Brenda Tipton, publisher of ArtGuide Northwest
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Hi and welcome to our Seattle Art Blog. Our Art Guide Northwest web site has thousands of readers, but since the print copy is published just twice a year, I've started this blog in order to publish daily, up-to-the-minute gallery, museum and antique news. If you are a gallery owner, feel free to send press releases for new shows along with jpeg files, and we'll put them up as space allows.
New openings this week
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
OBViouS, a five-artist show curated by Affiliate Curator Steven Michael Vroom, opens in the 911 Media Arts Gallery on Thursday May 15th with an opening reception from 6pm – 9pm. OBViouS is a sampler of different contemporary approaches to sculpture which have video as a common thread. The equivocal nature of the practice of making sculpture allows for the curator to "state the obvious". This group exhibition features works by Tina Aufiero, Casey Cahoy, Joseph Gray, Caroline Kapp, and Tony Weathers. The show runs from May 15th through June 30th

Autumn's Framing and Gallery, 537 Main Street in Edmonds, opens "Quirky Kitties, colored pencil works by Beth Wright creating a world of feline fantasy, on display May 14th through June 17th. Shown is Maggie and the Moon.

Catherine Person Gallery,  319 Third Ave South in Seattle,  is showing  ‘Higher Ground’, a solo exhibition by Northwest sculptor Gregory Glynn, who has exhibited widely in outdoor sculpture exhibitions in the Pacific Northwest, including the downtown park in Bellevue, in the San Juans and the Port Angeles Fine Art Center. In 2007, he received the Amy Award from the Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities Council and an Artist Trust Gap Grant. Glynn was tapped for the Outdoor Sculpture Invitational at Maryhill Museum in Goldendale WA, running May 10 toOct. 31, 2008. Higher Ground is his inaugural solo show. The opening reception is May 15 from 6-8pm, and the show closes June 28.

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Aline Smithson showing at Wall Space
Monday, 12 May 2008
Opening 13 May at Wall Space , 600 First Avenue, Suite 322 in Seattle, is "Shadows & Stains, "  the newest work from Aline Smithson, former Fashion Editor for Vogue Patterns Magazine in New York City. Smithson will be on hand to discuss her craft, techniques and vision at June’s Art Walk, 6 June from 6-8pm.The exhibit is up through June 28.
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Calendar of art events May 12-18
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Third Thursday
Tacoma Art Walk.  Tacoma's galleries, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum,
and the Washington State History Museum are open from 5-8pm.  All three
museums are free. Info line 253/272-4258.
 
Last Thursday
MIcrosoft Art Collection Tours.  Open to the public, free.  Please RSVP two
first come, first served.

Third Saturday
Everett Art Walk, 4-7pm.  Visit www.everettartwalk.org.
LaConner Art Walk, 4-8pm.

May 16-17
Driftwood Sculpture Show held at Country Village Courtyard Hall,
23714 Bothell-Everett Hwy. (Rte. 527, Bothell)  Visit http://www.northwestdriftwoodartists.org/. or call 425/821-9128.
 
May 16-18
Ellensburg 36th Annual National Art Show and Auction. Join artists, gallery
owners, and art collectors from across the nation.  Kittitas Valley Event Center,
Ellensburg, Fri.& Sat. 10am-10pm, Sun. 10am-3pm.  Preview April 4-May l4,
Clymer Museum.  Visit www.westernartassociation.org.
 
May 17
Pratt's 26th Annual Fine Art Auction "Under the Big Top". Pratt Fine Art Center,
8pm.  Opportunity to bid on several hundred beautiful works of glass, jewelry,
and sculpture.  Free Peak May 16, 6-9pm.  Visit www.pratt.org.
 
May 17-18
Annual University District Street Fair.  University Ave. between 41st &50th.

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Last Updated ( Monday, 12 May 2008 )
 
Steven Vroom podcasts art news from South Lake Union
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Hear all about it from Steven Vroom on Art Radio Seattle as he fills us in on all the national and international art news fit to podcast from the lovely studios of 911 Media Arts Center.  As for his weekly weathercast, Steven says it's muggy, overcast, but still warm. Ciao!
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 May 2008 )
 
BFA Exhibition at Cornish until May 20
Friday, 09 May 2008
Cornish College of the Arts, 1000 Lenora Street,  is showing the 2008 BFA Art & Design Exhibition on view until May 20.. Graduating seniors from the Art & Design departments each present a complete body of work reflecting their technical skills and artistic voice.
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Maps and historical prints at Fine Impressions
Friday, 09 May 2008
On exhibit at Fine Impressions Gallery, 8300 5th. Ave. NE in Seattle,  for the month of May is "Exploration: Maps and Historical Prints," an extensive collection of maps and historical prints, dating from 1603. Shown is Washington Territory, George Cram's color  engraving from 1887.


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Romans are leaving SAM after this weekend. Hurry on down!
Thursday, 08 May 2008
 
Heaven is Being a Memory to Others
Thursday, 08 May 2008
I just listened to  Jen Graves' fascinating podcast with Dario Robleto whose exhibition, "Heaven is Being a Memory to Others," is on view at the Frye Art Museum until August 10. In fact, I enjoyed listening to Robleto talk about his search for the little known Emma Frye, and the process of looking for her so much that I listened to the podcast twice. And that's a first! Do yourself  a favor and follow this link to the Stranger's web site and hear it for yourself. As soon as you can, hotfoot it down to the Frye to see this exhibit. Remember, the Frye, thanks to founders Charles and Emma Frye, is the only free museum in  town.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 May 2008 )
 
Openings on Second Thursday May 2008
Thursday, 08 May 2008

Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery's (127 Lake Street in Kirkland) new show is "Painters on Vacation" featuring new  works by Mike Smith and Pat Tolle. Shown is  Haiku Falls by Pat Tolle.

Howard/Mandville Gallery, 120 Park Lane in Kirkland, opens during the Kirkland Gallery Walk from 6-8pm with a solo exhibition of  new works by Joseph Larusso. Strongly influenced by the Italian masters, the show is on view until May 25. Shown at the left is his Waiting.

Patricia Rovzar's Kirkland gallery, 118 Central Way, opens for the Kirkland Gallery Walk with new encaustics by Tracey Adams. The show  will be up until June 9. Shown is Saccharina 13.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 May 2008 )
 
Sue Coccia at Gallery North for the month of May
Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Sue Coccia, strongly influenced by her Cherokee heritage, shows her work at Gallery North, 508  Main Street in Edmonds, for the month of May. Each work explores the mythos associated with totemic animals and their emotional human connection. The artist’s work can be found in collections at the University of Washington and The People for Puget Sound Holdings. A reception for the artist will be held at the gallery May 11 from 5-8pm. 
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Seeing the Light at the Bellevue Arts Museum
Tuesday, 06 May 2008
On view at the Bellevue Arts Museum until August 3 is "Dare alla Luce: by emerging Northwest artist Mandy Greer. Unveiled for the first time, Dare alla Luce will be Greer’s largest and most intricate artwork to date. The room-size installation is featured as part of a larger selection of works drawn from the artist’s last decade of activity. From Skin Tight (1999) to Small But Mighty Wandering Pearl (2006), this survey highlights the recurring themes of romantic love, eroticism, fetishism and motherhood in Greer’s sensual world of crocheted, beaded and stitched fairytales. Mandy Greer is a Seattle-based sculptor and mixed-media installation artist who has earned an MFA in ceramics from the University of Washington. Her work has been shown at the Tacoma Art Museum, Kirkland Arts Center, The Henry Art Gallery, 4Culture Gallery, Soil Gallery, and the Tampa Museum of Art, FL, among other locations. Photo detail by Richard Nicol.
 
First Saturday May 2008
Friday, 02 May 2008
Karlson Gray Gallery, 302 First Street in  downtown Langley on  Whidbey Island,opens for the Langley art walk with the work of Sylvia Chesley Smith, whowilldispllay her abstract paintings until May 31. Smith's work can also be seen at the Seattle Art Museum. Shown is Rain.

Rebecca V Gallery, 3010 6th. Avenue in Tacoma, is celebrating their first anniversary with an artist reception and party on May 3 from 6-9pm honoring artists Marcio Diaz, Marci Erspamer, Lindsey Johnson, Cheryl Rezendes, Kim Starr, EL Stewart, Mary Thompson, and more. Call 253.572.9111.

Waterworks Gallery,  315 Spring Street in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, opens their May show at a special reception on May 2 from 5:30-8pm. The show, featuring Caroline James' mixed media paintings and Matthew Gray Palmer's basalt and steel sculptures is up through May 25. Shown is Common Turn, Watchful Mother by James. .
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Rob Schouten Gallery opens On Whidbey Island
Friday, 02 May 2008
Rob Schouten Gallery, located in building C at the historic Greenbank Farm on Whidbey Island, officially opens this weekend. Besides exhibiting Schouten¹s work,  the gallery will focus on showing the work of established artists working in painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture, with a special emphasis on realism, magic realism, surrealism, and art of a spiritual and Earth loving nature. The inaugural exhibition will feature the work of artist/owner Rob Schouten and Pt. Angeles ceramic artist Gayle Lutchg. There will be a special opening reception from 6-9pm May 2.  For more information, call 3660.331.7099.
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First Friday May 2008
Friday, 02 May 2008
Bainbridge Arts and Crafts151 Winslow Way East on Bainbridge Island, opens for the Bainbridge Island First Friday Art Walk with baskets as woven sculpture. Also on view are the abstract paintings of Marilyn Bergstrom, and an amazing show of the work of elementary school children. The show is up until May 31.

Gasworks Gallery, 3815 4th. Avenue NE, invites all to their monthly mashed potatoes  party and art showing in conjunction with the Fremon Art Walk from 8-11pm.

Insights Gallery, 516 Commercial Avenue in Anacortes, "Springs in Action" for the Anacortes Gallery Walk with new works by Yvonne Buijs-Mancuso, Anne Schreivogl, Gordon Edberg, and Dianna Shyne. The show will  be up until May 31. Shown at the left is Buijs-Mancuso's Fido's Confusion.

Island Gallery, 100-106 Madison, on Bainbridge Island, opens for First Friday on Bainbridge with "Beasts of the Kiln," wood-fired ceramic critters by artists Eva Funderburgh and Ken Lundemo. Shown through May 31, the exhibit also includes "The Daily Drawings" of Greg MacDonald. The piece at the right is by Eva Funderburgh.

Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Avenue in Anacrotes, opens from 6-9pm for the Anacortes Gallery Walk  presenting new abstract acrylics by Clayton Rippey of Anacortes and ceramic stoneware by Orcas Island potter Vic Bracke. Also showing are new works in pastel and acrylic by Joel Brock, oils by Dederick Ward, Native American carvings by Kevin Paul, photography by Lewis Jones and mixed media by Renate Trapkowski. The show is on view until June 3.

Vermillion Gallery , 508 11th Ave, Seattle, introduces San Diego artist and author David Russell Talbott  who reveals dark secrets from Tinseltown's heyday in his upcoming illustrated book and paintings from the book, "HOLLYWOOD PULPCORE".  The artist will be present in a reception from 6-10pm. The show ends June 30.

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Last Updated ( Friday, 02 May 2008 )
 
First Thursday May 2008
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Davidson Contemporary, 310 S. Washington, opens on First Thursday with Kathleen Rabel in "Serial Structures, Etsuko Ichikawa with "Ephemeral Eternal," and Katrina Hudson in "Mechanical Repeat."  Rabel's work is in the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum, The British Museum, The Museum of Modern Art (N.Y.), the Seattle and Tacoma Art Museums and others. Shown at the left is Rabel's Catch.

On view until May 31 at Gallery 110, 110  S. Washington, are new works from Susan Arthur, Sarah Dillon,  Mistie Erickson, Joan Kimura, Gordon Nealy, Maylee Noah , Rosemary Powelson, Jason Sobottka ,Kate Sweeney,  Liz Tran , Paula Whelan , Ellen Wixted and Tomoko Yoshitake


Opening at Glasshouse Studio, 311 Occidental Avenue S., on First Thursday at a reception from 6-8pm are Edward Clark, who focuses on the ever present facsination with the human form in the history of humans themselves, and Robert Metcalf who uses a 12th century technique of stained glass painting, firing and glazing to create a fusion of old world technique with contemporary design. Shown at the right s a piece by Robert Metcalf.

La Familia Gallery, 117 Prefontain Place S., opens for First Thursday with a show featuring the work of Tom Albers in "A Walk In The Park, an Acknowledgement of Nature."

Lisa Harris Gallery, 1922 Pike Place, presents two exhibitions featuring nationally recognized artists who  combine photography and painting into their working process. "Looking for America," new works by Sherry Karver, and "Neon Suite," a collaborative effort by artists Peter deLory and Richard Morhous open at Lisa Harris Gallery Thursday, May 1 with a reception for the artists from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and continue through May 31. Shown at the right is Karver in her studio.

Northwest Fine Woodworking, 101 S. Jackson Street,  opens on First Thursday from 6-8pm with: “Live Edge,” showcasing fine studio furniture, hand crafted by artisans from the Northwest. “Live edge” refers to the raw, natural edge of a piece of wood, often including the bark of the tree, when kept intact in a finished piece of furniture.

Patricia Rovzar Gallery Seattle, 1225 Second Avenue,  opens  at a reception from 5-8pm  on First Thursday with Tyson Grumm in "The Folklore of Red Coral Island."  The exhibit is on view until June 2.Shown is The Red Loach-mo-tizer.

Punch Gallery, 119 Prefontaine Place S.,  opens on First Thursday from 5-8 pm with "Homegrown," a gathering of biologically rooted works by Renee Adams (Thorp, WA), Ariana Boussard-Reifel (New York, NY), Shannon Conroy (Seattle, WA), Misako Inaoka (San Francisco, CA), Kristina Lewis (San Francisco, CA), and Amber Stucke (Berkeley, CA). Extracting and manipulating elements of nature, combining organic with synthetic, each artist creates a distinctive, artificial reality.

Susan Woltz Gallery (formerly D’Adamo/Woltz Gallery), 307 Occidental Avenue S.,  exhibits the surrealist, interpretive oil paintings of Tom Gehrig.  The exhibit, “Transient Light,"  refers to various light phenomena taking place in the universe.  This can include short-lived events on the lunar surface, or simply the movement of fog rendering objects indistinct. On  view through May 31.

Opening at Marni Muir Gallery, 110 S. Washington, Vietnamese artist twin brothers Le Ngoc Thanh & Le Duc Hai from Hue, Vietnam have exhibited their paintings and performances in London, Paris, Rennes, St. Malo and Berlin. Thanh and Hai Thanh and Hai, who mainly paint on wood using lacquer, have also exhibited work at one of the major galleries in Vietnam, Apricot Gallery in Hanoi. They were also chosen as one of 58 artists out of a total of 1,000 worldwide to have their art displayed in the National Museum of Finland. The exhibit is on view through May 31.

On view until May 31 at RE Welch Gallery, 1214 First Avenue, "Power and Frailty" features Spanish sculpture Isabel Miramontes. Struck by a silhouette, a movement, a symbol, a thought, Miramontes translates the human pose with emotion.

Traver Gallery Seattle, 110 Union Street,  presents a solo show featuring new work by noted ceramic artist Jun Kaneko. The exhibition showcases a selection of Kaneko's signature Dango sculptures, named after a similarly shaped type of Japanese dumpling. Also included in the show are a variety of the artist's intensely graphic, abstract drawings and paintings. The exhibit is on view through June 1.


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Last Updated ( Thursday, 01 May 2008 )
 
New shows this week
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Lawrimore  Project, 831 Airport Way South, opens Thursday, April 24 with a reception  from 6-10pm previewing "Susan Robb- The Challenge Nature Provides."  On view until May 31, the show will include recent video, photographs and sculpture that continue Robb’s interrogation of the complicated relationship between culture, nature and the environment.

Patricia Cameron Gallery, 234 Dexter Avenue N., Seattle,  opens with  a reception April 23 from 5-8pm showing  Amanda Coleman's new paintings  on canvas and plexiglass. Coleman explores the cityscape, both the physical landscape of the city and the imprint city life has on its inhabitants, and the two aspects together to create artworks that show the geometry of the city with transparent recollections of urban life.
The show, "Time, Being," will be up through May 31. Shown at the left is From the Foundation.
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Tea, fashions and art April 19 at the State Capital Museum
Friday, 18 April 2008
The State Capital Museum in Olympia invites all to an afternoon tea and jewelry show, featuring artists from the south sound region.  The crafts and jewelry show include the work of notable artist Sara Steel and her line:  The Cirquetrie Collection, unique necklaces and bracelets, incorporating antique and rare beads from her travels around the world.   Also included in the jewelry display are pieces from the Jem collection of Seattle, and popular local artist Susan Gillett who will show the delicate pieces from her Rose of the Winds collection.

The show will also feature the work of local artist and educator Nora Walsh, who creates cutting edge hair ornaments and bracelets.  Native American master basket weaver Harvest Moon will display her finely woven pieces that range from small to medium size and are made at her local studio in Olympia.

The program starts at 11:00 AM with the artists on hand to discuss their designs.    Each artist displayed has a personal point of view and produces unique and original items.  The jewelry is suitable for formal affairs or an afternoon picnic. Tea and light refreshments are being donated by The Bread Peddler to support this event.

Harmony Vintage and Designer Clothing, formerly Harmony Market, will present a display of vintage clothing and accessories featuring women’s fashions of the 1920s and 1930s.  Some of the items on display will also be for sale. The historic Lord Mansion, home of the State Capital Museum, was built in 1923 and was the home of the wealthy Lord family.  The fashions and furnishings to be featured  are illustrative of the styles of the era of the mansion, and represent clothing Helen Lord may have worn as a young woman of early 20th century Olympia.  Look for additional antique items for sale at this event from local dealers.

The State Capital Museum is located in Olympia six blocks south of the Capitol Building at 211 21st Avenue South West in the historic Lord Mansion.  The State Capital Museum is a division of the Washington State Historical Society. The museum presents exhibits, programs, and events that bring to life the stories of Washington's history. For more information, please call the Washington State Capital Museum at 360-753-2580.
 
Show openings the week of April 14-20
Monday, 14 April 2008
In conjunction with the broadcast premiere of the documentary “Everett DuPen: Sculptor” on KCTS, Sisko Gallery, 3126 Elliott Ave., Seattle,  is showing “The Circle of Everett DuPen,” the work of DuPen alongside work of students and colleagues. See the works, the documentary, and meet the circle on April 15, 7:30-10:30. In DuPen’s nearly 40 years of teaching sculpture at the University of Washington, he had a major influence upon sculptors Phillip Levine, Ray Jensen, Philip McCracken, Georgia Gerber, Tom Jay and Paul Buckner. The documentary tells the story of the impact of DuPen’s life and the growth of an artistic reputation.  The show closes May 25.Shown is Dupen's The Reader.

Autumn's Framing & Gallery, 537 Main Street in Edmonds, is showing original watercolor paintings by  Patricia Taynton from April 16 until May 13. Taynton is a consultant for the Franklin Mint, has painted covers for the World Wildlife Fund, the Jacques Cousteau Society and the International Council  for Bird Preservation. Shown is Catamount in Cover.

Jacob Lawrence Gallery at the University of Washington presents their BFA show featuring the students of Ceramics and Photography.  This show will run from April 16th to May 3rd and be kicked off by an opening reception on April 15th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The Jacob Lawrence Gallery is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The gallery is located on the 1st floor of the School of Art Building on the University of Washington campus.  For direction call 206-685-1805.

Oasis Art Gallery, located at 3644 Wallingford Ave. N., in the Wallingford neighborhood, celebrates the installation of their newest exhibition, “Layers” with an artist’s reception on Friday, May 2nd from 6-9 pm with live music and refreshments. Available also at the reception will be the artists featured, who will discuss their artwork. “Layers,” is a diverse collection of art that includes sandscapes from Costa Rica, black & white photography, serigraphs, abstract oils, and images of rural Washington. The reception takes place The show is on view from April 19 - July 16. Shown is Tresspass by Ken Beedle.

 On view at the Broadway Market,  401 E. Broadway - 2nd floor, is a series of haystack paintings by local artist Aaron Crayne. The exhibit is on view through May 31.

Vermillion Gallery, 1508 11th Ave, Seattle, is featuring the work of Stacey Farrar in "Consumer Conquest." This particular body of work deals with consumerism and the aftermath of our product laden society.  Two foot tall kinetic sculptures made of latex, plastics, and electronics informally called "breathing piles", blow up and deflate in rhythmic motion. The whitish yellow latex is molded from consumer items such as light bulbs, stuffed animals, VHS tapes and phones. Also shown are intricate graphite drawings in a similar vein - with piles and piles of light bulbs and cassette tapes. The artist will be present at the reception April 19 from 1-6pm.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 12 May 2008 )
 
Preston Singletary at Museum of Glass
Friday, 04 April 2008

Preston Singletary to Visit the Hot Shop in April and May

April 5 – 6 and May 21 – 22

Also coming to the Hot Shop this spring is Preston Singletary. A member of the Tlingit tribe, his Native American heritage is inspiration for his unique sculptural art, combining two of the Northwest's most prominent artistic influences—traditional Native American designs and Studio Glass.

 
What's wrong with hiring local artists for the big stuff?
Saturday, 23 February 2008
On February 23, the Seattle Times' Mike Lindblom reported that Sound Transit has commissioned Mike Ross, a young Brooklyn artist,  to do a piece of "groundbreaking public art"  for the future Capitol Hill light-rail station. Ross is known for "Big Rig Jig," a big hit at the Burning Man Festival in Nevada last year. There are plenty of artists in this town who could have been chosen for this project. Why is it that we always think art from someplace else is superior to our own when it comes to the really big projects? Of the $550,000 art budget, $110,000 of it will go to Ross. It will be most interesting to see if any of the remaining amount goes to support our own art community. It wouldn't be charity; we have some talent in this area.
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Maestro glassblower Lino Tagliapietra
Friday, 22 February 2008
Writing for the Seattle Times, Gayle Clemans begins the article on Lino Tagliapietra by saying, "Lino Tagliapietra, the man who has been called 'the world's greatest living glass blower,' is, in person, simply charming and down to earth. In his light-filled office/shipping warehouse in Belltown, Tagliapietra (whom everyone seems to call Lino, pronounced "Leen-o")) talked about his life and career and his decidedly mixed feelings about the first major retrospective of his work, which opens tomorrow at The Museum of Glass in Tacoma." The show, "Lino Tagliapietra: In Retrospect. A Modern Renaissance in Italian Glass," is on view at the Museum of Glass from February 23 - August 24, 2008, before going on to venues throughout the country.

"Living Legacies: Homage to a Maestro," an accompanying exhibition that explores Tagliapietra's influence on three generations of glass artists, is on view at the Museum of Glass  from March 28-Sept. 7.

Traver Gallery Seattle , 110  Union Street, also  has a Tagliapietra show, Il Bianco e il Nero", a  large-scale exhibition showcasing his newest work, on view through March 30.
 
$163 million art theft in Zurich
Monday, 11 February 2008
The AP reported a $163 million art theft in Zurich, Switzerland on Sunday, February 10 from the E.G. Buehrle Collection, one of Europe's finest private museums for Impressionist and post-Impressionist art, Read all about it by clicking on this bolded link. For more information about the biggest art burglaries in the last 22 years, read this story in the International Herald Tribue
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Marni Muir opens new gallery in Pioneer Square
Tuesday, 05 February 2008
Well-known art dealer Marni Muir opens a new contemporary art gallery,  located at 112 S. Washington Street in Pioneer Square, in a reception featuring Curt Labitzke from 6-8pm on First Thursday. The exhibition called, "Passione:infinite e Eterno-,"  is on view until February 29. Call Marni Muir Gallery at 206.624.9336 for more information.
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Hotel devoted to glass art in Tacoma
Tuesday, 05 February 2008
So, where else is Lino Tagliapietra going to stay when he's in an exhibit at Museum of Glass Art? The Murano Hotel, formerly known as the Sheraton, is now undergoing a $22 million renovation, most of which, according to Howard Jacobs, CEO of owners Provenance Hotels, is going into art. Read all about it in an article in the Tacoma News Tribune.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 05 February 2008 )
 
Renoir exhibition at the Tacoma Art Museum until June 29
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Tacoma Art Museum presents a comprehensive collection of French impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s etchings and lithographs created during the last three decades of his life. Drawn from a local private collection, this body of work constitutes Renoir's entire known graphic works. The exhibition, which will remain on view through June 29, 2008, is anonymously loaned to the museum by a local collector only to Tacoma Art Museum. The exhibition includes all twenty-five etchings and thirty-five lithographs Renoir created during his lifetime, as well as multiple states of many images and is supplemented with a small selection of Renoir’s paintings, including Têtes de deux jeunes filles [also known as The Two Sisters], from Tacoma Art Museum's collection. Shown is Children Playing Ball [Enfants jouant à la balle], circa 1900. Color lithograph, edition of 200, 23 5/8 x 20 inches. Private Collection. Photo: Richard Nicol.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 23 January 2008 )
 
PONCHO announces artist of the year
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
PONCHO just announced Patti Warashina as the 2008 PONCHO Artist of the Year. A Washington native, ceramic sculptor Patti Warashina taught at the UW for 30 years. Patti has a long and respected resume in the arts. Her work is included in the collections of The Smithsonian, the Museum of Art and Design New York, The Mint Museum, The Los Angeles County Art Museum and Perth Cultural Center.
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Happy ending? in the art world
Saturday, 12 January 2008
Rosemary Maxwell made the mistake of trusting a so-called "friend" to sell her art collection and ended up with nothing after four years. Fortunately, Nancy Bartley, writing for the Seattle Times, is onto the case, so Ms. Maxwell's story just might have a happy ending. Read all about it by clicking the bolded link.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 January 2008 )
 
Henry names new director
Wednesday, 09 January 2008
In a press release today the Henry Art Gallery named Sylvia Wolf as the new director effective April 14, 2008. She succeeds Richard Andrews, whose 20-year tenure ends April 2008. Wolf has been with the Whitney Museum of American Art for eight years, as endowed chair and head of the department of photography from 1999 to 2004, and as adjunct curator since 2004.

“I am thrilled that Sylvia has accepted the position,” said Bill True, Co-Chair of the search committee. “With her extensive background in museum work and academia, she possesses both scholarly acumen and hands-on institutional experience. She’s a perfect match, both for Henry and the University of Washington.”

Wolf will be the eighth person in the Henry’s 80-year history to be named director.  From 1927 to 1968 the title of director was held ex officio by the chairman of the University’s School of Art.  During those years the directorship was held by Walter F. Isaacs (1927 – 1954), Boyer Gonzales (1954 – 1968), and Gervais Reed (1968).  Spencer Moseley (1968 – 1972) and LaMar Harrington (1972 -1975) served as assistant or associate directors until the Henry was separated administratively from the School of Art and became a stand-alone unit within the College of Arts and Sciences in 1975.  In the ensuing years there have been four directors:  Richard Grove (1975 -1978), Harvey West (1978 – 1986), Michael Komanecky (1986 - 1987), and Richard Andrews (1987 – 2008). Above photo: Ken Howard.


Last Updated ( Wednesday, 09 January 2008 )
 
John and Laurie Fairman open new contemporary art gallery
Tuesday, 04 December 2007
Drop City Gallery, the newest contemporary art gallery in Seattle, is the latest addition to the Honeychurch Antiques/Glenn Richards art family. The inaugural exhibition, "A Ben Waterman Project: Reckoning of Mile," opens on December 7 with a reception from 6-9 pm. and will be on view through January 26, 2008.   

Known for thirty years as one of the most prestigious Asian antique dealers in Seattle through Honeychurch Antiques and Glenn Richards, John and Laurie Fairman decided to open the new gallery as a way to share their passion for  contemporary art and community. Drop City, according to curator Emma Shultz, "offers a platform for inspired explorations in art, innovation, design, invention and thought."  The gallery is located in the lower level of the Glenn Richards building at 964 Denny Way, Seattle, WA 98109.
 
Ben Waterman is an emerging ceramic artist and sculptor from the Pacific Northwest who has studied ceramics extensively in Japan and across the US.  Waterman has exhibited throughout the Northwest in many group shows and "Reckoning of Mile" project at Drop City Gallery is his first solo exhibition.  The installation features 16,180 hand formed ceramic rail spikes, representing the number of railroad spikes in one mile. 
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 04 December 2007 )
 
Ellinger pleads not guilty
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
According to an article in today's on-line Seattle Times, "The former chief financial officer of the Bellevue Arts Museum pleaded not guilty today to charges that she embezzled $300,000 from the museum." Read the entire story by clicking on the link.
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Video works donated by Gary Hill
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
The Seattle Art Museum announced November 27 that Gary Hill has donated four of his early video works, Around & About (1980), Happenstance (par tone of many parts) (1982-83),  Why Do Things Get in a Muddle (Come on Petunia) (1984), and Incidence of Catastrophe (1987-88).  These are significant examples of Hill’s video and sound work and complement the two later works from the 1990s currently in SAM’s collection.

“Gary Hill is one of the pioneers of video art,” says Michael Darling, SAM’s Jon and Mary Shirley Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. “This incredible gift in honor of the museum’s 75th anniversary gives the museum greater depth in the area of video art and installation.”
 
Getty curator off the hook-- for now
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
According to a November 27 article in the  Los Angeles Times, "A Greek criminal court today dismissed charges against  former J. Paul Getty Museum curator Marion True for her role in the purchase of an illegally excavated golden funerary wreath." All is not over for Ms True, however, as Greece is still investigating a few antiquities found in True's vacation home, and Italy claims she bought looted antiquites in that country. Fortunately for True, the fabulously wealthy Getty is paying for her defense.

For those of you who have been following the case of Marion True, the Los Angeles Times has a detailed account of the Getty misfortunes starting with the investigation of former Chief Executive Barry Munitz by the California attorney general.
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Innersphere: Sculptural Works by Rik Allen Opens at EMP|SFM Nov. 17
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
On Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (EMP|SFM) will open Innersphere: Sculptural Works by Rik Allen. This exhibition of works by Washington artist Rik Allen features glass and metal sculpture inspired by his life-long fascination with technology and science fiction. Innersphere: Sculptural Works by Rik Allen is organized by EMP|SFM and runs through April 25, 2008 at EMP|SFM. Allen’s work is presented courtesy of the Traver Gallery Seattle.

On opening day, Saturday, Nov. 17—which is also Family Day at EMP|SFM—Rik Allen will present a lecture about his inspiration and techniques at 2 p.m. in the JBL Theater at EMP|SFM. In addition, local artist Toi Sennhauser will lead a rocketship-making workshop in SpinKids Station from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

.EMP|SFM is located on the Seattle Center campus at 325 5th Avenue North. First Thursday evening of each month from 5-8 p.m. admission to EMP|SFM is free. The next two dates are Dec. 6 and Jan. 3.

 
Henry Art Gallery Receives Gift of Warhol Photographs
Friday, 02 November 2007
Accoding to a Henry Art Gallery press release, "The Henry Art Gallery is among 183 college and university museums across the United States to receive a gift of approximately 150 Warhol Photographs from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Consisting of 28,543 original Warhol photographs valued in excess of $28 million, this unprecedented gift is made through the Andy Warhol Photographic Legacy Program, in honor of the Foundation’s twentieth anniversary.  According to Foundation President Joel Wachs, the aim of the Photographic Legacy Program is to provide greater access to Warhol’s artwork and process and to enable a wide range of communities from across the country to view and study this important yet relatively unknown body of Warhol’s work."

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October through April issue of Art Guide Northwest is now available
Thursday, 01 November 2007
The print edition of Art Guide Northwest, the only comprehensive directory to the visual arts in the Greater Puget Sound area, is now available in most galleries, museums, antique dealers, hotel concierges, King County Convention Bureau and many visitor information centers. Hundreds of galleries, museums, antiques, artists, and a six month calendar of art events and art walks are included. Be sure to read Matthew Kangas' article introducing you to the African art collection in the new Seattle Art Museum building, and, if you're a museum enthusiast (as I most certainly am), I've written an overview of the museum exhibits in Western Washington during the next six months.  You may also download the entire 9.4mb file right here. Enjoy!
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 01 November 2007 )
 
Love, Murder and Magic at the Whatcom until April 27
Saturday, 20 October 2007
"Love, Murder and Magic: Paintings by Todd Horton," opens October 20 at a reception from 7-9pm at the Whatcom Museum, located at 121 Prospect Street in Bellingham. Working with the themes of love (a narrative tale involving a bear and a crown), murder (the term used to describe a gathering of crows), and magic (the majesty of wildlife portrayed in large scale), Horton has created for this exhibition a series of new work that unites these three themes and further explores the interplay of animal life and its perception by humans.  “Throughout history animals have served many roles in relation to human societies: as food, trophies, totems, guides, sport, myth makers, creators, and destroyers of the world.” says Horton.  “I wanted to try and paint the unseen magic of the life force that seems to radiate from all these creatures.”
 
See Sasquatch in Olympia
Saturday, 06 October 2007
Grownups and children alike should enjoy a trip to Olympia for this exhibit. Opening October 6 and on view for the next year, Giants in the Mountains; The Search for Sasquatch, will be at the State Capital Museum, 211 21st Avenue SW in Olympia. Who or what is Sasquatch?  Why are sightings in Washington the highest in the nation? This exploration of the Sasquatch story focuses on the Pacific Northwest environment which has created a rich setting for the traditional beliefs that have grown up around this being.  Created especially for the exhibit is a full size mural of the legendary Dzoonokwa or Basket Women of the forests. Carved mask by renowned Native Artist Pete Peterson, Sr. and artwork by Sean Peterson are featured in the gallery.  Call 360-753-2580, or visit  the web at www.washingtonhistory.org for more information.
 
New native art gallery opens in Seattle
Friday, 10 August 2007
Seattle's newest gallery officially opens Friday, August 10 with a grand opening party and Native honoring ceremony from 6-9pm. Steinbrueck Native Gallery, located at the north end of the Pike Place Market, 2030 Western Avenue, represents some of the most recognized names in Northwest Native Art. Representatives from several area native tribes will be sharing their culture with visitors through song, music, and much more.  Presenters will include: David Boxley, Greg Colfax, George David, Wade Greene, Odin Lonning, and Shaun Peterson. Call for more information at 206-441-3821 or email
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Free Wi-Fi at Tacoma Art Museum
Thursday, 09 August 2007
Tacoma Art Museum now provides free Internet (WiFi) access, allowing museum visitors to access the Internet from the museum’s public spaces such as: Untitled Cafi, the Murray Family Event Space, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Art Resource Center, and the outdoor balcony. By becoming a WiFi Hotspot, Tacoma Art Museum has created a new means of integrating art and technology for community use.
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Tacoma Art Museum names new curator
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Tacoma Art Museum Director Stephanie A. Stebich has named Margaret Bullock Curator of Collections and Special Exhibitions.  She will begin her work at the museum this September.

Most recently, Bullock was curator and collections manager at the Harwood Museum of Art at the University of New Mexico in Taos, which preserves, collects, and exhibits historic and contemporary art and culture of the Taos region. Previously she worked at the Portland Art Museum, first as Curatorial Assistant in 1998, then Assistant Curator of American Art, and finally as Associate Curator of American Art in 2001.
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Bill and Ruth True talk to Jen Graves
Thursday, 12 July 2007
The one problem with this podcast is the sound of wind blowing around the microphone, which made it a little bit difficult to hear.  Otherwise, the Trues, Seattle collectors extrordinaire, are wonderfully open and honest about their collection, why they continue to buy art and why they enjoy sharing it in their private gallery, Western Bridge. Listen to the InVisible podcast at the Stranger web site
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 July 2007 )
 
Read Regina Hackett
Thursday, 07 June 2007
Click on the Seattle Post Intelligencer web site to read Regina's suggestions for good shows opening today and through the weekend. Also, try to check out her Art To Go Blog every week for her interesting and sometimes controversial discussions with art community insiders involving a wide range of topics. Regina is never dull and often wades in where others fear to tread.

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Eva Lake goes national
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Our very best wishes to Eva Lake, Portland artist and former host of Artstar Radio in Portland, who is branching out with a weekly podcast covering visual art in America produced by Voice America on the women's network . Eva's program can be heard every Wednesday beginning May 30 and will include interviews with artists, critics and other art writers, curators, collectors and other people who work in the art world. For a schedule of upcoming interviews, follow this bolded link.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 May 2007 )