Artfully Edmonds: Achievements of local luminaries noted as fall calendar takes shape

Joe McIalwain, founding director takes a seat on the Western Arts Alliance at its September 1 meeting in Los Angeles this week.
Joe McIalwain, founding Edmonds Center of the Arts executive director, takes a seat on the Western Arts Alliance at its Sept. 1 meeting in Los Angeles this week.

 

This has been a week of accomplishment for two high-profile Edmonds arts notables: Joe McIalwain and Michael Miropolsky. We begin our arts and events column with news of their achievements and then move on to a calendar of very fun Edmonds-area events – for adults, teens and kids!

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Joe McIalwain, Executive Director of Edmonds Center for the Arts/Edmonds Public Facilities District has been elected to serve on the Board of the Western Arts Alliance (WAA), My Edmonds News learned from Edmonds City Councilmember Tom Mesaros on Tuesday.

Mesaros and McIalwain both sit on the Board of the Edmonds Public Facilities District, which oversees operation of Edmonds Center for the Arts.

McIalwain will serve a three-year term as director on the board following a vote at the Western Arts Alliance membership meeting held on Sept. 1 in Los Angeles.

According to the Western Arts Alliance, the responsibility of the board’s directors is to “advance the performing arts through innovative thinking and ground-breaking initiatives. WAA’s capacity to meet member needs now and in the future depends on sound governance and stewardship.”

McIalwain has served as founding executive director of the ECA for the past 10 years and is responsible for the ECA’s artistic programming, budgeting and financial management, among many other duties.

Before taking his position with the ECA, McIalwain served as development director for Kirkland Performance Center.

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Cascade Symphony musical director and conductor Michael Miropolsky's new book, "
Cascade Symphony Orchestra (CSO) musical director and conductor Michael Miropolsky’s new book, “Theme and Variations,” is available at all CSO events as well as by order at Edmonds Bookshop.

Michael Miropolsky, musical director and conductor of Edmonds’ Cascade Symphony Orchestra, and Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, announced to the music community this week that his memoir, Theme and Variations: My Life’s Journey, has been published.

Available for order from Edmonds Bookshop, Themes and Variations shares the story of Miropolsky’s amazing life’s journey. From his childhood growing up in Russia’s mountainous northeastern Kyrgyzstan to the revelations of how he came to study music in Moscow – a heartfelt story unfolds.

Arriving in New York in the tumultuous 1990s with his violin as one of his only possessions, Miropolsky has come to be recognized as an internationally acclaimed musician.

About the book:

Theme and Variations brings us from late 20th century USSR to America. Miropolsky colorfully describes meetings with extraordinary musicians of our time, both pre- and post-emigration. In addition to observations about the nature of music, orchestral life and the psychology of a musician, Miropolsky offers numerous comical moments from his life.

“More than 70 photographs accompany this picturesque story of one man’s evolution. The father of three adult children, Michael Miropolsky resides in Seattle, Washington, USA.”

Rick Steves’ Review:

Rick Steves, local travel guru and celebrity, says of Themes and Variations: “Imagine a small boy growing up in Kyrgyzstan, Russia, whose genius on the violin was his ticket to Moscow and the cultural elite of the USSR. Eventually he finds his way to the USA with little more than a violin in his possession, and becomes the Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, and the beloved conductor of the Cascade Symphony Orchestra. In his autobiography, Theme and Variations, Maestro Michael Miropolsky tells his story in an intimate and inspiring way.”

My Edmonds News and Artfully Edmonds extend congratulations to each of these gentlemen on their achievements.

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eca 2016 gala

 

Calendar of Events:
Saturday, Sept. 24
ECA Gala

Anticipation and excitement grow as the 2016-17 season’s premier gala draws near.

With John Curley as auctioneer; Maggie Peterson serving once more as auction chair, and Mike Meeks and Jack Loos as procurement co-chairs, what could be more fun?

Champagne! Laughter! An Edmonds Kind Of Community Building event.

Ticket opportunities are available by contacting Angela Neubauer, development manager, at 425-275-9492 or angela@ec4arts.org.

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Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
410 4th Ave. N.

Dr. John, one of New Orleans' music icons tours the Northwest, of course making time for ECA fans.
Dr. John, one of New Orleans’ music icons, tours the Northwest, of course making time for ECA fans.

Thursday, Sept. 29 ~ Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers
Six seats on the main floor – One dozen plus in the balcony.

Ticket link.

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Saturday, Oct. 8 ~ Dr. John brings New Orleans sound to Edmonds!
Seven seats on the main floor – Three dozen seats in the balcony.

Ticket link.

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Saturday, Oct. 15 ~ Rita Moreno graces Edmonds’ main stage with elegance paired with pipes. Oscar winner, Emmy recipient – and so much more will make this a memorable event.

Ticket link.

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Take a very close look. It's a rare occasion that patrons see the ever-popular Phoenix Theatre completely empty. Sell-Out Alert in order, so we suggest Season Tickets.
Take a very close look. It’s a rare occasion that patrons see the ever-popular Phoenix Theatre completely empty. Sell-Out Alert in order, so we suggest season tickets.

 

Sept. 10
8 p.m.
Phoenix Theatre
9673 Firdale Ave.

24-Hour Festival ~ A global phenom brought to Firdale!

Ready! Set! Go!

Artfully Edmonds can just hear the pencils being sharpened in the background, the stage-voices being tested, the directors clucking as they select their black French tams.

At 8 p.m. the night before, four playwrights will draw from a hat (a decorative sequined and very fashionable hat from the wardrobe of Melanie Calderwood) the plot on which they are to base their play.

Then, starting at the crack of dawn — 7 a.m. – the following morning, four directors well known to the community and a bevy of brave and zany actors will rehearse up to the moment of curtain call.

Come see what 25 people and LOTS of coffee can produce

Will they stay awake? Will they know their lines? Will the plots carry the day?

Let’s Raise the Cha-Ching for this popular little theatre!!

Tickets are “pay what you can” – by donation.

You may reserve your seats through the Phoenix Theatre website.

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MUKfest this weekend! And its a compliment that we're all invited!
MUKfest this weekend! And its a compliment that we’re all invited!

Friday-Sunday
Sept. 9-11
Begins at 3 p.m. on Friday

Mukilteo Light House Festival (MUKfest)
Mukilteo Lighthouse Park and
Rosehill Community Center (304 Lincoln Ave.)

This may be one of the last outdoor festivals of the season. Mukilteo, as our neighbors-to-the-north beckon Edmonds residents to MUKfest.

If an outdoor celebration in autumn doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps the historic Mukilteo lighthouse, live music at the beer garden and the “Avenue of Food” will.

Then, for added appeal, there’s the Teen Battle of the Bands, Saturday night beginning at 7 p.m. in the Rosehill Community Center; the “Market of Artists and Artisans” and – for kids – a playground of bounce house choices.

Kids

Can’t get enough ‘bounce house’ activity? MUKfest has you covered. But, wait, there’s more! Entertainers are being brought in for all three days and on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. the kids fishing derby begins at the two docks closest to Ivar’s. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

On Friday and Saturday Grand Finale Fireworks begin as evening sets in. Watch the skies for the aerial celebration from several Mukilteo vantage points. MUKfest organizers tell us, “Our Saturday Night Fireworks display is the largest in Snohomish County!”

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Friday, Sept. 16
4-9 p.m.
Triton Field

Lynnwood Today, our affiliate news source, features the details of the Edmonds Community College celebration commemorating its 50-year history.

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Friday, Sept. 16
8 p.m.

Wait Until Dark
Driftwood Players at
Wade James Theatre
950 Main St.

Celebrating its 58th Season!

Wait Until DarkDirector Ian Stewart opens the 58th Season of Driftwood Players with the riveting play by Frederick Knott, Wait Until Dark.

Synopsis:

Turning the tables on terror a blind woman must use her cunning to survive a break-in by criminals seeking the whereabouts of a heroin-filled doll. Betrayal and desperation at a fever-pitch as the Driftwood troupe showcases one of theatre’s classics.

For tickets to Driftwood’s season opener call 425-275-9595 or buy your tickets online at www.edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org.

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drumming-workshop-jpeg-high-rez

Saturday, Sept. 17
10 a.m.

Drumming Circle featuring the rhythms of Africa
Edmonds Lutheran Church
23525 84th Ave. W.

A drumming circle sponsored by the Edmonds Drum Circle, which meets monthly on the 3rd Saturday of the month (10-11   a.m.) is going though an expansion and invites the community to “Come study the magical hand drum rhythms of Africa,” says John Bumanglag, group leader.

Bumanglag studies under musician Bill Matthews of Fremont Drum, who for over 20 years has been teaching the rhythms of Haiti, Cuba, Ghana, Congo, Brazil, Liberia and Senegal.

“Whether you are a total beginner or a savvy veteran, Bill will help you make contact with the power and beauty found in the rhythms of Africa. Workshop is conducted in a relaxed, easy-to-learn environment.”

There is no charge to participate and drums are provided. All are welcome to attend.

To attend the drumming circle or learn more about this new music circle, contact John Bumanglag at jtbsfo@gmail.com or call 206-719-6449.

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"Hope Floats" an art work by Andy Eccleshall will be raffled at the artist's studio during Edmonds Art Studio Tour. Bidding for the oil on canvas begins at $350.
“Hope Floats” an art work by Andy Eccleshall will be auctioned at the artist’s studio during Edmonds Art Studio Tour. Bidding for the oil on canvas begins at $350.

Saturday/Sunday
Sept. 17/18
10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day

Edmonds Arts Studio Tour

Presented by the Edmonds Arts Festival this weekend finds 24 private art studies open to the public.

A rich tradition, over 40 artists invite visitors to view their process, ask questions away in the quiet of their workspace.

Andy Eccleshall   It was at the 2014 tour that Artfully Edmonds first met the renowned muralist and Edmonds artist Andy Eccleshall. Andy sends along this note regarding his aspirations for the 2016 Art Studio Tour (Studio #19 – 904 6th Ave. S.)

“At this year’s Edmonds Art Studio Tour I’ll be holding a silent auction for the painting “Hope Floats” in aid of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (brittle bone disease).

Brittle bone disease is a genetic disorder which causes multiple fractures and bone deformities. The O I Foundation works to raise awareness of the disease; helps to fund research and offers support to people living with the condition.

“Hope Floats” will go to the highest bidder at the end of the studio tour and all money raised will go the to OI Foundation. “Hope Floats” is 24 x 30 oil on canvas. The current bid is $350.

Andy can be reached at ajeccleshall@gmail.com for inquires about his project.

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9a Edmonds Arts Commission 2015

Young Adults!

The Edmonds Arts Commission (EAC) is seeking a student representative to serve on the commission. Students, age 16-25, who will be enrolled in high school or college-level classes during the 2015-2016 academic year and who live in Edmonds are eligible to apply.

Students with leadership qualities and with any level of experience or background in the visual, literary, and/or performing arts are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to be involved in the Edmonds arts community.

Responsibilities during the term include attending the monthly EAC meeting, scheduled the first Monday of every month at 6:00 pm in the Frances Anderson Center. Students will also be encouraged to report on local youth artistic events and activities and participate in projects as outlined by the EAC. Depending on the student’s interests and current EAC programming, other possible projects may include organizing quarterly exhibits for the McDevitt Youth Art Case in the Frances Anderson Center, supporting preparation for the annual Write on the Sound Conference and assisting with music programs.

A Certificate of Participation and a letter of recommendation will be given upon successful and satisfactory completion of the term. This can also be added as a civic affiliation on résumés and qualifies for volunteer or community service hours.

Please send application by Sept. 30, 5 p.m., to: Edmonds Arts Commission, 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020, leave it with front desk staff at the Frances Anderson Center, or email to frances.chapin@edmondswa.gov. The application is available to download on the Arts Commission website www.edmondsartscommission.org

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Artist Alexa Turner explains her methodology as Tracy Felix, co-owner of ARTspot (right forefront of frame) runs the projector at the finale-celebration of "The Great Paint-Over Challenge of 2016"
Artist Alexa Turner explains her methodology to artists and guests as Tracy Felix, co-owner of ARTspot (right forefront of frame) runs the projector at the finale-celebration of “The Great Paint-Over Challenge of 2016”

 

Ta Da! Another Tracy Felix initiative done well as “The Great Paint-Over Challenge of 2016” came to a close a week ago Sunday with a celebration buffet.

Sixteen of the 23 participating artists attending the posh Point Edmonds post-event party, offering their thoughts-on-process as each worked through their themes and moved on.

Each artist spoke of losing a good friend as their most-coveted stages of the Challenge were painted over for its next rendition; and being relieved to move on for those canvases that were not what the artist originally had in mind.

The stages – and final results – of this art-in-evolution are shown at this event Facebook page.

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seahawks

Call To Seahawk-Loving Artists!

A ‘Call-to-Artists’ has been put forth by Gayle Picken from her Facebook page.

Gayle, readers will recall, was the innovator and energy behind last spring’s “Unclad 2016: The Fine Art of the Figure” an art exhibit held at Edmonds Yacht Club which will enjoy a 2017 revival.

This time Gayle is putting together a Seahawks-themed event at a winery in Woodinville on Oct. 29. “I’m looking for artists who create art and gifts for ‘The 12s’ and who wish to have a table at the show.

Interested artists can contact Gayle at her email address: gayle@66events.com.

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The 1st Place winner in the residential category of last year's Scarecrow Festival.
1st Place Residential; Li’l Pumpkin and the Big Blood Moon; By: Maggie Stokes.

A harvest moon is rising over Edmonds according to Edmonds Historical Museum board member Dave Buelow, who announced the 4th Annual Scarecrow Festival at this week’s city council meeting.

My Edmonds News invites you to begin planning now for your family’s “Bwa-ha-ha!” or autumn-themed entry.

— 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 at myedmondsnews@gmail.com

 

  1. I’ve known Joe McIalwain since those days when he was at Kirkland and I was with the Lake Washington Inst. of Tech. and I greatly respect his ability to work inclusively with people to advance the arts. I may now be retired, but he is still definitely making his mark. Go, Joe!

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