By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Today was the third Sunday that Admiral Church worshipped in its temporary home at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. It’s moved out of its longtime home at 4320 SW Hill, as has the preschool that had occupied its basement. All this, as the next step in the site’s transformation to affordable homeownership with a new home for the church and the community organizations it hosts.

While the plan in partnership with Homestead Community Land Trust is progressing, demolition is not imminent – midyear 2026 at the soonest. But you won’t see the old church building morph into a tagged, squatter-occupied shell of a building.

It’s already morphed, in fact … into the Admiral HUB.

Part of the HUB is a continued home, for now, for the aforementioned community organizations. You’ll see the Admiral Neighborhood Association there this Tuesday, for example; ANA has met there for years.

But it’s not just about meetings. What inspired us to ask for a chat about the building’s interim status was a reader tip about the heart of it: @ Bear Island.

At the heart of @ Bear Island is someone whose work you have probably seen, even if you don’t immediately recognize his name: Mike Henderson.

He’s an Admiral Church congregant, and prolific artist. We published an in-depth story about him by WSB senior contributor Christopher Boffoli last year, when he was still painting enigmatic messages in highly visible spots, such as a retaining wall on California south of Andover.

Admiral Church’s Anita Shaffer explained that when they decided against leaving the building vacant, after discussions with Homeland CLT and their insurance company, Henderson seemed like the ideal caretaker: “He’s such a creative guy.”

(Anita Shaffer and Mike Henderson in the HUB/Bear Island kitchen)

For starters, he and others have “been de-preschooling the basement,” as Shaffer puts it, although the colorfully painted rooms already seem naturally suited to creativity.

“So we have this massive space and at least seven months to make it up as we go along,” Henderson explains. “The exciting challenge is to use the whole buffalo.” That means opening the space to a wide range of possibilities, with people collaborating.

One of the early collaborators, Celeste, elaborates: “We want to bring the community together to see what people can do.” Workshops, for example, might not take the typical format that some might find “scary” when asked to teach what they know. Maybe just spending a little time planting a seed and sharing their skills.

Henderson recounts the thrill of inviting passersby to participate in his murals – “give people the (paint) roller and give them the chance to make art” – and hopes @ Bear Island will be a place where people can “try things.”

There’ll be music, too, a weekly jazz jam starting next month in what was the church sanctuary and will now be known as “the theater.” (The church’s pastor Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom says they’ve had a ceremony to “de-consecrate” that space, and there’ll soon be a ceremony about removing the sanctuary’s cross and its “complicated” symbolism.) While the Admiral Church organ is going into storage for now, the piano is staying. The space will have “theatrical lighting and sound.” It’ll be open for rentals as a concert venue, too.

What Henderson most wants you to know is that, rather than fleshing out a set of ideas by finding people to make them happen, they want to find people and then let the ideas happen. “Just be in the same room and plug into the creative energy.” He expects it will be “magical.”

Rev. Conley-Holcom agrees – seeing it as a “play space” most of all.

So how do you get involved? Henderson says they have open hours during which you can just “wander in.”

Another participant in our conversation with the key players added, “It’s very easy to get plugged in here. Just show up!”

One possibility for the space is a continuously open “pay what you can” thrift shop to raise money for @ Bear Island; Celeste already has sparked some of that energy by having a vintage sale there. (Shaffer notes that the HUB remains under Admiral Church’s “nonprofit banner,” and that the church donated $1,000 to get it launched, as well as helping apply for grant money to underwrite the jazz jams.)

What @ Bear Island has in abundance already is the spirit of fun. Henderson laughs that while the @ Bear Island name is a tribute to the Native name Me-Kwa-Mooks, the mascot is not a bear but a rabbit. “I like the confusion!”

The pastor says what he likes most about it is that it “embodies one of my core values, relationship first” and Henderson, he says, is an ace relationship-builder: “He’ll introduce you to people HE didn’t even know.”

This will all lead to one thing, Henderson says:

“Joy.”

You can “wander in” 4-7 pm Tuesdays-Fridays for now; find @ Bear Island updates here.

12:46 PM: Look for banners like that one marking the 14 stops on this year’s free, self-guided West Seattle Art Tour, on until 5 pm today and again 10 am-5 pm tomorrow. Each stop has multiple artists, usually including the host whose studio/workspace is on the map. Our first stop today was the southernmost site, #4, where you’ll find printmaker Diane Kappa (WSB sponsor):

In her backyard studio, she showed us and other visitors a linoleum print she’s working on – she explained that it’s painstaking, but she puts on her headphones, turns on her music, and gets lost in her work.

(As noted here, Diane teaches classes too, so when you visit during the Art Tour, you can talk with her about those!)

She’s hosting three other artists at her Arbor Heights studio/backyard as part of the Art Tour, including another. printmaker, Sahily Anais Perez McMillan:

Sahily is also a printmaker, with subjects including birds, like this Spotted Towhee:

She told us she’s a bird advocate and has volunteered with Birds Connect Seattle, so they’re more than just subjects! Also at this site in Arbor Heights (see the map for the address) are artists Tanya Knannlein and Shelly Sazama, who both work in textiles. In addition to the clickable map we’ve linked to (which includes artists’ websites and short descriptions of their work), there’s a printable map on the Art Tour website too. We’re headed to the north end next and will add more Art Tour sights later.

2:50 PM: Thanks to Eddie for this photo from northernmost stop #12 on the map, in North Admiral:

This stop is hosted by colored-pencil artist Jan Koutsky, with visiting artists Johanna Lindsay (jewelry), relief block printer Theresa Neinas, and ceramics/pottery artist Jody Wally.

4 PM: Our last stop of the first day was Daniel Bernunzio‘s home studio in Highland Park, easternmost stop on the Art Tour, #1 on the map.

In our photo below is the host at center, with visiting artists Cat Brooks (left) and Eric Eschenbach (right) – all three are painters:

Each has an individual tent showcasing their work – Daniel:

Cat:

And Eric:

As with everyone else on the Art Tour, they’re there until 5 today, and again 10 am-5 pm on Sunday.

This is the first year the West Seattle Art Tour has expanded to two days, so you’ve got lots of time this weekend to go meet local artists and see their work in creative spaces around the peninsula. Here’s one last reminder from organizers of this year’s Art Tour:

West Seattle Art Tour is this Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, from 10 am to 5 pm!

Visit 14 artist-hosted locations across West Seattle on this free, self-guided tour that showcases a unique array of art created by exceptional West Seattle artists in the spaces where artists create, live, teach and work. Each host artist has opened their space to guest artists who live, work, teach or contribute to West Seattle’s vibrant art community. This year the Tour has expanded to a two-day event, with sites open 10-5 on both Saturday and Sunday, allowing more time for visitors to see all of the locations.

This year’s tour information includes a printable map, an interactive online map and artist profiles to help guests customize their own adventure across the West Seattle Peninsula. Tour stops are organized in a loop, starting with Daniel Bernunzio’s Highland Park studio at Stop No. 1 and finishing with Lea Basile-Lazarus’s Admiral studio at Stop No. 14.

Not sure where to start planning your Tour? Head over to the West Seattle Art Tour website, where you can explore using the online map, print off a paper copy of the map, view a virtual gallery and artist directory, and even check mobility access for sites.

Past tour guests recommend previewing the tour stops and planning your route with a paper map ahead of time, then using the online map to navigate across West Seattle. You’ll be ready to head out to discover new work, meet the artists, and enjoy a weekend full of art! Printed maps will also be available at each site, and can be picked up in advance at Alki Arts Gallery, Viscon Cellars, and WEND Jewelry.

The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by local artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk as well as in-kind sponsorship from West Seattle Blog, Viscon Cellars, and Alki Arts.

New local members of the WSB sponsor team get to tell you about what they do, so today, as we welcome artist Diane Kappa, here’s what she wants you to know about the classes she teaches:

The Magic of Block Printing

There’s a special moment when a student lifts their first print from the block—a mix of surprise and delight that never gets old. Block printing is accessible to beginners yet endlessly inspiring for seasoned makers. In my workshops, I focus on creating an atmosphere where everyone feels supported to experiment, discover, and leave with both artwork and the confidence to keep creating at home.

Workshops in West Seattle (and Beyond)

I’ve been teaching workshops in West Seattle for almost 2 years, and they’ve become a place where creativity and community naturally come together. Each class takes place in my studio with no more than five students, providing plenty of space to spread out and lots of personal attention. The intimate setting makes it easy to relax, connect, and dive fully into the creative process. While block printing remains at the heart of what I teach, I also offer a variety of other art classes, giving students fresh ways to explore their creativity. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to host week-long retreats in inspiring locations, where my students and I can carve out meaningful time to create, connect, and recharge.

Join the Community

Workshops and retreats aren’t just about learning a skill—they’re about making space for creativity in your life and finding a community that inspires and encourages you. If you’ve been curious to try block printing or another creative class, or if you’re ready to dive deeper, I’d love to welcome you into an upcoming workshop or retreat. As a thank-you for finding me through West Seattle Blog, mention this article when signing up for a class and receive 10% off.

I’m proud to be a host site and participating artist for the West Seattle Art Tour this weekend, September 20 & 21! During the tour, I open my studio doors so neighbors and visitors can meet me and three fellow artists, getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what a creative life looks like.

Visit dianekappa.com to see upcoming workshops and retreats. And instagram.com/dianekappa for a day-to-day look into my creative life.

We thank Diane Kappa for choosing to advertise her art classes by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!

The new school year also means a new season for the West Seattle Community Orchestras, which is celebrating some fresh starts this year – and that could include yours! Here’s all the WSCO news:

With the 2025–2026 concert season fast approaching, the West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO) has announced registration and audition details as well as new conductors for two of their four ensembles — well-known Concert Orchestra conductor Bryan Kolk returning as conductor of WSCO’s Symphony Orchestra and Allion Salvador joining as the new conductor of WSCO’s Concert Orchestra.

Fall registration for all ensembles is now open. Auditions for new members are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23. For more information, visit wscorchestras.org/register or e-mail info@wscorchestras.org.

Bryan Kolk is a music educator, conductor, and bassist who served as Concert Orchestra conductor for four years. He was chosen to conduct the higher-level Symphony Orchestra earlier this summer after former conductor Asieh Mahyar accepted a professorship in another state. Kolk directs the orchestra at Mercer Island High School, which performed at Carnegie Hall earlier this year. He previously directed orchestra and guitar classes at Garfield High School in Seattle and at high schools in Michigan. He also directs the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Debut Symphony and has years of experience directing music festivals and camps.

Following Kolk’s move, WSCO launched a broad search for a new Concert Orchestra conductor. Allion Salvador — a violinist who is completing a master’s degree in conducting at Central Washington University — was chosen to serve. From 2023–2025, Mr. Salvador served as Music Director of the Federal Way Youth Orchestra. He has also worked with Spokane Symphony, Seattle Philharmonic, and Missoula Symphony, and currently serves as assistant conductor of Wenatchee Valley Symphony and a pops conductor for Candlelight Concerts. He is associate concertmaster of Yakima Symphony and co-concertmaster of the String Orchestra of the Rockies. A 2021 Music International Grand Prix winner, he studied violin at Manhattan School of Music.

Four ensembles comprise WSCO, which also offers beginning strings instruction for young people and for adults (Bill Panks is teacher). In addition to the orchestras mentioned above, beginning students can join the WSCO Debut Orchestra (Rachel Nesvig, conductor) and advanced brass, woodwind, and percussion players can try out for WSCO’s Wind Symphony (Justin Murray, conductor). All four ensembles are multigenerational, offering youth an opportunity to perform alongside more experienced musicians.

If you can’t, or don’t want to, get involved with WSCO right now, you can still make plans to enjoy their fall concerts – watch for the dates, on their website as well as the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

Lots of opportunities for singers in West Seattle this fall and beyond! Here’s another announcement we were asked to publish:

Love to sing?

The choir of West Side Presbyterian Church in West Seattle is welcoming new singers who love to sing in our community. The choir sings in the beautiful sanctuary space at WSPC and is also joined by an orchestra ensemble for festival services. For more information about how to join our welcoming and vibrant group of people, please reach out to Music Director Anthony Spain at anthonys@wspc.org

West Seattle’s most prolific public artist is part of the new show that opened with a reception at Alki Arts last night. In our photo above is Lezlie Jane, with three of the six paintings inspired by her Luna Girls on Alki metal sculpture. She explained to us that the paintings imagine what the “Luna Girls” might be up to when nobody’s looking. She’s showing and selling a few remaining miniature versions of the original sculptures, too:

The Luna Girls are just west of Salty’s on Alki, on the Harbor Avenue shore; Lezlie’s other West Seattle public-art work includes half a dozen installations mapped here. The Luna Girls paintings are part of “Four Narratives” at Alki Arts, with work by three other artists, including former award-winning journalist Christine Sharp, with whom we also spoke at the reception:

Her work in this show is about “politics,” Christine explains – her way of dealing with the current chaos (that word is the name of one of her four paintings on display – the others are “Saving Democracy,” “No Place to Run/No Place to Hide,” and “Searching for Home.” The other two artists participating in “Four Narratives” are Chris Holt and Joanne Shellan; the gallery’s at 6030 California SW (in north Morgan Junction) and open until 6 tonight.

2:16 PM: The sun is back and the Children’s Moonlight Festival is on until 5 pm at the Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard, north of The Home Depot). A lion dance by Vovinam Burien is yet to come; activities under way now include food and face-painting, as well as karaoke. If you haven’t been here in a while, enter just east of the center’s under-construction building fronting Orchard.

3:49 PM: We’re back at HQ. The lion dance has concluded (video added) …

… but there’s still lots of fun – the lantern parade is ahead:

There’s a little fun fishing going on:

Storytelling too – the 20+ kids in attendance were photographed with performers dressed as the main characters in a legend telling the story behind the celebration this time of the year, the moon and her friend, a banyan tree:

The legend was recounted by emcee Tammy Dang:

Attendees were welcomed by center director/founder Lee Bui:

And performances were preceded by the U.S. and South Vietnam anthems, plus a moment of silence for “fallnn heroes who fought for freedom”:

Besides special events like this, the center is open for visits most Saturdays, (corrected) noon-3 pm.

Announced by local musician Kevin Freitas:

After forming Better As Brass 2 years ago, one comment on West Seattle Blog’s post stuck with me: “Can you PLEASE also form a Jr.?!” Plus, as my kiddo grows up, I want him to have the opportunity to play alongside me in a fun setting.

Introducing: West Seattle Fam Band! We play fun, upbeat tunes and welcome musicians at any experience level. Seriously! Parts for our music are organized by beginner, intermediate, and experienced. Our guiding principles with this intergenerational band are mentorship, fellowship, and fun where we hope high schoolers can lift up younger kids (and get your service learning/volunteer hours!), elders can pass on sage advice, and folks who’ve never played an instrument can give it a go.

Now, the requests…

1. I’m interested! We’re currently seeking brass and percussion players (but may expand later so still let us know). We rehearse twice a month (time and place TBD), play around West Seattle, and follow the school calendar with fresh new tunes each year. Elementary on up are invited (kids 12 or under, bring your parents to play together!) Don’t play brass or drums? Try one out! Don’t have an instrument? Let’s find you one!

2. Help out! Do you have a space (gym, event space, place of worship, etc.) we could rehearse in? Want to sponsor us or donate to help buy instruments, t-shirts, and more? Are you a designer who can help with a logo or awesome merch designs? Photographer/videographer who can help capture some memories? Social media pro who wants to share our fun? Have some other skill or passion you want to contribute? Let us know.

Kevin currently leads and plays trumpet in Better As Brass and is formerly a founding member of 8-Bit Brass Band, where he played sousaphone and arranged tunes. Before that, he played in Trash Talk, got his Honk band start with D20 12 years ago, and has sat in with various Honk bands through the years. He grew up playing trumpet in school and wishes fun bands like this existed when he was younger.

(WSB photo, 2023)

The two Walking on Logs sculptures toward the southwest end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge are what’s left of what originally was a four-sculpture installation. Today the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, caretaker of the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign nearby, announced that the entire area, including the sculptures, is planned for replacements, repairs, and a “refresh.” Here’s the announcement sent by the Chamber:

Structural repairs are beginning at the site and visitors will notice changes during this phase. Replacement sculptures are planned, with a detailed timeline and next steps to be shared soon.

Walking on Logs is a beloved bronze art installation by Phillip Levine that features four children balancing driftwood beside the Welcome to West Seattle sign. Installed in 1996, this piece of community art has become an enduring landmark, symbolizing both the playful spirit of youth and the distinctive character of West Seattle. Over time, the installation has faced theft and weather impacts, including the loss of one figure in 2014 and additional theft in 2023. These incidents helped catalyze the Chamber’s action.

“This Chamber initiative centers on stewardship of public art and community identity. The Chamber’s role is not only to advocate for business but also to safeguard the cultural touchstones that define West Seattle’s sense of place,” said Rachel Porter, ExecutivevDirector of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. “By leading this restoration, thevChamber affirms its belief that economic vitality and cultural identity go hand in hand. … We are caring for a piece of West Seattle identity … Walking on Logs will keep its spirit while we strengthen the site for the long term. Same spirit, new footing.”

The Chamber is coordinating with partners to ensure safe access, careful site work, and a refreshed welcome into West Seattle. A Cleaner Alki, led by Erik Bell, will refresh and clean the landscape as part of a multi-phased approach. The Chamber, Nucor Steel, and other stakeholders are working together to repair and replace the statues, ensuring that this iconic entryway continues to inspire both residents and visitors.

The West Seattle Chamber remains committed to projects that strengthen the community beyond commerce. From supporting local businesses to preserving public art, the Chamber’s leadership demonstrates how community partnerships can protect shared spaces, celebrate history, and carry West Seattle forward.

Original Walking Logs culptor Phillip Levine died four years ago; we have followup questions out to the Chamber, including who they have working on the replacements. As for the cleanup effort, that would fill a void left when other volunteer efforts ebbed many years ago for lack of participation.

Though it’s called the Boeing Employees Choir, you don’t have to have any affiliation with Boeing in order to join it, so they’re sending out a call for singers as open rehearsals approach. Here’s the announcement:

Singers Wanted!

Gershwin? Brahms? Whitacre? If you love to sing or want to discover your talent, we invite you to join the Boeing Employees Choir (open to all), performing everything from Bach to Broadway.

Open Rehearsals
Starting September 9, 2025
Tuesdays @ 7 PM
Tibbetts United Methodist Church
3940 41st Ave SW, West Seattle

For more info: www.boeingchoir.org

Please let us know by email if you are coming!
Email: president@boeingchoir.org

(WSB photo, Wednesday evening)

That’s what remained of the 20+-year-old wooden-schooner sculpture Paragon at həʔapus Village Park by Wednesday night. As we reported Tuesday, a city contractor was hired to down the wood, leaving the supports for an expected replacement that Paragon artist Don Fels said he is planning. Fels had told WSB he planned to be on site for the demolition, so we asked him about that via email last night, and also about his timeline for the replacement:

I was there for the first 3 hours. I found it too emotional to stay any longer. I of course knew what was going to happen but that didn’t make it any easier. I don’t take personally what occurred, but nevertheless on a personal level it was very difficult to witness. The demo contractor was good to talk with and appreciated that it wasn’t easy to see something that had represented so much effort and community involvement disappear.

Here’s what he told us is ahead, after a “very hard” year of back-and-forth with the city about the replacement:

I’ve signed the contract with the City for the new iteration of the Paragon. I hope the design phase will be concluded in the next weeks and then we can submit the plan to the City. Once they approve it, fabrication at the Nucor mill will begin. I hope and expect we will install the new boat section in Spring 2026.

As we first reported a year ago, the city said it had to “de-accession” (disown) and then demolish the wooden bones-of-a-boat sculpture, a familiar sight to those who travel West Marginal Way SW south of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, because it had deteriorated and might collapse. Fels contended the city could have maintained it in a way that would have prevented major deterioration. More backstory is in our original report from last year.

Another big fall event is approaching – and tonight you can preview which artists and locations you’ll be able to meet and visit during the (free!) West Seattle Art Tour on Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21. Here’s the update:

Maps and Artist Gallery are Live for the West Seattle Art Tour

The West Seattle Art Tour is pleased to announce that this year’s map and artist guide are live! Peruse the artist guide, get to know more than 50 local artists, and plan your route ahead of the September 20-21 Tour! This year’s tour information includes a printable map, an interactive online map, and artist profiles to help guests plot their own adventure across the West Seattle peninsula.

The West Seattle Art Tour is a free, self-guided tour that showcases a unique array of art created by exceptional West Seattle artists in the spaces where artists create, live, teach, and work. This year, sites will be open for two days, allowing more time for visitors to see all of the locations.

Not sure where to start planning your Tour? During the September 11 West Seattle Art Walk, Viscon Cellars is hosting the Tour’s Preview Night, where a sampling of art from every site and medium will be on display, with many of the artists on hand. Stop by Viscon Cellars (5910 California Ave SW) during the Art Walk or tasting room hours on Friday 9/12 and Saturday 9/13, enjoy the artwork, and pick up a copy of the print map.

The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by local artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk as well as community sponsorship from West Seattle Blog, Viscon Cellars, and Alki Arts.

Endolyne Children’s Choir, “West Seattle’s community youth choir,” is starting a new season and welcoming new singers – here’s the invitation sent to us to share with you:

Do you know a child who loves to sing? The Endolyne Children’s Choir is kicking off our 23rd season in September and it’s not too late to register! We offer five grade-level-based choir ensembles for singers in grades K-12.

ECC is proud to be West Seattle’s community youth choir. Our mission is to make quality choral music education accessible to as many children as possible. We don’t require an audition or any previous choir experience, and we offer multiple payment tiers, including full scholarship available to anyone.

Our singers learn music theory and vocal technique, build performance skills, make friends, and have fun! Learn more here – and come sing with us!

If you don’t have a potential member in the household but you’re interested in the choir’s work, look for not only their own concerts, but appearances at community events such as The Junction’s Christmas-tree lighting and the summertime West Seattle Grand Parade.