a classic movie, including intermission, wine/beer, silent auction and unique mixed media exhibit “Lost At Sea” by J. Conrad Nivens. 21+over event. Guests are encouraged to wear their finest DENIM!
Second event:
JULY 27
Monty Python & The Holy Grail at 11:00 pm
Join us for some friendly medieval fun. Late night showing of Monty Python & The Holy Grail at 11:00 pm, intermission, beer/wine, silent auction and original exhibit, “Holy Grail” by Dave Ryan of Manticore Stencil Art. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as medieval knights & wenches.
The third event will be a group art show with a showing of “The Big Lebowski” on August 24th. Krystal says that along with ticket sales, they’ll also be raising money by selling sponsorships; any businesses/organizations interested in sponsoring the series can sign up by going here.
P.S. If you missed our recent story about the Admiral’s renovation hopes, read it here. And to find out more about the Mind Unwind Foundation, go here. Related to its work, you’ll see a summer-long art-supply drive in The Admiral’s lobby, too.
Yet another major event in what’s been a milestone year for West Seattle High School musicians; the photo is shared by teacher Ethan Thomas, with this report:
The West Seattle High School Marching Band traveled to Victoria, B.C. last weekend to participate in the Victoria Day Parade. The band performed in the Parade of Bands at the Parliament Building and at Beacon Hill Park in addition to the 115th annual parade that celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria.
It’s been a big year of parades for the WSHS band – we’ve covered them in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and in the Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown, as well as the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival Parade. And you can see the WSHS band musicians perform one week from Thursday – stay tuned for details of their June 6th concert.
(“Finding Hillywood” trailer)
A few years back, we reported on a West Seattle filmmaker busy with a project then called “Film Festival: Rwanda.” Today – under the title “Finding Hillywood” – director Leah Warshawski‘s film is complete – after six years of work – and is about to have its world premiere! From the announcement:
Finding Hillywood is a feature documentary about the beginning of Rwanda’s film industry and a real-life example of how art heals.
First-time director and West Seattle resident Leah Warshawski and cinematographer Chris Towey invite us to experience Rwanda from an intimate, fresh perspective – through the lens of the country’s first filmmaking generation and the Rwanda Film Festival, now in its 9th year.
“Finding Hillywood” will be screened at the Egyptian Theater on Capitol Hill as part of the Seattle International Film Festival, this Wednesday (May 29th) and June 5.
And that’s just the beginning, Warshawski tells WSB that after SIFF, “we will screen at the deadCENTER Film Festival in Oklahoma City on June 8, and the Female Eye Film Festival in Toronto on June 23. We have some other things coming up but they are not public yet. Our main character from Rwanda (Ayuub) will be in Seattle with us from May 28 – June 6.” If you’d like to see “Finding Hillywood” during its premiere screenings, ticket sales and showtimes for the upcoming screenings can be found on the SIFF website.
12:55 PM: Outside CAPERS at 4525 California SW in The Junction right now, you’ll find 9-year-old Raven tap dancing; CAPERS’ Lisa Myers explains that Raven is “raising funds to be part of the HUMAN RHYTHM PROJECT FESTIVAL in Chicago in July. Come support this fabulous local talent.” She’s there until 2. (And if you didn’t see this in time – you can still donate to Raven’s fundraising campaign; CAPERS will forward donations.)
(Photo courtesy Folklife: Programmers and WS residents Debbie Fant, Michelle Shaevitz, Kelli Faryar)
Going to Seattle Center for the Northwest Folklife Festival next weekend? Though it’s not happening in West Seattle, three West Seattleites are involved in making it happen, as we recently found out. One of them – Deputy Director Debbie Fant – explains:
West Seattle is really well represented at the 2013 Northwest Folklife Festival! First of all, the programming team — Kelli Faryar, Michelle Demers Shaevitz, and Debbie Fant — all live in West Seattle! And second, there are 34 groups from West Seattle performing throughout the weekend!! (Not that we’re biased — there’s just so much talent in West Seattle!)
If you’re among those Folklife performers from West Seattle (or White Center/South Park, since we cover those communities with our other two sites), please let us know (comment, or e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com) so we can include that in weekend mentions. Here’s the schedule – even if you’re not the performer, let us know if you recognize locals who are listed.
A new mural is going up right now in South Delridge – thanks to Angelina for letting us know about it. It’s part of a program called Link, bringing together high-school students and design professionals for a year of mentoring, including monthly workshops. The mural along the 85-foot facade of TAM Industries in the 9400 block of 16th SW is happening during the final LINK workshop of the school year.
The mural was designed by Terry Marks, this year’s life coach for the Link program; the artists are using “both freestyle spray painting and Banksy-type stencil techniques,” according to background information Angelina shared. We were there around noon, and they were expecting to be done by 3 or so, so we’ll be going back for an “after” shot!
Looking for something to do tonight? Five highlights!
(Photo courtesy Edgar Riebe)
‘WILLY WONKA JR.’: 106 Lafayette Elementary students are in the production, performing their hearts out, under the direction of Melia Scranton with choreography by Aaron Swartzmann, and you have two chances to see it at the West Seattle High School Theater – 7 pm tonight, or 7 pm tomorrow (Saturday). Tickets are free but donations are encouraged. (3000 California SW)
WOMEN, WINE, WELLNESS: Free event at 7 pm tonight at Roxbury Spine and Wellness Clinic (WSB sponsor), but you have to RSVP ASAP! Details are in our calendar listing. (2656 SW Roxbury)
MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: It’s this month’s free-movie night at Highland Park Improvement Club! 7 pm (doors open at 6:30) – details in the calendar listing. (12th/Holden)
PEARL DJANGO AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm tonight, the local legends play historic Kenyon Hall – details in the calendar listing.
SECOND-TO-LAST WEEK … to see “33 Variations” at ArtsWest. Curtain tonight: 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)
Check the calendar for nightlife listings.
(Photos courtesy Potter Construction)
After some trouble with vandalism, the 13 1/2-foot-tall pencil sculpture that used to point skyward outside the California/Findlay offices of Potter Construction (WSB sponsor) was taken down for a while – but now it’s been refurbished and reinstalled. It used to be perpendicular to the ground, and now it’s parallel, right over the company’s front window.
The pencil was created by West Seattle artist Stephen Rock of Rock’s Studio and originally installed almost two years ago; a Potter Construction crew put it up in its new spot this morning.
As the West Seattle Community Orchestras celebrated 10 years of musicmaking with a gala concert last night at Chief Sealth International High School, there was an emotional moment before the closing singalong: WSCO co-founder Dr. Toni Reineke – leading the WSCO Intermediate Orchestra in our first clip above – announced she’s retiring from conducting:
(Her announcement was followed by the closing singalong, “Rock Around the Clock.”) As was stressed in the announcement, Dr. Reineke – whose bio is here – will remain involved with the organization she founded to give community members of all ages/abilities a chance to be involved with orchestral music. She’ll be teaching beginning winds/percussion in the fall – class information, along with how to join WSCO, is on the organization’s website.
P.S. WSCO has one more concert this season before its summer break – 7 pm June 11th, also at CSIHS, the Symphony Orchestra performs works by Schubert, Schumann, and more!
2:06 PM: Former Youngstown Cultural Arts Center director Randy Engstrom [right, above] is back at the center right now for a big city announcement regarding arts education: New money for visual-arts and music education for all students in Seattle Public Schools. Engstrom points out that arts funding is a social-justice issue as well as an important underpinning for industry. The program, he says, aligns at the district level as part of the strategic plan, as well as working with principals of all schools, “so that by junior high we haven’t left any of our students behind.” The funding, he says, comes from higher-than-expected revenue from the city admission tax from venues including the new Seattle Great Wheel; 75 percent of those taxes are supposed to go to “arts-related programming.” (The family behind the big ferris wheel has representatives here too.) The implementation will begin with the Central Pathway, says Mayor McGinn, who’s part of the announcement here too: “Arts really define Seattle as a city, too … this is a very, very exciting day,” he said. Also part of the announcement: Carri Campbell, who is the school district’s program manager of Visual & Performing Arts, and says those arts will be increased “in every single school,” and assistant superintendent Michael Tolley.
2:16 PM: “Arts education is one of the academic assurances we put in place” with the switch to neighborhood schools a few years ago, Tolley points out. In Q/A, we asked how this will be rolled out; it’ll take six years, says Campbell, and the second pathway – after Central, where this will be inaugurated – hasn’t been determined yet, so we don’t know when it will get to West Seattle schools.
3:02 PM: The event’s over; the full news release is here.
P.S. One more note – the value of arts education was touted by a Youngstown veteran, professional breakdancer Sammy Tekle, who is now a teaching artist at Orca K-8, introduced by Engstrom:
Just announced by Katy Walum from the Admiral Neighborhood Association – the lineup for this year’s series of Thursday night Summer Concerts at Hiawatha: Glenn Crytzer and his Syncopators kick things off on July 25th; then it’s The Dusty 45s on August 1st; Impossible Bird on August 8th; Massy Ferguson on August 15th; Fly Moon Royalty on August 22nd; and Strong Suit on August 29th. Read on for the full announcement with background on the bands:
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