Art Walk returns tomorrow

It's become a summer tradition in Madison Park for area artists to display their work in neighborhood businesses as the season draws to a close.  This year is no different, with Art Walk scheduled to begin tomorrow evening and run through September 28.  A total of 30 Madison Park businesses will be participating, with the walk running down Madison all the way from Starbucks to Park Bench Gifts.  The full line up of participating businesses and artists can be found here

The excitement begins with a reception at Starbucks beginning at 6 pm on Friday.

[Upper photo: art of Brooke Westlund; lower photo: art of Arthur Pasette]

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Art Walk: Year 4

Bronze casting by Richard Rhodes

Artists and their fans celebrated the start of Madison Park's Art Walk 2013, Friday, with a reception at Starbucks and an evening of leisurely paced art viewing. More than 40 artists, most from Madison Park and surrounding neighborhoods, are participating in Art Walk this year, with their art on display in 33 neighborhood shops, offices, and restaurants through October 6.

Art by Barbara Noonan at The Guest House

This year three additional events have been added to the Art Walk schedule. On September 28, there will be an awards ceremony at the Bath House (awards given based on the votes of art viewers), as well as a lecture on art history and a studio experience for children.  Details are available at Art Walk's website.

Ceramic art by Liz Gamberg at Cookin'

Those who experienced Art Walk on its first night, seemed appreciative of the art, the artists, and the surprisingly decent weather.  Those who missed out still have plenty of opportunity to catch the wide variety of art on display in the Park throughout the month.

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September events

Art Walk returns

This will be the fourth year for the Madison Park Art Walk, which begins with a public reception at Starbucks at 6 pm on Friday, September 13.  More than 30 "Madison Park artists" are expected to exhibit this year, with art on the walls of various neighborhood shops and restaurants through October 6.  This year there will be a kid's day art walk, an awards program, an art history lecture and art seminars as part of the Art Walk experience.  Details can be found on the official website here.

New Zealand Forest to open in the Arboretum

It cost about $2 million to design and build the new New Zealand Forest portion of the Arboretum's Pacific Connections Garden, and the public will get its first chance to view the results when the forest officially opens on September 15, with opening ceremonies from 11 am until 2 pm.

The new two-acre forest is the first of five "eco-geographic" forests to be fully planted as part of the Pacific Connections project, which will eventually cover 14 acres of the Arboretum.  The New Zealand section has taken two years to develop "and features 10,000 trees, shrubs and grasses propagated from seeds collected in the wilds of New Zealand."  More information about the opening day event is available here, and a great article about the planting of the New Zealand Forest is available here.

Tour Arboretum wetlands by kayak

Did you know that the Arboretum has the largest stretch of saltwater marsh in Washington State?  Well whether you knew that fact or not, you still have the six opportunities this week to take a guided tour these wetlands by kayak. Sponsored by the UW Botanic Gardens and the Agua Verde Paddle Club, the tours on September 5, 6, and 7 will each last 90 minutes and will include commentary about the history of the area and details about the plants and animals you'll meet along the way. Registration and details are available here.

Yo Yo contest  returns after decades-long absence

It was apparently once the thing in Madison Park, so we've been told, for there to be an annual yo-yo contest held in front of the old pharmacy that once graced the space that now houses Bing's.  The folks at Aegis have decided to try their hand at reviving this event and will be sponsoring the first Madison Park yo yo contest of the 21st Century on September 27 at 5:30 pm.  So get out your old yo yos and start practicing. If you don't have a yo yo, never fear.  Aegis will be providing complimentary yo yos, as well as the food and drink.  Prizes will be awarded for "all age groups."  The venue, appropriately, will be the Triangle Park in front of Bing's.

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Art Walk shines

It was a hot evening in Madison Park last night as hundreds turned out to enjoy the third annual Madison Park Art Walk.  The event kicked off with a reception at Starbucks, and then it was off to visit the 30 neighborhood venues where area artists proudly displayed their works.

There were also multiple forms of musical entertainment provided around the business district, adding greatly to the festive ambiance of the evening.

Those who missed opening night will still have the opportunity to see the art, which will remain at the various businesses through the end of the month.

More photos of the event and of the art can be found on Madison Park Blogger's Facebook page here.  Art Walk is sponsored by the Madison Park Business Association.

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Noteworthy this week

Big Arboretum plant sale this weekend

The annual FlorAbundance spring plant sale to benefit the Arboretum Foundation will take place this Saturday and Sunday in, of all places, the Arboretum!  The spring sale has for many years been held at Magnuson Park, but restrictions this year on use of that site forced the sale back to the Arboretum.  This change of venue may have implications for local traffic, since this is the largest plant sale in the region and it attracts hundreds of people each year.  Attendees can not only see and buy plants but can talk plants with representatives of the many specialty nurseries and vendors who set up booths at FlorAbundance.

This is what the Arboretum Foundation has to say about the traffic situation: "It'll most likely be a tight squeeze, with shoppers parking and driving one-way along Arboretum Drive East, cars turning out onto Lake Washington Boulevard from the south end of the Drive, and (in some cases) shoppers looping back into the Arboretum for pick-up of large plant purchases."  So take note. The sale happens on Saturday, April 28, from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sunday, April 29, from 10 am to 2 pm.


520 closed again this weekend

This weekend construction crews will be setting 42 girders across 520 to support four different lids being built above the roadway on the Eastside, as well as installing drainage pipes and finishing demolition of the old Evergreen Point Road overpass. Mainline 520 and all connected ramps between Montlake Boulevard in Seattle and I-205 in Bellevue will be closed from Friday, 11 pm until Monday, 5 am. Information on the project is available here.


Calling all local artists

The dates and theme have been set for this year's Madison Park Art Walk. "A Walk in the Park" will kick-off Friday night, September 7th from 6-9 pm, and art will be on view in various neighborhood venues through September 30th. The deadline for artists to apply to be part of Art Walk is May 15. Application forms can be requested by emailing Barbara Clark (blclark007 at gmail.com) or phoning  Terry Short (206- 697-0555) or Heidi Randall (206-681-7261).


Chiropractic returns to the Park

It's been a couple of years since VanQuaetham Chiropractic moved out of the basement below what is now the KeyBank branch---and since that time there have been no chiropractors practicing in Madison Park (although there are certainly plenty of psychiatrists).  The space recently vacated by Spa del Lago (1929 43rd Avenue E.) is currently undergoing renovation, however, and later this spring NW Sports Rehab is planning to move in.  This will apparently be a second location for the group, which operates a clinic in Federal Way.

Meanwhile, there are rumors of what may soon be happening at the Ropa Bella space across the street. We'll let you know about that when the news is official.

[Photo courtesy of The University of Scranton Memorial Library, via Flickr.]

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A fun night in Madison Park

The opening of the Second Annual Madison Park Art Walk on Friday night was one of those occasions when everything just worked.  The weather was perfect, the art good-to-great, and the music infectious. Anyone experiencing the show, even the most curmudgeonly among us, would certainly have seconded the proposition that Madison Park is one fabulous village by the lake.

The kickoff for Art Walk was a packed reception at Starbucks.  The event brought out an array of neighborhood types, a good selection of out-of-the-area art lovers, and the occasional passerby who was swept in, wondering what all the excitement was about.  The venue seemed much more hopping than it did during the first Art Walk last year.  The attraction of the event may have been heightened by the fact that each of the participating artists was allowed to have one piece on display at Starbucks this year (those artworks, incidentally, will remain there through the end of the month). The wine and beer flowed freely--as did the art lovers, who proceeded from Starbucks to visit the 28 locations hosting artist installations. The tide began rolling at Ann Marie Lingerie, flowed down E. Madison Street, and washed ashore at Roppa Bella, around the corner on 43rd.  

The art of Brooke Westlund at Park Deli

There were multiple musicians performing during the evening, with Sambatuque making things festive at the triangle park in front of Bing's, where spontaneous dancing broke out and continued into the night.

But music was not the only lively thing during Art Walk.  The art itself was often interesting, diverse, and fun to see in unlikely settings.  

The art of Lene Sangster & Julia Waldeck at Cactus!

There are clearly a lot of talented and creative people living in the general vicinity. Approximately 30 artists from the Park and surrounding neighborhoods made the cut for this year's show.  In addition to the more established artists, grade-school artists (from McGilvra, St. Joseph, and Epiphany Schools), teen artists (including some from Coyote Central), and "resident" artists from Park Shore, also had their works on display at various venues.

The art of McGilvra's students at Red Wagon Toys

One of the best things about the evening was the ability to interact with the artists and learn about their art. Another positive aspect was seeing so many neighbors and friends enjoying the connection to community that Art Walk exemplifies.

Artists Margo Spellman and Barbara Ireland

We are unabashed fans of this sort of thing, so perhaps we're just prejudiced.  Nevertheless, we doubt that very many (if any) participants left Friday's Art Walk opening wishing they had done something else with their evening.

Art Walk, sponsored by the Madison Park Business Association, could not happen but for the dedicated work of volunteers and the generous contributions of the artists, individuals, and neighborhood businesses such as Key Bank. This year the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods also provided funding.

Art Walk continues through the end of the month, so you still have time to visit or revisit some impressive displays.  More details are available here.  All of the art, by the way, is for sale, with 100% of the proceeds going to the artists.

[Top photo: the art of Maria Root at Martha Harris Flowers & Gifts.  Photo of Margo Spellman and Barbara Ireland courtesy of Dick Lehman.]

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Art Walk begins tonight

Opening-night reception at Starbucks

Though Madison Park may suffer a dearth of art galleries (dearth, in this case, meaning zero), that doesn't mean we're a neighborhood where art and artists are under appreciated.  The lack of "proper" venues for art is simply not an impediment to a community that has shops, restaurants, salons, and offices in abundance.  It's now a tradition (assuming three years running can be so designated) that each summer Art comes to the Park, with a weeks-long art walk showcasing the works of local artists, sometimes on display in unlikely locations.  That's part of what makes it fun.

The tradition began with MadArt two years ago and was continued by the Madison Park Business Association with a successful Art Walk last year.  The summer-art idea has proven so popular, in fact, that there were more artists interested in participating in this year's event than there is space to show their works. The diverse art of more than two dozen artists will be on display during the Second Annual Madison Park Art Walk (September 9-30), the theme of which is "Life @ Elevation 46."  All of the artists are either from Madison Park or surrounding communities.

Those who've been reading this blog since inception are well aware that we're very big on art (MPB is an Art not Ads website).  But in the interests of full disclosure we should note (for those not already clued in) that the Madison Park Blogger is married to Madison Park artist Margo Spellman, who helped organize and is a participant in Art Walk again this year (that's her art above).  Shameless Plug Number Two: she has an art show upcoming in Manhattan next month, details available on her website (www.margospellman.com).

So where were we?  Oh yes, Party!!!  The opening night reception at Starbucks is always a lot of fun (or at least it was last year).  The wine begins flowing at 6 pm and continues until 9 pm (unless they run out). One piece by each Art Walk artist will be on display at Starbucks, and many if not most of the participating artists will be present.  After the reception, it's off to see the art scattered around "The Village."  Music will be provided by Sambatuque at the triangle park in front of Bing's, and there will also be music at other venues. Free ice cream will be provided by Bank of America at the bank's new park-bench installation by the BofA parking lot.

Here's some more art to whet your appetite:

Artist: Barbara Ireland

Artist: Brooke Westlund

Artist: Art Messer

We will, of course, cover this event in full.  But reading about it is hardly the same experience as coming on down, seeing the art in person, and meeting the artists.  If you must miss tonight's opening, you still have the rest of the month to experience the high-quality and diversity of our local art community.  It's an impressive bunch!

[Top photo: art by Malei Young.  The art shown here is representative of the artists' work but will not necessarily be on display as part of the 2011 Art Walk. Details of the artists and locations where their art will displayed is available here. Starbucks is located at 4000 E. Madison St.]

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September happenings

Art Walk returns next week

More than two dozen artists from Madison Park and its environs will be participating in this year's Madison Park Art Walk, which will open on Friday, September 9 and extend through the end of the month. This is the second year for the popular event, which last year drew hundreds of art lovers to the neighborhood to view the wide range of art on display in neighborhood shops, restaurants, and other businesses. This year almost thirty merchants are participating in Art Walk, which has been branded Life@Elevation46.

The event kicks off with a free-to-the-public opening-night reception at Starbucks (400 E. Madison St.) from 6 until 9 pm on the 9th, with most of the artists in attendance. Many of the artists who were popular last year are back for this year's event, displaying different works. They will be joined by some new artists as well, including William Ingham, whose art is shown above.  We will be covering this story in greater detail as we get closer to the actual event.

Madison Park Art Walk 2011 is presented by the Madison Park Business Association.

Other events in September

Yes, we know it's not a Madison Park event exactly (actually, not at all), but it is a lot of fun, involves some great food, and is really not that far away:  The St. Demetrios Greek Festival, which begins at noon on Friday, September 16 and extends through that Sunday.  The Greek Orthodox church is located at 2100 Boyer Avenue E. (Montlake), which is practically within walking distance.  Information is available here.

Also this month, Glow Natural Health Center in Madison Valley will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a big blowout on September 21 (details here), Pharmaca is presenting a "Women's Vitality Event" on Saturday, September 17 (details here), and The Arboretum and UW Botanic Gardens are sponsoring various events, including free guided walks on September 4 and 18, Park in the Dark on September 9, and Bioblitz on September 23 (details here).

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Art Walk makes its debut

Local artists take command

“Who knew that there was so much talent in our own neighborhood?” That was the reaction of one impressed attendee who made the rounds last night. With the weather cooperating and art lovers converging on the neighborhood from near and far (mostly near), Madison Park Art Walk 2010 got underway Saturday evening with a bang.

The event began with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception at Starbucks, which store manager Iaan Hughes estimates was attended by as many as 250 people (including, incidentally, Starbucks Chairman and Madison Park resident Howard Schultz). That attendance level, Hughes told me, is almost in line with the turnout for the MadArt kickoff event held at this time last year. What followed the reception was three hours of meandering around the neighborhood by art lovers (with wine glasses sometimes still in hand), checking out the 23 Art Walk venues up, down, and around E. Madison Street.

And there was some pretty impressive art on display too, including that of emerging artist Brooke Westlund (that’s her with her art at Park Deli below).

This is my very own resident artist, Margo Spellman, with her art (and my niece Rebecca on the left) at Starbucks:

The most controversial installation was certainly that of “graffiti artist” Robert Selke, whose work was on display at Madison House:

The artists presented by Art Walk were a mixed lot, full-time professionals sharing the spotlight with part-timers (“artists with day jobs”), amateurs, and more than a smattering of “hobbyists”. High-quality art was created by young and old artists alike, including many of the pieces presented by residents of Park Shore retirement community and much of the art displayed by students at the Bertschi, Bush, Epiphany and McGilvra Schools (that’s the truly excellent installation at The Children’s Shop by McGilvra Elementary’s students below).

And it was not all paintings. Ceramics, jewelry, photos, glasswork, and tiles were all part of the show (that’s glass artist Patricia Weyer’s work to the right below, which is on display in the windows of Pharmaca).

All in all it was a wonderful, balmy evening in the neighborhood as musicians played, artists explained, and art lovers enjoyed what was entirely a volunteer-produced event. If you missed the opening, you can still see the art, which is on display (and for sale) through September 30.

Art Walk is sponsored by The Madison Park Business Association. This, by the way, is proudly an "Art Not Ads" website.

[Top photo: the installation at Starbucks by Madison Park artist Isa D’Arleans. Bottom photo: the installation at Martha Harris Flowers & Gifts by Maria Root.]

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Madison Park Art Walk kicks off Saturday

Local artists to take center stage

It begins with a reception on Saturday and continues throughout the month of September at 23 different Madison Park businesses. It’s Madison Park Art Walk 2010, and the focus is principally on the art of talented Madison Parkers, though there will also be a few artists on show from a bit further afield—like Montlake, for example.

In all, more than 50 painters, jewelers, sculptors, ceramic artists and photographers will have their works on display as part of this first-of-its-kind neighborhood event. At venues from Anne Marie Lingerie to Maison Michel on the north side of Madison and from Tim Walsh Salon to Park Shore on the south side, the public will get to see a wide range of artistic expression. And, at least on opening night, there will be the opportunity to interact with the artists in person.

Among Art Walk’s participating artists is Brooke Westlund, whose abstract paintings will be on display at Park Deli (that’s one of her pieces shown above). Sculptor Else Cobb (that’s her work to the right) will be featured at Pharmaca, while artist Debra Thompson Harvey will have her art on display at Museum Quality Framing (that’s one of her oil pastels below).

In addition to the 18 artists who will have their works displayed individually, there are several venues at which the works of multiple artists will be on view. Madison Park Veterinary, for example, will display the work of several UW Natural Science Illustration Students, while Red Wagon Toys will showcase the art of students from the Bertschi and Epiphany Schools. McGilvra School artists, meanwhile, will be featured at The Children’s Shop and Bush Upper School artists will have their work in the windows of Madison Park Hardware. Also participating in Art Walk are the resident artists of Park Shore.

Some additional examples of the art that will be displayed during Art Walk are available on the lovely blog of my neighbor, Emily Heston. You can get her preview of the event at Splendid Market. Additional details about the participating artists and venues are available at Madison Park Art Walk’s official site.

All of the art in Art Walk will be for sale, with prices ranging from $30 to $6,800. A distinction between this year’s Art Walk and last year’s MadArt event is that 100% of the proceeds this year will go directly to the artists.

The kickoff reception is from 6 to 9 pm at Starbucks (4000 E. Madison St.), Saturday, September 11. [Full disclosure: my wife, Margo Spellman, is one of the artists participating in Art Walk, with her art on display at Starbucks.]

Madison Park Art Walk is presented by the Madison Park Business Association with the support of Key Bank, Starbucks, Madison Park Café, and www.dpixstudios.com. This is the art of watercolorist James Anderson, whose work will be on display at Tully’s:

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