It was a sentimental September 14 Art Walk, as the West Seattle community met at Verity gallery to congratulate Reeve Washburn outgoing Director, and Mia Manzulli, our new and delightful West Seattle Art Walk Director. The two Art Walk Directors shared their appreciation of the vibrant artistic community of West Seattle and exuded confidence in the continued growth of the West Seattle Artwalk. Reeve, we will miss you. Thank you for your leadership and patience. Mia, welcome. We look forward to working together and for all the exciting changes in store for Art Walk!
The Junction was alive with energy and enthusiasm for our businesses and artists. Lars Gesing Studio was tranquil as we entered on this sunny afternoon. The art was blazing in natural color as Lars shared with us adventures from a recent trip to Crete. Quail Park was warm and welcoming as we were guided by their friendly staff to view both resident and caregiver art in their dedicated art gallery. Verity artist Marie Skoor’s multimedia canvases were strewn with flowers to honor her Garden Art theme. John L. Scott artist Matthew Harkleroad brought a crisp modern energy to the office. Viewers were impressed with his passion and use of color.
At Capers, performer Guitar Gil performed pleasant guitar instrumentals on an elevated stage allowing viewers to truly experience the music. Metalsmith and papermaker Melanie Brauner’s work fits perfectly into the display space of Capers. At Compass, Laura Van Horne’s huge show showcased her large variety of work. The place was buzzing with the flow of champagne and gorgeous apps. Liz St. Andre was making art on the spot at Wildflour Bakery, and a customer bought something she made that night. At Swandive, artist LA Wiltbank was there with Heather Wachter and Mary Carpenter of Give Paper Flora offering beautiful handmade flowers. There was more champagne, and the crowd was hopping!
Danceable tunes and a friendly vibe are always drifting onto the sidewalk from Jet City Labs, a super popular spot with varied artists. Welcoming Owner Derek Moon is happy to answer questions about his amazing space. The beautiful, light-filled gallery space at ArtsWest playhouse exemplifies all that is fabulous about the West Seattle arts community–theatre and visual arts in one sophisticated yet accessible space. Ever popular Windermere may just be the best host spot ever because of the broker duo who host the artists and their commitment to community.
It was well worth the extra short block walk to check out all the amazing vintage merchandise at Doll Parts Collective as well as the incredible wearable crochet art of our youngest Art Walk artist Violet McKernan. Further down California, Inner Space Designs was bursting at the seams with art lovers. With the gorgeous woven art by Lenna Petersen and the crowd surrounding the artist, it was a real festive atmosphere!
Up in Admiral, warm weather brought the crowd to Good Society Brewery for first-time Art Walk artist Jessica Tulloch’s show. The late summer sun and a nice breeze paired perfectly with her organic acrylic pours. Trevor Ras performed to a nice crowd at Welcome Road Winery. The winery was booked with seating outdoor seating reservations. At Wend, Carolyn Autenrieth captured the beauty of Alki’s trees against a seascape backdrop. A West Seattle resident, Carolyn was fascinated by their forms and shapes during walks along the beach and those in attendance seemed equally enthralled by the work. Our featured artist this quarter, Debbie Bianchi, brought a wonderful collection of prints to Southpaw Barbershop this month. Among her favorites were works featuring our feathered friends and backyard visitors, the Jay, and a pair of Nuthatches.
Further afield, The Infinity Shore Club hosted Kate (Flückinger) Petty in the airy lobby, opening to a pool with a view of the Sound in front and in back, a garden with towering foliage. Inside was elegant, with Kate’s paintings on easels calling the sea and garden inside.
All in all, it was a special evening to celebrate the past, present, and future of the West Seattle Art Walk.
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, Meagan, Carole, Nancy, Michelle, John, Jacquie, and Jill. 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: Directors Reeve Washburn and Mia Manzulli at Verity]
West Seattle Art Walk 