Seattle Art Blog - News, Discussion, and Events

Apr 26, 2007 When I went to the press preview for the new SAM building this morning, I kept thinking about kids. Every parent who wants their children to appreciate art and museums will feel totally comfortable bringing them to the new Seattle Art Museum downtown. To begin with, the kids will be absolutely enthralled by the spectacle of the white cars suspended from the ceiling at the First and Union entrance in the Brotman Forum. The  car exhibit, Inopportune: Stage One, 2004, Cai Guo-Qiang  (photo credit: © Richard Barnes) will make them think museums are fun places to visit.  In various  rooms adjacent to the  galleries upstairs are tables and chairs built for  small people along with  activities to keep  children busy and interested.  One of the  museum people I talked to this morning said they really want to make the children who visit  museum goers for life. Entertaining videos and computers further enhance the educational pleasure. Maybe it is the kid in me, but I love this new building and can't wait to go back for a more leisurely look, especially in the African and Contemporary galleries. 

Apr 24, 2007

Museum of Northwest Art in LaConner is offering free admission during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.  Currently on view through June 10 is Raiment, a figurative show, with the figure suggested, not fully delineated. Garment forms, from Asian, Egyptian and contemporary culture, to American handicraft, in many cases simply imply the presence of the figure beneath. The exhibition celebrates adornment and embellishment and features artists and media new to MoNA.

April 1 - 30
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. A must-see spectacular display of daffodils and tulips brings the picturesque valley alive along with art exhibits and a general celebration of all things beautiful. For maps and artists previews check www.tulipfestival.org or call 360/428-5959.

April 1-30
“Art in a Pickle Barn” in its 18th year is the longest running art show in the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. There are over 40 NW WA professional artists presenting Fine Art, Prints, Photography, and Cards at affordable prices.  Some of the artists in the show include: Rose Mary Tate – International Awarding Winning Oil & Watercolorist, Dixie Tamcke - Award Winning NW Oil & Watercolorist, Louise Magno - Published Photographer and new comer to Watercolor, Darlene Klister - Award Winning Watercolorist specializing in animals and nautical scenes, Josephine Heitzman – Published Award Winning Nature Photographer, & Joan Grout – Award Winning Published Watercolorist and Art Instructor.There will be daily demonstrations in the various mediums by the artist, Weekend Live Entertainment (Tony Magno the Trumpet Man & Polynesian Dancing by Jamie Decker), Kids Craft Table, and Muralist Phyllis Howard creating a mural throughout the show.  A portion of our Sales Commission funds the SAA Skagit Valley Community College Scholarship fund.   Admission and Parking Free! Handicap Accessible, Heated Building and Big Rig parking and turn around.  15379 State Route 536 (Memorial Hwy), Bldg B, Mount Vernon WA 98273, (360) 428-8576,

Apr 5, 2007 Dedicated to presenting the equine image in art, Noble Horse Gallery, located at 216 First Avenue  S., opens tonight with an artist's reception from 5-8pm featuring an exhibit by Kim McElroy. McElroy has won numerous awards including honors from: The Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Equine Art show; Academy of Equine Art in Kentucky; Horses in Motion show by Equine Images Magazine;  and Women Artists of the West.  Kim also was honored by presenting a portrait of his favorite Arabian stallion to President Ronald Reagan. Other celebrity collectors include Bo Derek, Gregg Rainwater & Kim Novak. Ms McElroy has also been featured in Inform Art Magazine, Art Trends Magazine, Art Horse Magazine as well as interviews on KOMO News and ESPN's Sports Look with Roy Firestone. Kim currently resides in Kingston. Pictured is Majesty. For more information, call 206.382.8566.