Artfully Edmonds: Young thespians, cultural events, summer music heat up Edmonds

Two theatre companies, one summer of thrilling productions. Ballyhoo Theatre (L) in its sell out "The Kit Kat Club" and the Driftwood Players Teen Troupe of "Thoroughly Modern Millie".
Two theatre companies, one summer of thrilling productions. Ballyhoo Theatre (L) in its sell out “The Kit Kat Club” and the Driftwood Players Teen Troupe of “Thoroughly Modern Millie”.

Edmonds is fortunate to have in our midst theatre companies that engage and encourage young people’s interested in theatre arts – even through the summer.

Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace theatre groups committed to year-round  programs include Driftwood Players, with Teen Troupe; Ballyhoo Theatre and students from Meadowdale High School; Edmonds-Woodway High School, and Edmonds Heights K-12. Edmonds-area productions even draws students from schools well beyond our city limits.

The American Alliance for Theatre and Education states that “students involved in drama. . . outscored non-arts students on the 2005 SAT by an average of 65 points in the verbal component and 34 points in the math component” — citing better school attendance records and higher reading comprehension scores. It would seem that encouraging a student toward the stage is as good as enrolling them in summer school.

Committed to the inclusion and development of young people in theatre arts, the Driftwood Players theatre company has even developed a staff position for an education coordinator, Kathy Griffin.

Arts involvement at a very early age predominately forges a life-long interest in painting, music – and the theatre. Brian Epperson, who is currently coaching young thespians at Wade James Theatre for the Missoula Children’s Theatre program, says on his MCT duties that he is looking forward to a summer of helping kids discover the same world of theatre that has made such a positive impact in his life.

This year’s collaboration between children in the Edmonds School District, Driftwood Players Theatre, and the Missoula Children’s Theatre brings to the Wade James Theatre the Michael McGill production, Peter and Wendy – our first performance listing this week:

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Runs one day only! Saturday, August 6 is a big day for "Peter and Wendy" at the Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St.
Runs one day only! Saturday, Aug. 6 is a big day for “Peter and Wendy” at the Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St.

One day only!
Saturday, Aug. 6
3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. 

Peter and Wendy
Wade James Theatre
950 Main St.

Each summer, staff members of Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) heads out in their little red trucks to tour the theatre communities of western states. And each summer, for years now, they have pulled up in front of Driftwood Players’ home — the Wade James theatre.

When communities contact Missoula Children’s Theatre staff, the booking, routing, packing and “rolling out” toward small towns and big cities moves into high gear.

When you see this little red truck parked at Wade James Theatre you know Missoula Children's Theatre crew has arrived.
When you see this little red truck parked at Wade James Theatre you know Missoula Children’s Theatre crew has arrived.

This week, MCT tour actor/directors Kara Leonard and Brian Epperson have been onsite at the Wade James Theatre coaching Edmonds-area summer camp attendees of Driftwood’s summer camp as part of the Montana-based company’s mission this year to reach over 65,000 theatre-loving kid actors.

Summer Coach Kara Leonard

Before rolling into Edmonds for her Driftwood Players’ assignment, Kara Leonard received a bachelor of music in musical theatre from Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J. During her time at Rider, she was a member of the casts of Nine, The Full Monty, and Merrily We Roll Along.

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Summer Coach Brian Epperson

Brian Epperson is currently in the Professional Actor Training Program at Ohio University where he has performed in Much Ado About Nothing; Middletown; and will be seen in The Ladies Man this fall. He has acted in a dozen independent films produced near Athens, Ohio. He is working toward his MFA in acting.

Action!

When Captain Hook sends his right-hand man Smee on a quest to capture Peter Pan, it’s seemingly business as usual…at first. Little does Hook realize what fantastic adventures await him and his pirate posse in their search for the elusive Peter Pan.

Mistaken identities, ever-morphing clouds, a classy crocodile, some very lost boys, and a fickle shadow all add to the mayhem.

Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Darling (parents to Wendy and her brothers) embark on a quest in search of their three missing children, finding themselves trekking everywhere — from Hawaii to the North Pole.

With help from the earth-friendly Neverlanders, exotic Neverland creatures, and faithful Tinker Bell, the Darling children are found, disputes are ultimately resolved, and everyone finds a place where they truly belong – including Captain Hook.

You’ll want to get tickets for you and your children – or grandchildren at the online Driftwood box office.

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Wait?

You don’t have to wait until Sept. 16 to get your Driftwood Players 2016-17 season tickets. Celebrate the theatre’s 58th season by obtaining your tickets now at this link.

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What’s on the playbill for Concerts in the Park and on the Plaza this week?

Thursday, Aug. 4
5-6:30 p.m.

Concerts in the Plaza
Hazel Miller Plaza
5th Ave. S. at Maple St.

Fae Wiedenhoeft and her band SeaStar performs their authentic Celtic Folk Thursday on the plaza, blending traditional and modern melodies for a passionate and dramatic blend of music.

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Tribe Moye Awal is among the exciting performances that heat up Edmonds' summer scene.
Tribe Moye Awal is among the exciting performances that heat up Edmonds’ summer scene. 

Sunday, Aug. 7
3 p.m.

City Park
3rd Ave. S. at Howell St.

Centerpiece Jazz Band: Six horns (six!) plus a rhythm section create a hot mix of danceable music, featuring a blend of contemporary jazz, blues, Latin and fusion.

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Tuesday, Aug. 9
Noon
 Hazel Miller Plaza
5th Ave. S. at Maple St.

Bonnie Birch. A gifted, versatile musician with a great Northwest following.
Bonnie Birch. A gifted, versatile musician with a great Northwest following.

The Bonnie Birch Duo

Bonnie Birch is a well-known Northwest accordionist, performing a versatile repertoire of American, European Continental (French, Italian, etc), and classical music along with long-time musical partner Nick Heiting on guitar and vocals.

Hazel Miller Plaza is conveniently located in front of Cheesemonger’s Table and Canarino Gelato for the lunch and dinner crowd.

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Sat Aug 6 Afro Latino

 

Saturday, Aug. 6
12-7 p.m.

Free!
Afro Latino Festival
Meadowdale Playfields
16700 66th Ave. W., Lynnwood

The City of Lynnwood, which is doing a fine job of presenting free community events celebrating cultural variety and diversity in the arts, continues its mission by presenting Afro Latino Festival Lynnwood this weekend.

A full festival line up of local and traveling musicians and folklore dancers will showcase a spectrum of Afro-Latino culture, art and history through music and dance performances that include salsa, merengue and Reggae music in addition to Afro-Latino influenced Jazz and Fusion.

Learn Latin steps and pick up on the Afro-Latino beat!

Workshops on Afro-Latino music, dance and art will be presented by professional artists, attendees have a unique opportunity to explore and learn about Afro-Latino culture and history from some of its top performers.

For more information visit www.Facebook.com/afrolatinolynnwood/

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Ubuntu - Arts and culture from around the world.
Ubuntu – Arts and cultural insights from around the world.

Saturday, Aug. 20
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ubuntu | Multi-Cultural Arts Exposition
Edmonds Community College
Black Box Theatre at Mukilteo Hall

The Snohomish County NAACP will present Ubuntu, a multi-cultural arts exposition featuring visual arts, performances as well as focusing on health and wellness, financial literacy and access to higher education.

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Titled "Slide 6, 7, 8 and 11" this panel shows the intriguing process of art therapist, Darcy Marlow as she proceeds through the "Paint-Over Challenge".
Titled “Slide 6, 7, 8 and 11” this panel shows the intriguing process of art therapist, Darcy Marlow as she proceeds through the “Paint-Over Challenge”.

 

ARTspot Challenge Update
408 Main St.

It’s been almost two months since we’ve checked in with The Great ARTspot Paint-Over Challenge (Paint-Over Challenge). Renown for throwing down challenges that only inspire friendships, Tracy Felix and her compatriots in the challenge have advanced into fascinating territory over the past 63 days.

You’ll recall from our June “reveal” that the Paint-Over Challenge requires that enrolled artists successively paint (on a high-quality canvas provided by ARTspot) directly over their last painting efforts.

No Rules. No Fear.

Meant to compel artists to paint through a “stall out”, the finished canvases of the Paint-Over Challenge will each consist of 30 layers of renderings – building in color, texture, subject matter (or other inspiration) on the previous concept of the artist.

Felix has provided a Facebook page on which participants can catalogue their results. It’s a stunning, evocative display into the mind and method of each artist.

The Great ARTspot Paint-Over Challenge will be celebrated in the participating artist community with “The Great Reveal Party” on Wednesday, August 31 with invites going out to participating artists.

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Arts of the Terrace

Call for Artists 
Deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 30

Mountlake Terrace Arts Advisory Commission is seeking paintings, prints, drawings, miniatures, calligraphy, photographs, 3-Dimensional and Artisans’ works for its 38th annual juried art show, Arts of the Terrace.

Over $4,000 in prize money is available.

Deadline for entries is Aug. 30. To enter or to view the prospectus online, go to www.cityofmlt.com and search for Arts of the Terrace Prospectus or click on How do I . . . View . . . Arts of the Terrace Prospectus.

Arts of the Terrace is held Sept. 24 – Oct. 9, 2016.

More information on the Arts of the Terrace is available at www.cityofmlt.com, or by calling (425) 771-7068 or emailing rjjryan@yahoo.com.

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"Local Color" by Christine Forcucci. Courtesy Gallery North.
“Local Color” by Christine Forcucci. Courtesy Gallery North.

Every year Gallery North invites artists to submit their artwork to the annual Beauty of Northwest Exhibit. This juried invitational exhibit provides artists with the opportunity to present their uniquely creative interpretations of the splendor of our region. The seventh annual Beauty of the Northwest Exhibit opens August 1st at Gallery North and features 71 works of art by 45 Northwest artists. All artwork is available for purchase.

Artist and author, Theresa Goesling, co-owner/instructor of “Make Every Day a Painting” International Workshops and president of the Northwest Watercolor Society will jury the awards for the Beauty of the Northwest exhibit.  When selecting awards, Goesling says she “looks for originality and confidence with the medium of choice. Strong design skills and a color story strengthen a painting’s appeal. Excellence in pulling these elements together creates an award-winning work of art.”

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Marilyn Nadeau, one of ECA's original volunteers poses for a commemorative photo with director of patron services, Jim Kristian.
Marilyn Nadeau, one of ECA’s original volunteers poses for a commemorative photo with director of patron services, Jim Kristian.

Arts on the horizon

 

Wednesday, Aug. 31
Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
410 4th Ave. N.

 

Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) will be hosting their annual New Volunteer Open House on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 5:30 p.m..

ECA volunteers have the opportunity to share their skills and love of the arts as they connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. They do this in a fascinating environment while interacting with diverse groups of people, and knowing that they are helping to create unique experiences that will surprise, delight, entertain, and educate tens of thousands of patrons each year.

ECA provides all necessary training and no experience is required! It’s a great way to get involved in your community, make new friends, enjoy the arts and make a difference. You can support Edmonds Center for the Arts through ushering, concessions, box office, administration and special events.

Be a part of the ECA Experience!

If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact ECA’s Patron Services Manager, Jim Kristian at 425-275-9480 or jim@ec4arts.org for more information, or the volunteer office at volunteer@ec4arts.org.

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Coming Soon! The 2016 Edmonds Art Studio Tour - September 19
Coming Soon!
The 2016 Edmonds Art Studio Tour – September 17 and 18.

Save the Date!
Saturday/Sunday
Sept. 17 and 18
10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Edmonds Art Studio Tour 2016

Each year professional artists throughout Edmonds open their studio doors for Edmonds Art Studio Tour. In its 11th year the studio open house will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18.

This free, self-guided tour is a once-a-year opportunity to visit 19 private studios and two galleries displaying the work of 37 local artists in the greater Edmonds area.

One of the Seattle art scene’s most anticipated annual events, the Tour provides art patrons a chance to watch artists at work, discover their processes and purchase their handcrafted pieces.

The Tour also allows arts enthusiasts an opportunity to meet the artists and view their newest designs. Ellen Chappelle who will be greeting guests from Studio #7 on the tour, tells My Edmonds News that she, “will have a variety of handcrafted jewelry available – from wirework to chain maille, with fresh designs ranging from simple to diva-worthy! I’ll also have my Stardust Collection pet memorial pieces on display.”

Stardust Collection

This collection of memorial pendants and pieces provide perfect lasting comfort to those who have lost furry family members. This year Ellen has added fused glass ornaments to the Stardust collection.

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“You can talk to the artists about their inspiration and their process,” says painter Jennie de Mello e Souza, who enjoys chatting with Tour attendees about art. “I often learn things about my own art from these conversations,” she exclaimed. “I love to meet people in our community!”

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Sculptor and painter Pamela Mummy appreciates the wide range of art represented. “Because we have such variety in mediums, I think everyone should take the Tour,” she said. “I guarantee you will find an artist’s work that you will find stimulating.”

To preview the artists and their work, download a map of participating studios and galleries, and find links to each artist’s website go to EdmondsArtStudioTour.com.

– By Emily Hill

12. Emily-2015

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.

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