Seattle Press on Line - Ballard Art Walk Has Much to Offer

Ballard Bugle

Ballard Art Walk Has Much to Offer

By Jessica Davis

Dec 20, 2001 -- On the second Saturday of each month from 7 - 10 p.m., local businesses along NW Market Street, Leary Avenue NW, 24th Avenue NW and Ballard Avenue open their doors to the public at the Ballard Art Walk.

This December, many of the shops had holiday themes as shoppers drifted in and out looking for gift ideas.

Earthues offered gifts from the naturally dyed, hand-painted scarves, shawls, pillows and yarns of Michele Wipplinger to the hand-crafted soap sets created by Lauralee Carey. Camelion Design was filled with gifts for the holidays, including a collection of works by local artists, handmade ornaments, candles, soaps and furniture. Ballard Home Comforts featured Artist Sue Lahti as she personalized a selection of her hand-painted eggs from quail to goose. Even Santa made a visit to the popular shop.

The Plaid Dahlia featured Kristin West's eclectic portraits, studio shots and special emphasis on flowers. Art By Fire's Rich Whitfield gave glass blowing demonstrations at this studio. Some of his works were also on hand for purchase. The international La Tienda/Folk Art Gallery offered a selection of art by Matthew Pattin, from rustic trays and plaques to tiles and bowls.

Passersby could watch artist Walter Share in action as at Best Regards. His watercolors were also available in calendars, Christmas cards and matted prints at the store. Gallery 63 Eleven featured new works by Elizabeth Aurich.

For kitchen fans, food artists Kathy Casey and Cynthia Nimms signed copies of "Seattle Best Places Cookbook" at Whim. Tableau also offered its usual selection of kitchen items, frames and books as well as many other gifts and embellishments for the home that would make Martha Stewart jealous.

A group of salons also participated in the walk this month. At Zerene Salon, photographer Joe Moore shared a group of selected images. Habitude catered to kids with its display of children's art and refreshments as well as a visit from Santa. Trine studios (formerly Francisco Farrell) was clearly where the party was at, with a giant selection of hors d'oeuvres and dance music. Cynthia Miller's mixed media paintings were featured.

For photography lovers, Jay Dotson Photography/working Space Studios was selling made-to-order, hand-bound journals and sketchbooks by Lesley Feldman, Gregory West's pastels and watercolors and the surreal work of Mad Potter, Randy Sill. Annie's Affordable Art provided a gigantic selection of interesting prints, including Jerry Gay's award-winning photograph of Seattle firemen. Gay was on hand to sign his work.

Those craving a drink could stop by The People's Pub, which featured the photographs of Summer Boothe and Annette Newfarmer. The Sunset Tavern, another great place to drop by on a Saturday night, exhibited some provocative and erotic mixed media photography from Rebekah Schmidt's collection "The Five Senses." Grapes Wine Shop and Bistro was also a popular stop for art walkers to toast in the holidays as they enjoyed new works on oil by artist Allie Mitchell.

And, for those craving something to warm them up on a cold December night, local cafes offered a nice selection of beverages to hit the spot as well as art work. Mr. Spot's Chai House moved away from its traditional art of last month with the fractal inspired designs of Bryan Csiga. Starbucks Coffee displayed photographs by R. Phillips from "Recent Images: Portraits of Things." Penny Cafe and Art Gallery also offered a selection of works by local artists.

Their are also often shops open that aren't listed on the art walk schedule that are worth taking a look at. In addition to the 22 shops that officially participated in the art walk this moth, Lucca (with European imports from soaps to perfumes), The Palm Room (with a collection of exotic plants from palms to bonsai trees), Pillow Fetish (a store with not only pillows, but a good selection of bath salts and other gifts) and Bark (useful and fun items for both dogs and cats) offered a nice diversion. The four shops sit on Ballard Avenue, all within close walking distance from each other.

No matter what time of the year, the Ballard Art Walk is a great way to find the perfect gift and learn about the local community. The Second Saturday Art Walks are sponsored by the Ballard Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 784-9705.

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Preston	Jul 12, 2003	Seattle
No one wants to call those people on the phone and talk to a machine or talk to the people who have the over welming desire to be in charge of everything, no matter what. How about posting a list of participating places we can contact ourselves, and a brief how-To sign up, thanks.