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.

This Week's Events: Nov 27 - Dec 2, 2007

Tuesday, November 27

Henry Art Gallery – “Open Floor,” a monthly laboratory of ideas for local artists, musicians, performers, and filmmakers. Open Floor encourages experimentation and discussion across disciplines. Contact openfloor@henryart.org for more information. 6-8 pm, Free.

Wednesday, November 28

Gallery 110 - "Cheer Holiday Exhibit and Sale." For a limited time, Gallery 110 presents a show of work by member artists priced to sell for the holidays. 'Festive reception' 6-8 pm. Exhibit continues until December 1.


Seattle Art Museum - “On Icons and Objects: A Conversation with Jim Dine.” From Happenings to Pop Art, drawings to monumental sculpture, the work of Jim Dine traverses many eras and categories, but certain central themes persist. Join Jim Dine and Michael Darling, SAM's Jon & Mary Shirley Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art, for a conversation about the twists and turns of Dine’s fascinating and influential career. This lecture is presented in memory of former docent Elizabeth Hambleton. 7-8 pm. Free and open to the public. To reserve your space call the SAM Box Office at 206.654.3121.

Thursday, November 29

Frye Art Museum – “Yvonne Twining Humber: Reflections on the Artist on the Centenary of Her Birth.” Arts consultant Claudia Bach shares a personal perspective on painter Yvonne Twining Humber and examines how Humber responded to the circumstances and challenges of an artistic and personal life that was shaped by historical and social forces of the twentieth century. 7 pm. Free and open to the public.

Henry Art Gallery – Opening conversation and reception for Henry’s newest exhibition “Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA.” Join Guest Curator Ken Tadashi Oshima with Sam Chermayeff and Lucy Styles of SANAA Studio for a conversation about SANAA’s recent projects – including the new New Museum of Contemporary Art, other recent projects, and an overview of this pioneering firm’s visionary work in architecture and design. Conversation begins at 7:30. Free and open to the public.

Friday, November 30

Henry Art Gallery – New exhibition “Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA” open for daily viewing, running November 30, 2007 – March 2, 2008. Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa have been working collaboratively under the name SANAA (Sejima And Nishizawa And Associates) since 1995 but their work has only recently received significant recognition in the West. An array of the studio’s signature projects will be represented in this first exhibition of SANAA’s work in the U.S.; projects include the new New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, the Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art (Ohio), and the Museum of the 21st Century in Kanazawa, Japan. Other design objects, furniture pieces, models, building plans and photographs are also on display. Video documentation of recent and current projects will further convey the idea of “atmosphere,” the sense of simplicity and transparency that has become the signature of this remarkable firm.

"Essen Design School," Courtesy of SANAA

Photographic Center Northwest – “PCNW Members’ Juried Exhibition” Opening and Awards reception. Juried by Marisa Sanchez, Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Seattle Art Museum, this selection of prints by PCNW members features a range of work including landscapes, aerials, portraits, narratives, conceptual still lifes, abstracts & objects worthy of interest in typological studies. 6-8 pm, free and open to the public. Also opening is the PCNW’s "Fotoshop Holiday Bin Sale,"which includes moderately priced prints by students, faculty, staff, members and clients. Get there early for the best selection!

Seattle Art Museum - “An International Symposium on 16th-19th Century Japanese Art from Kobe City Museum.” From 7-8:30 pm, Ron Toby, professor of Japanese history at the University of Illinois, will present the keynote address. Toby is an expert on non-Japanese art that existed in Japan during the pre-modern period and on Japanese history, focusing on contact and exchange with the Western world. Free with museum admission. To reserve your space, please call the SAM Box Office at 206.654.3121.

Saturday, December 1

Seattle Art Museum – “An International Symposium on 16th-19th Century Japanese Art from Kobe City Museum.” This symposium brings together six art historians from the United States, Holland and Japan for a dialogue about Japanese art’s first encounters with the Western world. 10 am – 5 pm in the Plestcheeff Auditorium. Free with museum admission. To reserve your space, please call the SAM Box Office at 206.654.3121.

G. Gibson Gallery – Opening reception for new exhibition “Ron Van Dongen and Popco Bakkers: Two Artists from Warmond.” 3-5 pm.

Bluebottle Art Gallery – “Michael Slack: Frail” exhibition opening. Michael Slack is an artist, illustrator, and character designer whose works have appeared in books, magazines, and television. His monster card game ICK, was released this September through Chronicle books and received a bronze award from the Society of Illustrators Los Angeles. Reception 6-8 pm. Exhibition runs until December 30.

Michael Slack, "Recumbent Bubble Blower," digital print, edition of 5, opening at Bluebottle

ArtXchange – “Zimbags Gallery 33 Art Auction.” Hosted by ArtXchange Gallery, local non-profit Zimbags presents an evening of wine, dessert, music and an art auction featuring works donated by artists from around the world. The event honors December 1, World AIDS Day. Proceeds benefit Zimbags, a non-profit working to improve the quality of life for women in Zimbabwe. $25 per ticket, which includes 2 free drinks and free dessert. 6-9 pm. Email contact@zimbags.org to purchase to tickets.

Open Satellite – “Zoe Strauss: Works in Progress.” During her residency at Open Satellite, Philadelphia-based photographer and installation artist Zoe Strauss presents her first solo exhibition in the Northwest. Focusing her camera on the gritty neighborhoods of her hometown, Strauss creates tough, emotional portraits of the residents and architecture populating the streets of South Philadelphia, Kensington, and other working class areas. In the Seattle metropolitan area, Strauss continues her visual study of broken promises engendered by failed social and economic programs. Specifically, she looks to the Factoria neighborhood of Bellevue, citing the district’s ambitious intentions–suggested by its name–to become an industrial manufacturing hub. These plans never materialized, and the area’s name endures as a reminder of unfulfilled aspirations. Open Satellite presents Strauss’s new Seattle-area photographs, as projections and large-format prints, alongside a selection of her earlier work. Opening Event and Slide Show 6-9 pm. Exhibition continues until January 12, 2008.

Zoe Strauss, "how do I look," 2007, opening at Open Satellite

Sunday, December 2

ArtXchange - "The First Annual Seattle Chinese Tea Appreciation Festival." Presented by Black Dragon Tea Bar, this event will feature expertly prepared Chinese tea (including rare varieties), tasty Asian snacks and a private concert by Chinese Guqin master Wu Ziying. Join ArtXchange and Black Dragon Tea Bar for a relaxing afternoon of live music, art appreciation and a unique tea experience. $25 per person. Contact Black Dragon Tea Bar to purchase tickets.

Francine Seders Gallery – “But Seriously, Folks: Funny Art and Its Deeper Meanings,” opening reception. 2-4 pm. Exhibition continues until January 6, 2008.

"Quite a Pickle," Jennifer McNeely, part of "But Seriously, Folks," opening at Francine Seders Gallery

Saturday: Crawl Space "Current Works"

This Saturday evening, November 24, Crawl Space is opening "Current Works," focusing on the new directions and explorations in the current studio practice of its member artists. Artists exhibiting include Tim Brown, Matt Browning, Diana Falchuk, Anne Mathern, Ori Ornstein, Tony Weathers, Chad Wentzel and Jason Wood.

Opening reception is 6-9 pm. Crawl Space is located at 504 E, Denny Way #1, Seattle, WA 98122, (behind a wooden fence).

This Week's Events: Nov 19 - Nov 25, 2007

It's a quiet week for art-related happenings, but that's to be expected. I really hope everybody enjoys their day off, eating food, seeing family and all that. Cheers to all.

Tuesday, November 20

Jacob Lawrence Gallery - Opening reception for "Small and Flat: Work Within Limits," a juried exhibit featuring small 3D and works on paper by University of Washington School of Art undergraduate and graduate students. Reception 4-6 pm. Show continues through December 8

Lawrimore Project – A special one night only event, the world premiere of “Mixen Dixon: Urban Onions” a film presenting an experiment in improvisational entertainment (watch trailor here). More than just a film screening, the evening is a cross disciplinary event featuring fashion, performances, music and more by Majestica, a team of local artists raising funds to travel to Art Basel Miami. Doors open at 7pm, world premier at 9pm with one intermission, after party is 10-midnight. $5 at the door, drinks by donation. All ages welcome.

This Week's Events: Nov 12 - Nov 18, 2007

Thursday, November 15

Edmonds Art Walk – Over 20 art galleries and participating businesses open from 5-8 pm.

* The Resident Cheesemonger - Marty Gordon's humorous and thought-provoking collage will be on display during the Edmonds Art Walk from 5 to 8 pm. His work can be seen at The Resident Cheesemonger located at 405 Main St. in Edmonds. Art and cheese, together at last.

Collage by Marty Gordon during the Edmonds Art Walk!

Tacoma Art Walk - Galleries have openings from 5-8 pm, admission to the Museum of Glass is free from 5-8 pm, and admission to the Tacoma Art Museum is free all day!

Upper Queen Anne Art Walk - Galleries and businesses open from 6-9 pm.

Howard House – Opening reception for “Cat Clifford: Fall” and “Jenny Heishman: Complexions” from 6-8 pm. In 'Fall,' Clifford explores the concept of home through stop-motion animation, photography, drawing, performance video, pin-hole photography, slide projection, and super-8 film. In 'Complexions,' Heishman plays with and stretches preconceived notions of what sculpture is and what it is supposed to do. Show runs through January 5, 2008.

Cat Clifford, "Work" super-8 transfer to digital video

Greg Kucera Gallery – New exhibition opens, “Roger Shimomura: Minidoka on my Mind.” Opening reception 6-8 pm. Show runs through December 22.

Seattle Asian Art Museum - Creatively Speaking lecture, “Between Vision and Language: The Art of Xu Bing,” in Stimson Auditorium from 7-8 pm. Addressing the art of the written word in conjunction with the exhibition Shu: Reinventing Books in Contemporary Chinese Art, Xu Bing will show that human response to words is more complicated than just deciphering their literal meanings. Free with museum admission. To reserve your space, please call the SAM Box Office at 206.654.3121.

Friday, November 16

CoCA Belltown Gallery – Opening reception for "Conversations,” new work by Joan Engelmeyer. In this collection of new work, Joan's chairs grow right out of the wax, each one with a personality, a history, and a story to tell. The CoCa Belltown Gallery is a four-foot deep by 38-foot long "show case" located on the first floor of the Avenue One Condominiums at 2721 First Avenue. The artist reception is 7-9 pm on the condominium terrace directly above the gallery.

Fetherston Gallery - Reception for new work by "Adde Russell, Tina Randolph, and Rory Burke." 5-7pm. Exhibit continues through December 22.

Ouch My Eye – Opening reception for “Franklin & Madeline,” a show of new large-scale figurative works by James Cicatko and Lynn Schirmer, presenting two views on the topic of official complicity in domestic child trafficking in the US. Cicatko’s work is narrative and based on media reports and witness testimony, primarily from the Franklin case. Schirmer’s work is autobiographical, providing a glimpse from the inside. 6-9 pm. Exhibit continues until December 9.

Left: James Cicatko Detail: “Party”, Right: Lynn Schirmer: Detail: “I deliver My Head”

Saturday, November 17

Howard House – Artist talk in conjunction with the new shows, “Cat Clifford: Fall” and “Jenny Heishman: Complexions.” Talk begins at 12 noon.

Artist Trust – “Moving Forward ~ Resources for Artists,” a free workshop which will discuss the essentials of presenting your work; how to get informed about the funding and exhibition possibilities available to Washington State artists; and information on professional resources, health care, insurance, emergency assistance, and legal services available to artists. 2-3:30pm at the University of Puget Sound, Wyatt Hall, Room 101, Tacoma. RSVP: Sharon Styer, sstyer@cityoftacoma.org or 253/591-5560.

Crawl Space Gallery – “BAZAAR!” a fundraiser for non-profit contemporary art gallery Crawl Space. Festivities include hors d'oeuvres from local gourmets including Boat Street Café, and Artemis, festooned servers (Brazilian Carnival meets Euro club kids), and a preview of this year's exhibition of current works by Crawl Space member-artists. The Bazaar! will be hosted by Seattle Art Museum Jon and Mary Shirley, Curator of Modern and Contemporary art Michael Darling, internationally recognized video art pioneer Gary Hill, and the Crawl Space Booster Club Kids. Proceeds help to cover the yearly costs of one of Seattle’s most fun and exciting art spaces. 6-9 pm. Email aviva@theadventureschool to RSVP.

Find out what these people are doing at the Crawl Space Bazaar!

This Week’s Events: Nov 5 – Nov 11, 2007

Wednesday, November 7

Microsoft – Artful Readings discussion series featuring “The Art of Travel,” by Alain de Botton Hosted by Anne Leigh Parrish. This book is a philosophical look at what de Botton calls the "ubiquitous but peculiar" activity of traveling for fun, with essays on airports, landscapes, museums, holiday romances, photographs, exotic carpets and the contents of hotel mini-bars. Accompanying this selection will be two pieces by British artists Ben Langlands and Nikki Bell entitled Air Routes of the World (Day) and Air Routes of the World (Night). The discussion takes place on the Microsoft Redmond Campus, Building 33, Conference Center. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. For more information call 425.706.4272.

Thursday, November 8

SAM Gallery – Opening reception for two new shows. “Body Image” features eight artists who utilize the human figure and portraiture as vehicles to explore complex issues of identity, personal passion and social change, or to articulate concepts about the self and others. “In Focus: West Coast Galleries at SAM Gallery” showcases artwork from San Francisco’s Toomey-Tourell Gallery.


Microsoft – Artist Lecture Series presents “Benjamin Edwards.” Edwards has taken a number of cross-country road trips, taking digital photos along the way, which he loads into his computer. In Automatic City, Edwards isolates various visual elements from the photographs and reduces them to their basic geometry. The result is a blended composition which becomes emblematic of what he refers to as the "American consumerist utopia." 6-7 pm. Free and open to the public. For driving instructions to Microsoft Building 33 call 425.706.0033. For more information call 425.706.4272.

Ouch My Eye - “Conspiracy of Silence” film event. A UK film company came to the US and produced a documentary on the Franklin case. Although scheduled to air on the Discovery Channel, it was pulled at the last minute, and all copies were ordered destroyed. A cutting room copy survived and is showing at Ouch My Eye at 8 pm.

West Seattle Junction Art Walk - 6pm - 8pm. For information and maps visit Hotwire Coffeehouse, 4410 California SW, Seattle, or call 206/935-1510. Participating galleries include:

* Twilight Artist Collective @ Hotwire Coffeehouse West - "Kelly Patton" presents new paintings based on fairy tales.

* Cupcake Royale - "Graham Fracha," current mixed media paintings inspired by the artist's interest in the ebb and flow of architectural and natural forms.

* 8 Limbs Yoga - Amy Smith Photography & Design presents "Buddha Magic" - intimate photos of a variety of Buddhas from around the world.

* Arts West - Carole Barrer and Matt Bazemore follow up with innovative interpretations of inner and outer life with an impressive use of paint on canvas in the "Common and Uncommon Ground" exhibition.

Friday, November 9

Roq La Rue - Opening reception for work by "Brian Despain and Ryan Heshka, and Scott Musgrove." 6-9 pm.

BLVD Gallery - Opening reception for "Process" a show featuring graffiti artists and style writers Hews, Sneke, and Virus, provides the viewer a rarely seen glimpse into the approach and evolution of their art. 6-10 pm.

Microsoft - "Film Series, John Baldessari's Film Transferred to Video." John Baldessari, a celebrated conceptual artist known for his innovative teaching practices and his cheeky observations of the art world, brings this same nervy attitude to his filmmaking. 6 pm. Free and open to the public. For driving instructions to Microsoft Building 33 call 425.706.0033. For more information call 425.706.4272.

CoCA - "2007 Painting Marathon Auction." Artists start painting Thursday at 9 am and work 24 hours straight. Watch them work, then buy the art! The event features 3 Silent Auctions & 1 Live Auction. 5:30 - 9:30pm. After Party to 2am. Tickets: $20 General Admission, $40 VIP, and $500 Table. Buy tickets here.


Suite 100 – “Sweet 100 Holiday Show” exhibiting one hundred works of art by thirty-six artists, perfect for the holiday gift-giving season. From oils and acrylics to gouache and ink, from photography to screen prints, "The Sweet 100" draws from the best in a variety of mediums. Additionally, part of the proceeds from Sweet 100 will be donated to Child's Play Charity. Opening reception 6-11 pm. Show runs through December 21.

Saturday, November 10

Tacoma Art Museum – "Michael Honey," Fred and Dorothy Haley Professor of Humanities at the University of Washington Tacoma and author of Going Down Jericho Road: The Memphis Strike, Martin Luther King’s Last Campaign, discusses how groups such as the Freedom Quilting Bee, which included women from Gee’s Bend, were formed as a result of the Civil Rights movement. Members of the St. John Baptist Church Gospel Choir will open this lecture by performing a selection of hymns from the Civil Rights era. This program is free with museum admission. Seating for this program is very limited and available on a first-come; first-served basis. 2 pm.

Pratt Fine Arts Center – “One Hot Night: Pratt Fine Arts Center Open House.” Watch artists pour bronze, make prints, blow glass, forge steel and more. Learn about art classes, workshops and scholarships. Tours, food, entertainment and a no-host bar. Free admission, free parking, open to the public. 6-9 pm.


SEED – “Arts Gumbo: Japan.” One World Taiko will perform a contemporary style of Japanese drumming with fluid movement and heart pounding rhythm. Their repertoire includes traditional pieces taught to them by world-renowned groups Kodo and Ondekoza from Japan, as well as original compositions. After the performance, One World Taiko will teach audience members some Taiko drum techniques and movements. Complementary Bento Box dinners will be provided at 7 pm. This family series is held from 5 to 8 pm at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center (3515 S. Alaska St.), in Columbia City. Tickets for the performance are $8 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Tickets are available at the door or in advance by calling 206-725-7517. Dinner and the workshop are included in the price.

Gallery 1412 – “Apostrophe” a monthly series presenting three solo artists in one hour, testing for vistas within the camera obscura. Without theme or intermission, a dancer, musician and poet present their work, posing questions about the compositional frame (page, body, breath, instrument, floor, room) and how it shapes imagination and space. Co-presented by gallery 1412 and Seattle Improvised Music. Curated by Beth Graczyk, Gust Burns and Melanie Noel. Featuring Jeffrey Allport (music), Amy O’Neal (dance), and Karena Youtz (poetry). 8 pm. $5 - $15 (sliding scale). Gallery 1412 is located at 1412 18th Avenue (at Union Street).

Northwest Film Forum – “In the Kingdom of Shadows: Two Stereoscopic Films by Zoe Beloff.” These films explore the prehistory of cinema, not simply from the point of view of technology, but from a psychic perspective, how the projection of images grew out of the desire to manifest the unconscious. 7 pm.

Ballard Second Saturday Artwalk - Galleries and participating businesses open from 6-9 pm. Start at the south end of Ballard Ave, and work your way up the street to Market and continue.

Art & Soul – Opening reception for photography by “Michael Matisse.” This show will feature a selection of photographs the artist has taken over the last ten years, including some prints from his series "Eye to Eye on the Ave" which features portraits of homeless youth. Reception 6-9 pm (during the Ballard Art Walk). Show runs through November 30. Art & Soul is located at 2860 NW Market St.

First Thursday - November 1, 2007

ArtXchange Gallery – Opening reception for “Unpredictable Arrivals,” a new solo exhibition by Vashon artist Donald Cole. Paintings that draw inspiration from the diverse languages of India as well as the time-weathered surfaces one finds in old cities around the world. Show runs from November 1 – December 29.

"Rudra," Donald Cole, 2007, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 50"

Corridor Gallery - “Gloria,” a multi-media Installation by Rebecca DeVere, celebrating the departed souls of women who were "everyday saints". Known locally for her mosaic tile work, DeVere will fill the space with shrines constructed of that material, as well as memory flags, and ghost paintings. On view through December 1.

D'adamo/Woltz Gallery – Contemporary sculpture by physicist turned artist Paul Vexler. On view through December 4.

Foster/White – Continuing in Pioneer Square, paintings by Allison Collins, through November 24.

G. Gibson Gallery - "Garden of Earthly Delights," Hyper-real paintings of a strange world of animal & botanical life by New York artist Marc Dennis. "Optical Allusions," works by Beverly Rayner exploring the implications of personal observation and public surveillance.

Marc Dennis, "Velasquez's Budgies," 2007, oil on canvas, 12 x 12 inches

Gallery4Culture – “Quiet Riot,” new paintings by Seattle artist Garret Keith. November 1 – November 30.

Gallery 110 - “Iconoclasts,” an exhibition of collages by Lisa Sheets, artwork exploring Sheets’ subconscious ongoing communication about relationships, culture, and her own life. “Personal Stories” is a group show by four artists, Betsy Best-Spadaro, Christopher Buening, Amy Huddleston, and Liz Tran, whose work tends toward introspection. In the Loft Space: “Mark Callen: Beyond Etla.” Through November 24.

Gallery I|M|A – “STAND: Artist Designed Rugs,” curated by Layne Goldsmith. Featuring the work of Steve Badanes, Phillip Baldwin, Betz Bernhard, Linda Beaumont, Koren Christofides, Alan Corkery Hahn, Jessica Drummond, Zia Gipson, Layne Goldsmith, Gale McCall, Rachel Meginnes, Ries Niemi, Jay Tracy, Sara Ullman, Jean Whitsavage, Daniella Wolff, Rickie Wolfe, and Robert Yoder. Through December 2.

Robert Yoder, "Sluice Gate," hand tied wool, edition of 5, 96.5 x 96.5 inches

Gallery OK - "Think Inside The Box" 2nd Annual Event.

La Familia – work by designer/textile artist “Chrissy Wai-Ching,” expressed through fiber art, photography, and clothing. Also featuring music by rock band ‘Strange Jerome.’

Lisa Harris Gallery – “Elevation: Israel, Palestine, and Washington State,” paintings by Kathryn Altus and new paintings by Seattle abstractionist Catherine Cook. November 1 through December 1.

Kathryn Altus, "Elevation, 1349 Feet Below Sea Level (The Dead Sea)" 2007, water based oil on canvas

Patricia Rovzar Gallery – Oil on panel by “Rick Monzon,” showing through December 3.

Platform Gallery – “A Spectral Glimpse” continues through December 1.

Punch Gallery – “Vertical Hold,” an international video and sound exhibition that highlights the experimental and resolutely unique. Artists include Justin Colt Beckman (Thorp, WA), Brian Bress (Los Angeles, CA), Andrew Kaufman (Ellensburg, WA), Luciana Lamothe (Buenos Aires, Argentina), Adriane Little (Kalamazoo MI), Stefanos Pavlakis (Edinburgh, Scotland), and James Sham (Richmond, VA). Through November 25.

Shift Collaborative Studio – Shift “New Members Exhibition,” introducing the work of five new members. Terra Fine, Jessie Lyle, Claire Mack, Christen Mattix, and John Sloan will be presenting works in a variety of media including drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture.

SOIL – “Sensoria,” featuring Iole Alessandrini, Thom Heileson, Wyndel Hunt, Ed Mannery, and Ben McAllister. Sensoria presents two new immersive installations, each integrating light and sound to transform the gallery space, concentrating on the visitor's sensory perceptions within the specific physicality of a new environment. In the backspace, paintings by Claire Johnson: a dozen small donuts and a couple of big ones. Through November 30.

Iole Alessandrini, Ed Mannery, and Ben McAllisterm, "Hidden Spaces," Laser, sound, video

Some Space Gallery – “Outside the Moment of Relay,” new prints by Paul Holt exploring the visual references of cell towers. Through November 30.

Paul Holt, "Tower with strips," linocut, 2007

Vetri International Glass – “Gathered Forms, Natural Vessels,” flameworked glass by Glenn Lyons. In this series, Lyons explores the allure of nature through his use of organic forms and rich, autumnal colors. Lyons is the featured artist for the month of November.

William Traver Gallery – Encaustic paintings exploring the experience of consciousness and construct of reality by “Jef Gunn,” and metal sculpture by “Lynn Whitford.” Through December 2.

Jef Gunn, "Tiger Gate," 2006, encaustic, ink rubbing, gold leaf, on wood panel, canvas, plaster

At the museum:

The Seattle Art Museum celebrates the Day of the Dead from 5:30 to 9 pm with live music, art making, specialized tours and more. Check here for a schedule of events. SAM is FREE on First Thursdays.

And elsewhere:

Visit the Cherry Street Cafe @1212 1st ave., just a few doors down from SAM. "Four Unredundant Paintings: by Kenneth Marulis will be available for your critique.

This Week's Events: Oct 29 - Nov 4, 2007

Tuesday, October 30

The Henry Art Gallery – “Open Floor,” a monthly laboratory of ideas for local artists, musicians, performers, and filmmakers. Open Floor encourages experimentation and discussion across disciplines. Contact openfloor@henryart.org for more information. 6-8 pm, Free.

Wednesday, October 31

CoCA – “Boogieman Party.” Prepare to party with the Boogie Monster as CoCA & Clubvibes hosts a Halloween Celebration showcasing the ‘Necromorph’ group show exhibition. Local DJs, costume contest, dance performances, and prizes are among the other events. Tickets: $10 General Admission, $30 Admission + CoCA Membership. 9pm to 2am at the Shilshole Bay Beach Club.

Thursday, November 1

Pioneer Square Artwalk – 6-10 pm. Full list of openings and events coming tomorrow!

Cornish College of the Arts – Opening reception for “Steve Jensen: Voyager,” a collection of paintings, wall carvings and funeral boats created by Seattle sculptor and Cornish alumnus, Steve Jensen. Reception 5-8 pm. Exhibit runs from Nov 1 – 30, 2007.

Lee Center for the Arts: Hedreen Gallery – “Unexpected Watercolors,” featuring Tori Ellison, Michael Knutson, Kim McCarty, Laura Ross Paul and Jeffrey Simmons, showcasing work that shows how artists in the NW region are pushing the medium of watercolor in new ways. Opening Reception 5 – 7:30 pm, Free. Exhibit runs through January 12, 2008. Seattle University Lee Center for the Arts is located at 901 12th Avenue (at 12th & Marion).

Friday, November 2

Fremont First Friday - Openings and events from 6-9 pm.

Aegean Design Gallery – “Grand Opening,” for new gallery located at 603 West Crockett, Seattle, WA 98119. Wine and hors d’oeurves, 6-9 pm.

McLeod Residence - New York artist Kharis Kennedy explores the subjective versus the objective with her series of paintings “Fixed Value,” exhibiting two years of work exploring the fact that a painting is a physical object that, like any other three-dimensional object, can only be objectively understood in terms of its physical properties: light, mass and energy. Opening reception 6-9 pm. Show runs through Nov 24, 2007.

Saturday, November 3

The Frye Art Museum – “Community Celebration and Open House.” Head over to the Frye for complimentary tea, coffee, and lemonade while enjoying a weekend’s worth of events celebrating the new exhibition “Dreaming the Emerald City: The Collections of Charles and Emma Frye and Horace C. Henry.” Saturday events include an Exhibition Overview with Robin Held, Frye Art Museum chief curator, music performances, and gallery walk with Donna Kovalenko, Frye Art Museum curator of collections. Check here for times and information. Free and open to the public.

The Henry Art Gallery – Aperture West Collaborative Lecture Series at the Henry Art Gallery featuring South African artist “Pieter Hugo.” Hugo’s provocative images have gained international renown. He has been named the Standard Bank Young Artist for 2007, and won first prize in the Portraits section of the 2006 World Press Photo competition. Hugo’s portraits and documentary work have been included in the traveling exhibition reGeneration: Fifty Photographers of Tomorrow, as well as in Colors and Aperture magazines. 5 pm in the Henry Auditorium, Free and open to the public.

Photographic Center Northwest – “Cheap Shot: Plastic Cameras: the low tech of high art,” opening reception for new exhibition featuring photography by Michelle Bates, Susan Burnstine, Rosanna Salonia, Gordon Stettinius, Shannon Welles, and Jennifer Shaw. In Cheap Show, artists reveal how using inexpensive, toy cameras can be a means to new and interesting ways of seeing and interpreting the world. Artist’s reception 6-8 pm. Show continues through Nov 28.

Sunday, November 4

The Frye Art Museum – “Community Celebration and Open House.” Head over to the Frye for complimentary tea, coffee, and lemonade while enjoying a weekend’s worth of events celebrating the new exhibition “Dreaming the Emerald City: The Collections of Charles and Emma Frye and Horace C. Henry.” Sunday programs include a music performance by the Seattle Classic Guitar Society and a gallery talk featuring Nancy Stoaks, Frye Art Museum curatorial research associate. Check here for times and information. Free and open to the public.

Tacoma Art Museum – “Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead Celebration,” a free community celebration featuring traditional dance and music, hands-on art-making activities, sugar skulls decorating, and foods. 12-5 pm, Free and open to the public.

Twilight Artist Collective – Opening party for November featured artist “Michelle Anderst.” Reception 1-4 pm. Show continues through the end of November.

Paintings by Michelle Anderst, opening at Twilight Artist Collective.

Currently Showing: Paintings by Drie Chapek

Local artist Drie Chapek is currently showing new work at the Anthropologie downtown. The show lasts through the end of November.

Chapek's work entices the viewer with a complicated harmony of color, shape, and texture. She calls upon intuitive gestures and natural images to convey the beauty in natural life cycles. Ambiguities of space and scale and the relationship between the micro and the macro are important aspects of her work.

You can find Anthropologie at 1509 Fifth Ave., Seattle, WA 98101.

This Week's Events: Oct 22 - Oct 28, 2007

edit: I've fixed it in the paragraph below, but I wanted to immortalize my wittiest typo (or was it...) ever: "Betty Bowen Memorial Award sinner." My favorite comment was from M G: 'Good artist or not, Oscar needs to behave.'

Tuesday, October 23

Seattle Art Museum – “Betty Bowen Memorial Award Ceremony” honoring Betty Bowen Memorial Award winner Oscar Tuazon, and PONCHO Special Recognition Award winners Joseph Park and Vanessa Renwick. Brief presentations about the work of the three winning artists will be followed by a reception in the Simons Boardroom. The ceremony and reception are free to the public. Please enter through the First Avenue and University Street entrance. 5:30 – 8 pm in the Nordstrom Lecture Hall.

The Henry Art Gallery - Lecture and Booksigning featuring Urs Peter Fl ückiger, author of “Donald Judd: Architecture in Marfa, Texas.” A reception and book-signing will follow the lecture. Presented by Peter Miller at the Henry Auditorium, 7 pm, Free.

Jacob Lawrence Gallery – “This is Not a Group Show,” featuring works by University of Washington Faculty in the Division of Art. The reception will also feature four graduate student dancers performing interactive pieces. 4-6 pm.

Wednesday, October 24

Foster/White – “Lois Graham Public Memorial,” recognizing the life and art of prominent NW abstract artist Lois Graham. 2 pm. Graham's recent exhibition of her newest works will be on view until October 27.

Seattle Asian Art Museum – “Reinventing the Book: A Lecture with Professor Wu Hung,” part of the Pivotal Perspectives conversation series. Professor Wu Hung, curator of “Shu: Reinventing Books in Contemporary Chinese Art,” examines in detail the impact and notion of the book in the exhibition artists’ upbringing and their art. 7–8 pm, Stimson Auditorium. Free with museum admission. To reserve your space, please call the SAM Box Office at 206.654.3121.

Sunday, October 28

Francine Seders Gallery – Opening reception for “Grey Matters,” an exhibition featuring Seattle artist Juan Alonso. In this new body of work, Alonso has put aside his tropical palette and sculpted acrylic surfaces for a monochromatic pairing of ink and graphite laid on a smooth panel called Claybord. The upstairs gallery will feature Diann Knezovich’s altered “c” prints. 2-4 pm.

Wounded, Juan Alonso, ink and graphite on Claybord, 2007, 30 x 30"

This Week's Events: Oct 8 - Oct 14, 2007

"Local Sightings" continues this week at the Northwest Film Forum - with far too many special events to fit in this post. Check here for the full schedule.

Tuesday, October 9

Tacoma Art Museum – “Portraiture of Cecilia Beaux.” WA Ambassador for the Portrait Society of America Robert Raab discusses portrait painting and Cecilia Beaux's place in art history. The presentation includes a portraiture demonstration by artist Ned Meuller. 10:30 am - Free with museum admission (Senior (65+) admission on Second Tuesdays is reduced to $3.25).

Northwest Film Forum - Artist Trust at Local Sightings Film Festival. The evening begins at 7 pm with “Short Reels,” a series of short works by NW filmmakers. Between 8:30 and 9:30, enjoy food and drink during the reception. At 9:30 pm, the feature presentation begins - “Outpatient” by Alec Carlin. Also view a media installation by Heather Dew Oaksen and Norie Sato in the foyer. Cost: $5 NWFF/ AT members; $8.50 general; reception free with ticket stub.

Wednesday, October 10

The Henry Art Gallery – Film screening: “Iraq in Fragments,” a documentary on post-war Iraq utilizing a 3-act structure to illustrate the way the country is pulled in multiple directions by factors such as religion and ethnicity. Also includes a discussion with Producer John Sinno moderated by UW Assistant Professor of Cinema Studies James Tweedie. 7 pm, Henry Auditorium, Free.

Thursday, October 11

Seattle Art Museum – Two new exhibitions open. The first, “Gaylen Hansen: Three Decades of Paintings” is retrospective exhibition of the work of Washington-based painter Gaylen Hansen, who first came to the attention of the art world during the heyday of neo-expressionism in the late 1970s. Populated by animals, insects, trout, and a cowboy named Kernal Bentleg, Hansen’s paintings are humorous and dreamlike. The second, “Japan Envisions the West: 16th-19th Century Japanese Art from Kobe City Museum,” commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Kobe and Seattle, exploring how Japanese saw Westerners and how Japanese artists responded to and interpreted Western art and culture from the 16th to the 19th century. Both exhibitions run through January 6, 2008.

Lawrimore Project – Opening reception for "Refrain," new installations, sculpture and video by recent University of Washington MFA graduate, Susie J. Lee. 6-9 pm. Show runs until December 1, 2007.


911 Media Arts Center - In partnership with the Seattle Art Museum, 911 Media Arts Center will exhibit Tamiko Thiel's "The Travels of Mariko Horo,” a contemporary example of the Namban genre to complement the rare exhibition of Namban art in Seattle. The Travels of Mariko Horo is an inverse Marco Polo journey featuring a time-traveling Japanese woman who constructs an exotic and rich external world from her imagination. 6-9 pm. Exhibition closes November 20, 2007.

West Seattle Junction Art Walk - 6-8 pm. For information and maps visit Hotwire Coffeehouse, 4410 California SW, Seattle, or call 206/935-1510.

Twilight Artist Collective @ Hotwire West – paintings by Brad Strain. 6-9 pm.

Friday, October 12

Roq La Rue - Opening reception for works by "Yumiko Kayukawa and Ojimbo." 6-9 pm.

BLVD – “INSTALLATION 4: It's A Beautiful World,” the traveling Scion Installation Art Tour, visits Seattle via BLVD Gallery. The theme, “It’s a Beautiful World,” is interpreted by artists from around the world using painting, photography, sculpture and collage. Several artists will be in attendance at the opening reception. 6-10 pm. The exhibition runs through October 24.


Suite 100 Gallery – Opening reception for “Urbanity,” works by Counsel Langley. 6 – 10 pm.

Saturday, October 13

Seattle Art Museum - "Mariko Horo: The Art of Tamiko Thiel,” an artist lecture by Tamiko Thiel, a media artist whose installation is currently on view at 911 Media Arts Center concurrent with the special exhibition Japan Envisions the West at SAM. 2-3 pm, Free with museum admission.

The Henry Art Gallery – ““Advance Screening of Art:21,” a special screening of “Protest,” an episode from the upcoming Season 4 of PBS’s fantastic show Art:21, a documentary series on contemporary art and artists. This episode features artists Nancy Spero, An-My Lê (currently exhibiting at the Henry), Alfredo Jaar, and Jenny Holzer. The episode plays continuously between 2 and 5 pm. Free admission.

Ouch My Eye – “Benefit Art Show for the Children of the Green Gecko Project,” featuring photographs by Kim Doyel, Shannon Welles and the children of the Green Gecko Project, Siem Reap, Cambodia, plus scenes from the documentary ‘Booksellers of Siem Reap’ by filmmaker S. Smith Patrick. Saturday afternoon only, from 4 – 7 pm. Suggested donation $10, all proceeds benefit the Green Gecko Project.


Rainier Valley Cultural Center – “Arts Gumbo Brazil,” part of the Arts Gumbo cultural series produced by SEED. This Saturday, the spotlight is on Brazil as Arts Gumbo presents Tudo Beleza, an exuberant music and dance group. The performance includes traditional Carnaval costumes, Capoeira movements and rhythms ranging from samba to Afro-Brazilian. A samba-reggae dance workshop will follow the performance along with a complimentary buffet of Brazilian food, catered by Tempero Do Brasil Restaurant. This family series is held from 5 to 8 pm at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center (3515 S. Alaska St.), in Columbia City.

Ballard Second Saturday Artwalk - Galleries and participating businesses open from 6-9 pm. Including:

* Art & Soul - "Sensing Light,” a collection of oil paintings by local artist, Lanie
Franza, capturing the light and mood of the Pacific Northwest and
California Coast. ALL proceeds from this show go to benefit pediatric cancer research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

* Sev Shoon Arts Center – Work by Nigerian artist-in-residence Krydz C. Ikwuemesi, colorful paintings dealing with issues of life, beliefs, culture and tradition, and the relationship to modern Africa. Also opening, "A Group Show” featuring artists who were classmates in printmaking at North Seattle Community college.

* The Forum Center - Andrew L. Parker with RE/MAX Mutual Realty is proud to host collage artist Marty Gordon. The opening reception is from 6 - 9 pm at the Forum Center (1718 NW 56th St, Seattle, 98107).


Sunday, October 14

Tacoma Art Museum – “Framing the American Figure Painter, Cecilia Beaux,” a half-day symposium offering a deeper look at the current exhibition ‘Cecilia Beaux, American Figure Painter.’ 1:30 pm. Cost for members is $5 and $15 for non-members, which includes museum admission.

Twilight Artist Collective – Opening reception for works by “Daniel T. Fleming” at the Twilight Artist Collective space in the Pike Place Market, #321. 1-4 pm.

The Henry Art Gallery – “Advance Screening of Art:21,” a special screening of “Protest,” an episode from the upcoming Season 4 of PBS’s fantastic show Art:21, a documentary series on contemporary art and artists. This episode features artists Nancy Spero, An-My Lê (currently exhibiting at the Henry), Alfredo Jaar, and Jenny Holzer. The episode plays continuously between 2 and 5 pm. Free admission.

First Thursday - October 4, 2007

It's that time again. Brave the rain and enjoy the First Thursday Artwalk in Pioneer Square.

ArtXchange Gallery - Continuing through October 29, ArtXchange partners with Seattle-based global health non-profit PATH to display an exhibit by PATH photographer Michael Wang.

Benham Gallery – Presenting the work of Peggy Washburn, Ann Pallesen and Shoshannah White, 3 photographers using 3 unique types of translucent imagery to poetically redefine the world around them. October 3rd - November 10th.

Corridor Gallery – A series of small, colorful embroideries by Su Job explore scientific theories as they affect our views of daily life in new exhibit “Urban Equations.” October 4 – 27.

"Standard Error," 8" x 8,” Photo transfer and thread on canvas, by Su Job

D'adamo/Woltz Gallery – Works in glass and oil by artists Pino Cherchi and Gordon Gagliano.

Foster/White – Work by Lois Graham. Oct 4, 2007 - Oct 27.

Gallery4Culture – “Atmosphere Attached,” new sculpture and collage by Seattle artist Ben Hirschkoff. October 4 - October 26, 2007.

Gallery 110 – “Kokeshi Collection” by Alexandra Gjurasic, “Opposing Forces” by Cindy Small, and “Bound Variables” by Fiona McGuigan in the Loft Space. October 4-27.

Works by Alexandra Gjurasic in her “Kokeshi Collection” at Gallery 110

Gallery I|M|A – Opening reception for “Alan Corkery Hahn: New Pages from the Discontinuous Book,” “Cory W. Peeke – A Brief History, Western Edition,” and introducing "Amanda Hanlon.”

Cory W. Peeke, "Fine Arts," Polaroid and mixed media, at Gallery IMA

Greg Kucera Gallery – Sculpture and photographs by Drew Daly and works on paper by Jason Jegal. Both run October 4th - November 10th. Visit Greg Kucera Gallery on Saturday, Oct 6, for the 'Saturday After' artist lecture (and an opening for new print editions by Chuck Close).

Grover/Thurston Gallery - "A Blink, a Glance and a Stare (oh my)" works by Phyllis Bramson. October 4 - 27th.

Howard House Project Space – Recent sculptural work by “Sean M Johnson,” from September 27– November 10, 2007.

Installation view of "New Trick Old Dog" by Sean M. Jeanson, at Howard House

James Harris Gallery - An exhibition of sculpture and works on paper by Katrina Moorhead, a young artist from Northern Ireland who represented her country in the last Venice Biennale. In the JHG Project Space, “Claudette Schreuders Sculpture and Works on Paper.” October 4 - November 10, 2007.

Katrina Moorhead, “On or about December 1981,” 2005, at James Harris Gallery

La Familia - Works in contemporary micrography by "Meclina."

Patricia Rovzar Gallery – Oil paintings by R.B. Sprague exploring interior spaces and relationships between objects. October 4 – 31.

Punch Gallery – “A Hundred Horses in a Landscape & Other Collages” by Joanna Thomas, an investigation on the landscape paintings of the Chinese literati from centuries past. October 4 - 28, 2007.

Joanna Thomas, “A Hundred Horses in a Landscape (detail),” 2007, at Punch Gallery

Shift Collaborative Studio – “Sub-divisions,” by Garth Amundson and Pierre Gour, an installation of photography and appropriated images covering an eight month investigation of the themes of domesticity, immigration, and national identity. October 4 - 27, 2007. Also, enjoy a conversation with the artists on Saturday, October 13th at 3 pm.

"Obra Negra No. 2 - Contemporary Declaration," from "Sub-divisions" at Shift Studio

SOIL – “I'm So Scared/It's All So Hard,” work by Jennifer Zwick and “Puget Sounds” by Jean Nagai in the Backspace.

Jennifer Zwick - "Hanging (back), Lambda print, 2007, at SOIL Art Gallery

Some Space Gallery - Some Space curators Daniel Carrillo and Shaun Kardinal exhibit their recent work in “Directors' Cut.”

Wall Space – “Ground Cover” by photographer Keith Johnson, a response to the construction in Boston and New Haven; the places Johnson works and lives.

Keith Johnson - "I-95 Branford" at wall space gallery

William Traver Gallery – Blown and carved glass by Davide Salvadore, and reverse painting on glass/plexi by Gregory Grenon.

First Thursday Late Night

The Hideout – Live music with the Dusty 45s. 9 pm.

Northwest Film Forum - See and be seen at the opening night party for the “Local Sightings” regional film festival. Food, drink, djs, live musicians, film/video projections and much more. Thursday, October 4th (9pm-2am) - Tickets are $7 for NWFF members / $10 general public - Purchase tickets here.