This Week's Events: Dec 3 - Dec 9, 2007

Thursday, December 6

Frye Art Museum – “The Visual Science Fictions of Patricia Piccinini,” featuring Janelle S. Taylor, associate professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Washington This lecture explores how Patricia Piccinini’s visual artworks participate in and creatively reconfigure the literary tradition of science fiction, from Mary Shelley’s early-nineteenth-century masterpiece Frankenstein to more recent work by authors such as Octavia Butler and Kazuo Ishiguro. 6:30 pm. Free.

Seattle Art Museum – “Challenges and Choices: Te Fenua ‘Enata (the Marquesas Islands),” part of the Pivotal Perspectives series. Dr. Carol Ivory, professor of fine arts at Washington State University, discusses her nearly fifteen years of research in the archipelago—exploring the range and variety of art forms being made today in the Marquesas, placing them within their historical context, and examining the choices, both economic and aesthetic, that Marquesan artists make as they engage the contemporary world. 7-8 pm. Members $5, Nonmembers $10, Student/Seniors $7. To reserve your space call the SAM Box Office at 206.654.3121.

First Thursday Pioneer Square Artwalk - full list of openings and events coming soon!

Friday, December 7

Fremont First Friday Artwalk - Galleries and participating businesses open 6-9, rain or shine.

McLeod Residence – Opening reception for “Giant Squid.” New York artist Cassandra Nguyen creates giant fabric squid from a variety of materials. Members of Seattle's Cephalopod Appreciation Society will be on hand at the opening reception to help disseminate facts and enthusiasm about the elusive giant squid, and will facilitate live drawing, squid poetry, and other activities to help creatively further our understanding. Also: “squid snacks and inky cocktails.” 6-9 pm. Runs through December 29.


Vermillion - "Gathering,” a group art show featuring local and national artists benefiting Northwest Harvest. A holiday show featuring an eclectic group of local and national artists gathering together for a common cause, visitors are also encouraged to bring pre-prepared shelf ready food items, such as canned goods, to benefit Northwest Harvest. A portion of all gallery sales will also be donated. 6-9 pm. Show runs through January 30, 2008.

Pratt Fine Arts Center – “Holiday Art Sale” Opening Night Celebration. Eat, drink, be merry and shop for unique holiday gifts by local artists in glass, jewelry, painting and sculpture. $20 admission for the opening celebration. The Holiday Art Sale runs through December 16.

Seattle Art Museum – “Hip Hop Masquerades: The Art of Iona Rozeal Brown.” Iona Rozeal Brown’s images of “blinged-out” geishas and gangsters are a decidedly contemporary take on 19th century ukiyo-e prints from Japan such as those on view in the current SAM exhibition Japan Envisions the West. Discover Brown’s own artistic interaction between the East and West. 7-8 pm. Free with Museum Admission. To reserve your space call the SAM Box Office at 206.654.3121.

Saturday, December 8

911 Media Arts Center – “Dorkbot: People Doing Strange Things with Electricity” Opening Reception. Dorkbot-sea is the Seattle-based spin-off of dorkbot-nyc, a monthly meeting of artists of all stripes, designers, engineers, students and other interested parties who are involved in the creation of electronic art in the broadest sense of the term. “Strange Things” is a juried show of about 15-30 pieces. Installations may very in length of time, from one night only to the full month, and may vary in size, ranging from small wall images to full room installations. 7 pm - 2 am. $10 - 21 and over. Exhibition continues through January 11, 2008.


Ballard Second Saturday Artwalk - Check out galleries and great local art from 6-9 pm. Including openings at:

* OKOK Gallery - Continuing exhibition "Exact Change" features paintings and installation by Grant Barnhart.

* Sev Shoon Arts Center – “Students Month,” featuring prints in many different media by Sev Shoon Students. 6-9 pm.

* Wonderful Union Gallery - “Memphis,” a photographic investigation of the Southern city by LA-based artist Jeff Gros. 6-10 pm. The Wonderful Union Gallery is located at 2221 NW 56th St. Suite 201, 1/2 Block West of the Ballard Library. Show continues through February 2, 2008.


Sunday, December 9

Western Bridge – “The NEXT STEP: a 911 Media Arts Center Fundraising Event.” An evening of awards, fine cuisine, and experiential entertainment to raise funds for the next evolution of 911 Media Arts. Featuring the Anne Focke Award, awarded to Richard Andrews of The Henry Gallery. Find out how to buy tickets, sponsor a table, and the background of the event here. Doors open at 6 pm.