Artfully Edmonds: ‘Try something new’ is this week’s mantra

Four socialites meet over lunch in "Overtones" part of The Phoenix Theatre's upcoming "An Evening of One Acts". We guarantee that what goes on at the luncheon is anything but civil.
Four socialites meet over lunch in “Overtones,” part of The Phoenix Theatre’s upcoming “An Evening of One Acts”. We guarantee that what goes on at the luncheon will be anything but civil.

“Try something new,” is the Artfully Edmonds mantra this week, and we mean that literally. Try something new.

For all of the entertainment, arts and activities available to Edmonds-area residents, there is no better time than during this spectacular summer to push away from the screen – be it the computer screen or the television screen – and experience (maybe for the first time) something fresh and exciting that you haven’t tried before.

Don’t we tend to get into ruts around how we spend our evenings and weekends? That is not necessary if you live in Edmonds – or nearby. With concerts in the park, great summer stock productions, art galleries offering Saturday receptions and even wine walks, wouldn’t you agree that calling some friends and getting out, or visiting a venue you’ve never been to, might make great summer memories?

Over the summer months – and beyond – My Edmonds News will feature events and attractions that are taking place in neighboring communities – be an ambassador for Edmonds – and watch for our “Happening Nearby” listings.

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July 22-31

and 

Aug. 19-28

The Phoenix Theatre (Phoenix)
9673 Firdale Ave.
presents
An Evening of One Acts

 When The Phoenix Theatre rose from the ashes of The Edge of the World theatre company (which had an impressive 17-year run), it was determined that the new motto would be “comedy without all the drama.” Now at the mid-point of its seventh season, the intention of providing theatre-lovers with a space where their worries can be left at the door – if just for one evening – seems particularly timely this week as we look forward to opening night of “An Evening of One Acts.”

Try something new by attending a Phoenix Theatre production. The theatre is located in Edmonds' Firdale neighborhood.
Try something new by attending a Phoenix Theatre production. The theatre is located in Edmonds’ Firdale neighborhood.

The casts were announced this week for The Phoenix Theatre’s celebratory one-act series, which is scheduled over two consecutive weekends. The comedy troupe for this set of three, one-act plays are Jeannine Early, Susan Connors, Megan McKay, Debra Rich, Steve Heiret, Michael McFadden and Melanie Calderwood.

As mad-dash wardrobe changes take place backstage, these seven thespians will present:

Here We Are

by Dorothy Parker

Parker, who overcame a dark childhood to find success as a humorously clever playwright, wrote “Here We Are” for Cosmopolitan Magazine in 1931. A newlywed couple on their way to a promising honeymoon sets the stage for a production that takes place in the 1920s. Each suffers “unspoken anxiety about the wedding night.”

“Here We Are” has been described as “rapid fire” and “hilarious – pay attention!”

– – – 

I’m Herbert

by Robert Anderson

“I’m Herbert” is one segment of Anderson’s “You know I can’t hear you when the water’s running.” Anyone stepping lightly through a relationship can identify with that lament.

The stage lights come up on an elderly couple who are sitting on  their front porch. It becomes instantly clear that each has “suffered” previous marriages and “enjoyed” a few flings; however they are both (conveniently) memory-challenged and hazy when called upon to admit to the other their rendition of the past.

Was it Venice with George, or Chicago to attend first-wife Grace’s funeral? Revealing – for all concerned! –  a revealing one-act, filled with double entendres and witty lines.

– – –

Overtones

by Alice Gerstenberg

Four women meet over lunch to socialize and catch up with each other in the fashionable district of town. It all seems civil on the outset; but things are about to change as the audience is able to listen in on two of the women, who are both in love with the same man.

The audience is given the delicious joy of contrasting tidy little morsels of “Please pass the butter,” with what each of the two women would really like to be saying to their rival.

We’re sure it’s going to be hilarious.

Why not begin your night out with a dinner date. The very popular Caravan Kebab restaurant shares the parking lot with the theatre. A convenient, park-once evening.

At the theatre, wine and other beverages are available from the refreshment stand; plus with The Phoenix you get to choose which seat you’d like to sit in.

Call the Phoenix box office for tickets  – 206-533-2000 – or get your tickets through the theatre company’s online link, phoenixtheatreedmonds.org

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But that’s not all The Phoenix Theatre is offering. Mark your calendars!

2nd Annual 24-Hour Theatre Festival
Produced by Woody Lotts

Saturday, Sept. 10
8 p.m. – sharp!

It was so wild last year that The Phoenix Theatre has vowed to repeat it this year – The “2nd Annual 24-Hour Theatre Festival.” If you’re on board with the try something new concept, the “2nd Annual 24-Hour Theatre Festival” might just be the ticket.

Scene: Four teams, comprised of a playwright, one director and some combination of actors from a pool of 16 local talents will chug down six gallons of coffee (if last year is any measure) at four separate locations around Edmonds as they race to the finish line with four productions and “we” the audience fill the theatre at the 23-hour-and-30-minute mark. A race to the finish!

The Phoenix Theatre (and friends!) pulled it off last year – will they be able to turn their assignments in on time for a second year in a row as the 24-hour clock ticks by?

High-octane, limitless caffeine, non-stop fun and an historic challenge.

Come one, come all! Tickets are available (no pressure, actors) at The Phoenix Theatre box office.

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"Love's Labour's Lost" Photo courtesy of the Seattle Shakespeare Company.
“Love’s Labour’s Lost” Photo courtesy of the Seattle Shakespeare Company.

Sunday, June 17
3 p.m.
Free!
Sunday In the Park with Shakespeare

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– – –

City Park

3rd Avenue at Howell St.

“Love’s Labour’s Lost” will be presented by the Seattle Shakespeare Company/Wooden O Productions as this Sunday’s “Summer Concert Series”.

You remember “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” don’t you? “The King and his court vow to abstain from the company of women for three years, devoting their time to academics. The Princess of France and her ladies arrive for a visit just as the vows leave the men’s lips. It’s will against want and heart against head in this delightful summer romance.

For more information about Seattle Shakespeare/Wooden O Production, go to www.seattleshakespeare.org/shows/loves-labours-lost-2016/

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WOTS 2016

Monday, July 18
9 a.m.

WOTS Writers Conference registration opens this coming Monday. This select conference attracts attendees internationally with its rich assortment of workshops, high-caliber mentors, a prestigious writing contest and hands-on learning opportunities.

The conference is held at the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St.

Bookmark this event link, select your sessions and then register on Monday. Attendance is very limited for the number of writers who wish to attend so register as early as possible. WOTS events are held September 30, October 1-2.

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It's going to be fun! Try something new! Photo courtesy City of Edmonds.
It’s going to be fun! Try something new! Photo courtesy City of Edmonds.

Wednesday, July 20
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

 

Free Summer Fun!

Edmonds Sand Sculpting Contest

Marina Beach, 470 Admiral Way

Thank you Nama’s Candy Store for once again sponsoring this memory-making event!

Hundreds of sand sculpting specialists join this amateur contest each year. You’ll see mermaids, marine life, castles and crabs as teams (and ambitious sole-entry individuals) bring their creations to still life perfection.

The event will be held between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Two-and-a-half hours goes by pretty quickly as the tide ebbs and flows on the Edmonds waterfront.

Come down to Marina Beach, sign up at 10 a.m. and start sculpting!

Judging takes place at noon and awards are presented at 12:30 p.m. Bring your buckets and shovels! For more information call 425-771-0230.

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Edmonds Wine Walk 2016
Edmonds Wine Walk 2016

Saturday, July 23
5-8 p.m.

 

Edmonds Wine Walks are Back

Gather your friends for a worthy benefit/fund raiser for Art Walk Edmonds as Wine Walk opens for the summer season in downtown Edmonds.

The first of two Wine Walks, this wine and gallery event and benefit is titled, “Up the Hill” (“Down the Hill” is set for Aug. 27).

According to Cole Gallery owner Denise Cole, “Each Wine Walk will feature luscious local Washington wineries at 12 of your favorite downtown Edmonds business locations. Meet the local winemakers who will be pouring tastes of their handcrafted wines in various shops so you can enjoy shopping, sipping and socializing on a gorgeous summer evening. These award-winning boutique wineries will each have a couple options for our wine-loving public to taste and buy at 10 percent off the evening of the benefit.”

These two events are the sole fundraisers of the year for Art Walk Edmonds. Participation in the Edmonds Wine Walks will mean you are contributing toward a great cause and supporting the arts in our community. Tickets are limited at the revenue raised goes to support Art Walk Edmonds, the 3rd Thursday gallery walk that enjoys a tradition of 15 years.

Tickets (at $25 each) for 10, one-ounce tastes will be available for purchase at the Wine Walk check-in site, Cole Gallery (107 5th Ave. S.), and at Ombú Salon + Spa (550 Main. St.).

Registration is also possible at the event website: www.ArtWalkEdmonds.com

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Ignition Theatre is showcasing its summer stock students in the upcoming production of Jeckyll & Hyde: A Gothic Musical.
Ignition Theatre is showcasing its summer stock students in the upcoming production of Jeckyll & Hyde: A Gothic Musical.

Happening Nearby – Lynnwood/Bothell

Thursday-Saturday
July 28-30
7 p.m. – Sunday matinee 2 p.m.

Ignition Theatre Camp Performance
At Lynnwood High School
   Royal Act Theatre
18218 North Road, Bothell

 Jeckyll & Hyde: A Gothic Musical
Director: Morgan Heetbrink
Musical Director: Paul Linnes

Ignition Theatre summer campers studying drama and theatre are ready to show you their stuff after studying under theatre professional Morgan Heetbrink and her team.

On Thursday, July 28, the troupe will present to Edmonds/Lynnwood audiences “Jeckyll & Hyde: A Gothic Musical”. This would be a wonderful and exciting occasion to add to your calendar.

Make a date with the teenagers in your household and try something new by attending Ignition Theatre’s production.

From the Playbill: Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this dark, delicious and sweeping Gothic musical. And a more hauntingly beautiful score has probably never been written. The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life on stage in this musical phenomenon.”

For tickets, visit Ignition Theatre’s official website: https://www.ignitiontheater.com/#!jekyllandhyde/dkilv or call 206-234-5660

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Congratulations to Edmonds Center for the Arts on their 10th Anniversary.
Congratulations to Edmonds Center for the Arts on their 10th Anniversary.

July 30 – ECA Anniversary Celebration!

In celebration of Edmonds Center for the Arts’ 10th Anniversary Season, ECA is holding a free-of-charge “Birthday Bash” event on Saturday, July 30. The Birthday Bash is an all-ages, festival-style event, presented to the Edmonds community as a thank you for 10 years of incredible support and partnership.

2016-17 Season: Main Stage Performances

With more than 22 diverse and dynamic presented performances to choose from, ECA patrons will find an array of performances to look forward to – and the more shows they purchase, the more they save.

Saturday Matinees

ECA is expanding its program offerings to Saturday Matinees. Says Tina Stryker, ECA staff, “This year’s line-up will engage community members of all ages in diverse and exciting arts experiences, through theatre, music and film. Tickets to matinee performances are $10 per person. Discounts available.”

New!  a Film Cabaret

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 6, Edmonds Center for the Arts will present a Film Cabaret Series. The series will be comprised of Thursday night screenings of classic, contemporary and cult films, whose stunning cinematography and iconic musical scores were made to be experienced on the big screen. The screenings will be preceded by a cabaret-style happy hour on the ECA Stage. Tickets to Film Cabaret events are $15 (cabaret + film)/$10 (film only).

For more information on these exciting offerings visit www.ec4arts.org or call the ECA Box Office at 425-275-9595.

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Artworks 2016

Saturday, July 30
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

ArtWorks!
Artists Suitcase Sale
201 2nd Ave. S.

ArtWorks is holding a “Suitcase Sale” — when artists sell their art, art supplies or flea market items out of their own suitcase. Set up is a breeze! Think simple, think fun! Some artists ‘tart’ up their suitcase, some don’t.

It’s a simple opportunity to sell some art or other items and be a gypsy for half a day. 

Follow updates of the Artists Suitcase sale at this link.

~ ~ ~ ~

Summer studios are open so try something new — select a canvas, pick up a paint brush — and go for it.  Here are a few art class/technique learning opportunities and artists-in-action events  happening around Edmonds: 

Saturday, July 23
10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
 Cole Art Studio

“Country Blues – Finger Painting A Cloud-filled Sky and Landscape”
Instructor: Kimberly Adams

In this one-day workshop, you will be painting along with finger-painter Kimberly Adams, as she shows you step by step how to paint a beautiful countryside landscape with a blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds.

Perfect for beginners and anyone who has never painted with their fingers before, and a fun refresher for students who’ve been missing our finger-painting workshops. Cost: $125

https://coleartstudio.com/country-blues-finger-painting-a-cloud-filled-sky-with-kimberly-adams

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Sunday, July 24
10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
 Cole Art Studio

“Colorful Pastels: Animals, Birds & More”
Instructor: Janis Graves

Enjoy a day of painting your choice of animals (like cows, sheep, or dogs, for example) and birds (like Robins, vibrantly blue Steller’s Jays, and those knowing creatures we call crows).

Cost: $125

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Tracy Kay 4
There are hundreds of images representing the work of artists participating in the Challenge. This panel represents the work of artist Tracy Felix. Photos courtesy of the artist.

ArtSpot
Paint-Over Check-In

Now that the co-owner of ArtSpot, Tracy Felix, is back from her just-completed Paris trip; let’s check in with her and get an update on “The Great ArtSpot Paint-Over Challenge”.

This four-panel painting series is the work of Ms. Felix and is featured among the many entries on the Challenge Facebook page showing how a concept takes shape and grows in vibrancy, and depth.

This 30-day Challenge ends on Aug, 30. Updates on the Challenge by ArtSpot can be found at www.ArtSpotEdmonds.com.

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Many classes at the Edmonds Community College campus are geared toward the interests of the younger set. Courtesy EdCC.
Many classes at the Edmonds Community College campus are geared toward the interests of the younger set. Courtesy EdCC.

Edmonds Community College

Community Education

 – – – 

EdCC Minecraft Animators!
For Ages 8-11
Monday-Thursday, Aug. 1-4
9 a.m.-noon
Instructor Nicole Harris

– – –

EDCC Youth Art Camp
Thursday, July 14, from 10 a.m.-noon

Visual Journal Group /Karen Dawn

– – –   

EDCC Youth Art Camp
Monday, July 18, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
EDCC Watercolor Painting

For more information and a full roster of Edmonds Community College summer classes, go to this link.

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Shin Yu Pai has accepted an appearance at the City of Shoreline's arts unveiling later this month.
Shin Yu Pai has accepted an appearance at the City of Shoreline’s arts unveiling later this month.

Happening Nearby ~ Shoreline
Saturday, July 30
5-7:30 p.m.
Free!
Award-nominated poet reads
   for Mid-Summer Arts Eve

– – –  

City of Shoreline Gallery Space
17500 Midvale Ave. N. 

Shin Yu Pai, Seattle resident and 2014 Stranger Genius Award nominee, will present a reading of her work at the celebration of the City of Shoreline’s new public art installations.

Shin Yu Pai recently served as Poet Laureate for the City of Redmond. She is the author of eight books of poetry. Her work has appeared in publications throughout the U.S., Japan, China, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and Canada.

Regular gallery hours at Shoreline’s city hall are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tours may be arranged by calling David Francis, Public Art Coordinator, 206-801-2661; or dfrancis@shorelinewa.gov.

If this week’s column has inspired you to try something news, maybe a new art form, or attend a community event for the first time, we would like to hear from you. Please leave a message in the comments section and tell us of your Artfully Edmonds experience.

— By Emily Hill

Emily-2015-Bio-jPeg-for-News-150x150

Emily Hill is the author of two novels and a short story collection. Emily is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her here.

 

 

  1. WOW! Such an amazing array of artsy events. We are truly lucky to have Emily keeping us up-to-date about the wealth of art in our little corner of the PNW.

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