This is the time of year we’ve been waiting for, after hunkering down all winter, the flowers are finally blooming with all their glory and the sunsets keep on inspring us to stay out later and later. Artists are showcasing their amazing work, and after being cooped up indoors its time to take it all in and enjoy! Of special note, Alki Elementary students shared their art with us making it a super family friendly, fun-for-all-ages affair. It was a fabulous art walk, with a lot of great new venues and artists out to wecome us.
In Alaska Junction, Lars Gesing Fine Art had gorgeous photography as always, and Lars himself is very personable. He has four new San Juan prints for sale. We talked about his trips up there and how beautiful the scenery is in the San Juans and how lucky we are to be so close! Photo below shows Lars Gesing with Dennis Woods.
At John L Scott, there were two artists represented. Rod Guavara creates art from recycled materials. He has been doing this for about 10 years and calls himself a “self-discovered artist”. He typically takes two canvases and creates strips and weaves them together and then paints on top of them. Christian Pearson had ceramic birds on display, which is what he is most known for. He starts with a clay pot then shapes it into a bird and it feels right in his hand. He’s been doing this for 25 years. The birds are really weighty and feel really cool in your hand.
Capers had a variety of passionate convos about the hanging art, life and the wonderful side of sunshine.
Compass artist Nalisha E was vibrant as she described the earth and mandala inspired art and graphic work masterfully created. Rush Hour was abuzz with the excitement of Spring and outdoor activities.
Discovery artist Bonni B shared her array of beautiful porcelain faces, each designed with a unique and relatable personality.
Art Walk Partner business, ArtsWest, featured work by Nikita Ares throughout their lobby with pieces that catch the eye. The vivid colors and dynamic energy make these a must see. You can visit them during the opening week of Athena at ArtsWest.
Emerald Water Anglers, a new to Art Walk business, featured a large painting by Joseph Rossano done exclusively for EWA. In addition, EWA had hand painted artwork done by a local highschooler from West Seattle High.
Jet City Labs, a West Seattle Art Walk Partner, had a group art showing by Shutter & Light – photography of several artists that you imagine you’d see on a magazine cover. The mundane becomes fascinating with the stunning still life depicted.
American Cancer Society volunteer, and featured artist, Bonni, had hand painted and completely unique Bleople Magnets at the Discovery Shop. Each one is unique, and in talking to be Bonni, it’s clear that she has lived a lot of places and met a lot of people, which surely has inspired her Bleople!
Windermere, an Art Walk Partner, had work by Kirkland artist Ethan Jack Harrington, who has a truly unique style. His work included oil paintings of both places in seattle, people in seattle, and snack reminders of your childhood. He also had bags for sale with several of his paintings printed on them.
Therapeutic Associates West Seattle Physical Therapy had WSAW Volunteer, Jon Couch’s photography. His ability to blend photography with digital effects keeps your eye looking to find what parts you recognize and which bring up memories of other places, other times.
In Morgan Junction, another of our gracious Art Walk Partners, NOR, had poster artist (and website guru), Bev Hill. The first thing to note is how meticulously the work is set up – you can tell that Bev has a background in design and architecture. Each piece and line of work is unique yet cohesive, and the ability to tell a story through art is one Bev has mastered. Truly a must see!
At Alki Arts, Brooke Borcherding and Christopher Mathie were on hand to share their stunning paintings, part of April’s “Slices of Life” exhibit. And, as always, a lovely crowd gathered at the gallery to enjoy both the fine art and some accompanying music.
At Viscon Cellars, wine tasters toasted the work of Michael A. Knutson who has beautiful, large-scale new works on display at the winery–a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
At Alki there were some exciting new additions to art walk for this month.
Alki Hair Design is an artists dream spot, just up from the statue of liberty and with an incredible owner who not only does jewelry and knitting, but opens her walls for artists as well. Featuring 5th graders work from Alki Elementary, Lori encouraged each student who had work in her business to make more and she would hang it up as well.
Alki Arcade had Naomi Benson, whose artwork makes you stop to appreciate each part of it. The vivid colors, alternating lines and textures makes each painting truly unique.
Gary’s Place hosted digital artist Jonny Hiett, who said he had never really though of himself as an artist, but the proof is on the paper. His work is funny, unique, and all seem to have deeper meaning than meets the eye.
Log House Museum had volunteer for both art walk and Alki Community Council, Jessica Santana, greeting you as you walk in. The artwork by Alki Students was interspersed with the historical artifacts of West Seattle’s history. Students entering were excited to hunt for their work, with many enthusiastically talking about how they came up with their image.
Blue Moon Burgers included work from Alki 5th graders. Each “mini art” piece was unique to each student, and each showcases the unique abilities that kids have for art – they see the world from a different perspective, and it’s refreshing to see young artists excited to find their work.
And, in Admiral, at WEND, long time art walk artist, John Woodruff displayed new work, displayed in almost rainbow pattern, is different from his previous work yet still shows his very unique style. WEND also featured a pop up for designer Kim McCormick’s upcycled tote bags, on display all month long!
West Seattle Grounds featured Sandi Martin’s living works of art created by bringing the living world of moss to meet modern decor and design.
All in all it was another wonderful evening, and we are more than excited for the next Art Walk, held on the 2nd Thursday in April!
We want to thank all our generous partners for the support they bring to the West Seattle Art Walk – ArtsWest, Jet City Labs, Nor Design, Northwest Art and Frame, Verity Credit Union, Canna West Seattle, Quail Park, John L. Scott, Easy Street Records, Windermere West Real Estate, our media partner West Seattle Blog and our printing partner Sky Printing.
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, Mia, Michelle, Molly, and Stacie. 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.
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: Alki Elementary Students at The Log House Museum]
West Seattle Art Walk 