Seattle Art Blog - News, Discussion, and Events

Jun 29, 2008 According to a June 27, 2008  article in Businessweek Magazine, "Washington remains one of the top states for artists to work." To read the article, follow the bolded link.

Jun 26, 2008 PONCHO'S Online Auction is now open and will run for 10 days until June 26th. Help support the arts organizations and arts education in our community by bidding on something fun! PONCHO’s Online Auction features items in technology, beauty & fashion, fabulous city experiences, fine art, nights on the town and arts experiences at some of our area’s best organizations!  Follow this bolded link to see the items being offered and make your bid.

Jun 24, 2008 From June 25 - September 7, Museum of Glass in Tacoma hosts the Sixth Annual Visiting Artist Summer Series featuring a different artist working in the Hot Shop each week. New this year, Museum visitors and glass enthusiasts can track all the action of the Summer Series from their computers.  The Museum of Glass website now features streaming video footage live from the Hot Shop Amphitheater, allowing visitors  to extend their Hot Shop experience—by either taking a sneak peek at what they might see before they arrive, or seeing what happens after their visit. Susan Warner, director of public programs commented,  “Our Summer Series artists are here for five days, and our visitors are often curious to see what they might be making on subsequent residency dates.  Now they can find out.” Viewing is available during regular Museum hours:  http://www.museumofglass.org/live-glassmaking/watch-the-hot-shop-live/.

Jun 23, 2008 Washington Women's Foundation awarded $100,000 to Artist Trust, the largest grant ever awarded to an arts organization in the 12-year history of the foundation. Carla Lewis, Washington Women's Foundation president, said of the award, "Our members have high regard and deep respect for the work Artist Trust does supporting individual artists and their ability to pursue their craft. Their work benefits us all by enriching our community with painting, poetry, sculpture and more. We are delighted to make a grant of $100,000 to Artist Trust."

Jun 14, 2008 I don't always have the time to listen to Jen Graves' podcasts over at the Stranger's web site but am almost always rewarded when I do. This morning was no exception with her latest as she interviews Stefano Catalani, Curator at the Bellevue Arts Museum. Catalani came here from Rome in 2001 and is definitely a star on the rise. Take the time to listen; you'll be glad you did.

Jun 12, 2008 Lawrimore Project, in conjunction with the University of Washington's Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media program, is featuring the works of 13 emerging artists  who investigate areas of convergence between technology and hybrid art forms. A special opening takes place on June 12 from 6-10pm at Lawrimore Project, 831 Airport Way S. The show runs through June 22.

Jun 10, 2008

Lino Tagliapietra is back in the Hot Shop at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma for one more 5-day Visiting Artist residency from June 11-15.  His exhibition, Lino Tagliapietra in Retrospect: A Modern Renaissance in Italian Glass, is on view until August 23. By the way, Matthew Kangas has written a great article in the current issue of Art Guide Northwest about Lino. Follow this link to read it.

Mandara, 2006, designed and made by Lino Tagliapietra. Blown glass with multiple incalmi, criss-crossed canes, Pilchuck’ 96 technique; cut 22" x 15" x 7". Courtesy of Lino Tagliapietra, Inc. Photo by Russell Johnson

Jun 7, 2008 Howard/Mandville Gallery, 120 Park Lane in Kirkland, celebrates 36 years in busines  with a special showing  from 6-8pm. On view through June 20, the anniversary show includes works from 44  artists represented by the gallery. Shown at the left is Taos Sky by Don Quade.

Karlson/Gray Gallery, 302 First Street in Langley on Whidbey Island,  says four  artists will join the topsy-turvy world of reverse glass painting in a show titled "Reverse Painted Glass Show."  Artist’s reception will be on Saturday, June 7 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, and the show runs through July 2. Whidbey Island artists Francy Blumhagen, Buffy Cribbs and Sandra Whiting will join Everett’s Cheri O’Brien at the show. Shown above and to the right is Francy Blumhagen’s Cat and Crow. 

Jun 2, 2008 After 15 blockbuster years, Seattle Art Museum Director Mimi Gates announced that she is retiring. Gates, who joined the museum in 1994, will remain in her position through the end of June 2009 to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. SAM’s Board of Trustees is in the process of forming a search committee to determine a successor for Gates. In addition, the Trustees announced today that she will be named Director Emeritus upon her departure in honor of her extraordinary accomplishments at SAM.

"Mimi has built an extraordinary legacy at the Seattle Art Museum," said Jon Shirley, Chairman of SAM’s Board of Trustees. "Her energy, passion and bold vision have led SAM through a period of unprecedented growth including the successful completion of the Olympic Sculpture Park and the expansion of SAM Downtown, as well as the development of plans for the renovation of her beloved Asian Art Museum. As we look ahead, we have the opportunity to celebrate and build on her incredible achievements that will sustain SAM for generations to come."