West Seattle Art Walk

West Seattle was picture perfect for the June Art Walk. We had a fantastic showcase of businesses hosting a blend of new and returning artists, alongside events for Art of Music. As always, it was fun to mingle with the community and to feel the appreciation for the arts that is alive and thriving in the West Seattle community.

The art was immersive tonight at Wicked Rae’s in Admiral Junction. Not only was co-proprietor Oakley Rae tailoring her crocheted pieces for furry friends, Julie was leading a community splatter art painting. Whether your preferred tools were crochet hooks or a tennis racket and paint balloon, everyone was having a blast tonight.

At West Seattle Realty, artist Magdalena Cooney’s abstract seascapes captivated viewers. On this cool Thursday evening friends, colleagues and neighbors conversed and noshed among the inviting gallery space of West Seattle Realty. The good times continued just around the corner at Good Society Brewery where artists Jennifer Leigh Harrisons’s organic, textural paintings provided a thoughtful and energetic backdrop to drinks with friends.

While the chair massages outside might have been the initial draw for passers-by at Hawthorne Massage and Self-Care, West Seattle artist Cat Brooks lit up the lobby with her arresting series of digital and traditional paintings. The depth of color in her work paired with striking visages created a space both intimate and intriguing.

Art in a variety of mediums met patrons at West Seattle Grounds where Bri High, in her second showing in Admiral this year, brought her organic fluid art to the coffee shop’s bustling crowd. Steve Thiele set the acoustic mood for the evening while artist Lora Radford’s collection of colorful stoneware offered the perfect gifting opportunity for Father’s Day. Across the street at Kingtide Ink, owners Sarah Geissler and Charlie Piper’s centerpiece collaborative artwork drew a slew of photographs, but it was also great to see the variety of their art beyond the shop’s incredible tattoos.

In Alaska Junction we stopped by early to see the Seattle band Rub at Easy Street, setting up for their evening of Synth-Pop Rock. We stopped back again later in the evening and the place was hopping with many enjoying the music and drinks. Find out more about their band and their new album on Instagram @rubsounds.

Vain artist Carrie Brazil was out sick unfortunately, and unable to attend Art Walk. Her beautiful and colorful abstract paintings were portrayed along the wall of the salon for all to see. She had a very nice collection that represents both peace and stillness.

Therapeutic Associates had their second time as a participant in Art Walk, with the work of Laura van Horne. The most interesting aspect of Laura’s art is that she cleverly used matches from match books in many of her pieces.

Windemere featured a nice mix of styles and media, with the art of Ellen Zrimsek alongside a popup featuring Diane Bellisaro, Suzanne Uschold, Monique McFadden, and T Frick with a blend of Cold whipped wax on cradled Birch panels, fabric art, water colors and hand cut wood art.

At Rush Hour artist Mason Heckett showed a wide range of style and skill ranging from the iconic to the political. He was once a chef, then came Covid and began his commitment to creating art to make a bold statement. Capers highlighted the work of Diane Bianchi with her passionate portrayal of the fluidity of octopi and jellyfish to calm and center. Exquisite and moving images. At Discovery Shop, Ann Mc Cafferty’s watercolors were filled with splendor and vibrancy. Her bold images were mixed with stirring beauty.

Jet City Labs displayed four artists with various media. Art Walk poster artist Aude Arutunian was here, alongside the usual fun pop up market of local artists. Talarico’s Pizza was adorned with the art of Jonarra Swanson which highlights a beautiful use of gold in her art.

Tonight at John L Scott there was a lot going on. They had plenty of snacks and hors d’oeuvres for everybody along with drinks. There were two artists presenting their work this evening, one a painter Stephanie Scott and one a quilt maker Julia Douthwaite Viglione. They had many pieces of their own, but the main centerpiece was a collaboration project. Julia created a beautiful quilt based on a painting created by Stephanie. Very well done by both. Julia on the left and Stephanie on the right. Opposite their artwork.

In Morgan Junction, Alki Arts embraced “City Life,” the theme of this month’s show. Diane Venti hosted Robin Weiss, Layne Cook, Arlon Rosenoff and Brooke Borcherding, and live music accompanied their work at Art Walk last night. As always, the art and the atmosphere were welcoming and engaging.

Self-portrait artist Ildely and potter Malia Mercer had their work on display at NOR Design & Construction. The light and airy space was the perfect home for these two innovative and thoughtful artists.

West Seattle Salon had a full-on celebration with a drag show featuring Katrina Duall who’s luminous presence continued to dazzle the crowd as the night went on. Outside, people mingled and enjoyed a wine tent alongside some stunning resin and acrylic earrings sold by Kasey’s Chronic Optimist Collection. Inside, the salons bold green walls were lined by art by bold and striking combination of art by artist Courtney Leanne and salon owner Shane Talley-Cudal.

Pine Lake Cellars enjoyed a crowd as well, with patrons enjoying the voice and guitar of Jared Mitchell. At Canna West Seattle, Naomi Cooper’s spiritually aligned pieces adorned the shop’s walls and fit in with the chill vibe.

West Seattle Nursery was a delightful newcomer on the Art Walk scene. Artist Carmen Leslie’s pieces fit in nicely with the shop’s plants, pots and décor. Carmen took some time to tell us about her work, in one piece she has created her own hieroglyphic representation of her childhood home.

And of course, Art of Music rounded out the evening with DUBLIN ABBEY at Great American Diner & Bar. Whisky West had Alex Baird performing to a good crowd, and Paul Gerard serenaded patrons of Soprano’s Antico Pizza & Pasta Restaurant.

Our team of volunteer Art Walk photographers did a wonderful job of capturing the ambiance of the evening as well as the art and artists. Thank you, Helen, John B, John R, Jon, Mia, Michelle, and Meagan. We couldn’t do this without you! If you weren’t able to come out, we hope you take a moment to check out photos of the receptions below or on social media. Or, better yet, come see the shows yourself. Most of the artwork featured will be up all month long, so do find time to visit these venues.

We want to thank all our generous partners for the support they bring to the West Seattle Art Walk – Northwest Art and Frame, Verity Credit Union, Canna West Seattle, Quail Park, Easy Street Records, West Seattle Realty, our media partner West Seattle Blog and our printing partner Sky Printing.

Did you take any photos? Tag us on Instagram (wsartwalk) or use our hashtag #westseattleartwalk on your photos. Please like or follow us to stay up to date!

[Featured photo: Artist Courtney Leanne at The West Seattle Salon]