Artfully Edmonds: Congratulations on Driftwood Players’ 58th Season, Art Walk line-up and so much more!

 

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Congratulations are in order as Driftwood Players begins its 58th Season.

This week Artfully Edmonds offers its congratulations to the venerable stage troupe, Driftwood Players (The Players), which begins a fantastic 58th season this Friday.

Think about that for a moment – an Edmonds arts icon that was established in 1958. Dwight Eisenhower was President; at 14-year-old Bobby Fischer had won the United States Chess Championship; Elvis Presley was inducted into the Army; the Best Picture award went to The Bridge on the River Kwai – and so it went.

Mission statement

For many years now the Driftwood Players organization has gone forward with the mission statement, “We foster excellence in live theatre for the enrichment of our community and the benefit of future generations and is reflected in the many educators who have invested their time into the playhouse.” 

Speaking of the playhouse:

Maintaining the building that houses the troupe, its theatre classes, and out-of-town entertainers and stage equipment is an expensive undertaking. In recent years the roof has been both replaced and repaired. According to managing director Kim Smith, the theatre completed a successful funding campaign designated for the fly system – an appeal that was made last season.

Be forewarned, however: Do not gaze down at those ruby red slippers you are wearing at Wade James, as you just might see the strips of duct tape holding together the carpeting! The Players are currently engaged in a Power2Give campaign for new carpets. “Every contribution makes a difference – this one even more so, as donations are 50 percent matched by generous benefactors,” Smith explains.

From the Driftwood Players production, "Unraveling" a tale about the condition of the carpeting of Wade James theatre.
From the Driftwood Players production, “Unraveling” a tale about the condition of the carpeting of Wade James theatre.

Known for the most clever – and always funny – capital campaigns, The Players do not disappoint in this season’s YouTube appeal for the new carpeting.

Congratulations gift

Artfully Edmonds encourages you to do the click-click on the Power2Give campaign button and push this campaign forward as a congratulatory gift to the Driftwood Players.

Who are The Players? Driftwood Players are comprised of educators, musicians, psychologists, stylists, business people living in Snohomish County; all active in the Edmonds community.

Choosing to open their 2016-17 season with Wait Until Dark, a noir classic by Frederick Knott, is a stroke of genius by Driftwood Players. The psychological thriller has gone from stage to screen, with many successful spine-chilling adaptations.

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Wait Until Dark

Driftwood Players at
Wade James Theatre
950 Main St.

Friday, Sept. 16
8 p.m. Curtain

Classic theatric drama is how Driftwood Players is stacking the deck for the opening of their 58th Season. The much-anticipated Wait Until Dark by playwright Frederick Knott opens this Friday evening at 8 p.m.

“You don’t have to be ashamed. Everyone is frightened of something,” is a tease sure to chill the theatre as the lights dim and silence enfolds the audience. Ian Stewart, a local stage talent whose education and training has brought him to the steps of the Wade James Theatre, directs Wait Until Dark.

If you’re looking for villains, look no further than local thespians Thomas A. Glass, Will Lippman and Morgan Peeler as the production’s three bad guys (Carlino, Mike and Harry, not in order of appearance). Caroline Rensel plays “Susy Hendrix” who, though blind, must outwit the trio terrorizing her in her own home. Actor Jonathan Keyes plays “Sam Hendrix,” her husband.

Caroline Rensel stars as "Suzy" and Will Lippman plays one of her tormenters in "Wait Until Dark" (Courtesy TPS)
Caroline Rensel stars as “Susy” and Will Lippman plays one of her tormenters in “Wait Until Dark” (Courtesy TPS)

Twelve-year old ingénue Zoe Papadakis, of West Seattle, was selected by Ian Stewart to play the little girl from the upstairs apartment and landed the role after impressing the director with her Book It! Theatre experience — a theatre with which they both have an association.

This masterpiece classic will have an 11-performance run at Wade James Theatre. Tickets are available by calling 425.774.9600 or by visiting the theatre’s online box office at this link.

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Highlights this week:

Art Walk Edmonds 2016

Art Walk Edmonds (AWE)
Thursday, Sept. 15
5 p.m.

Surprise! Doesn’t it seem like 3rd Thursday came awfully fast this month? It’s here – and this is what we’ve learned as Artfully Edmonds has been out-and-about chatting with gallery owners, and listening to promotions’ coordinators about what this trendy arts’ event has in store for you:

Featured for September: Driftwood Modern

AWE’s featured artist of the month is Hannah Alex-Glasser, owner and art consultant of new-to-the-scene Driftwood Modern (610 5th Ave. S.)

Hannah’s store features authentic furnishings from the mid-century era and also showcases her own original clay pieces, plus paintings and sculptures of over 25 artists of the mid-century modern art period. The store/gallery was introduced to the Edmonds’ community in this business feature.

New gallery spaces added to Art Walk Edmonds this month, according to arts’ community source, Rachel Dobbins:

  • Conaty Consulting and Art to You, which will feature whimsically painted furniture by Leanne Conaty. Both businesses are located on the alley behind Arista Wine Cellars (between 4th and 5th Avenue South and Alder and Walnut Streets);
  • Canarino Gelato (203 5th S.), in keeping with its Italian theme, will showcase the work of Venetian plaster artisan Andrew Caple; and
  • Sound Styles (100 5th N.) will treat art walkers to the music of Alisa Moshinsky on piano.

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Art by Liz Tran, courtesy of ZINC Art + Objects.
Art by Liz Tran, courtesy of ZINC Art + Objects.

ZINC Art + Object
102 3rd Ave. S.

“ZINC Art + Object Gallery in Edmonds cordially invites you to the opening reception of Lightspeed – New Works by Liz Tran,” invites gallery owner and businesswoman Laura Zeck. “The exhibition examine Tran’s use of psychedelic visuals to explore the point were the inner-verse meets the outer-verse. The artist will be present to answer questions and discuss her process.”

ZINC Contemporary – sister space to the Edmonds gift gallery – is showing the work of artist Jacob Foran. Business reporter Janette Turner covers the Seattle space in this arts and business profile.

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An Art Walk Preview

Edmonds Historical Museum (118 5th Ave. N.) will stay open late for the art walk in preview of works by Edmonds Art Studio Tour artists. The EWHS Jazz Band will provide music for the open house.

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 Frances Anderson Center and
Edmonds Library
700 Main St.

Local watercolorist Alice Owen continues to show new work, as well as classics from her repertoire at Frances Anderson Center at the invitation of Edmonds Arts Festival.

The art of Barbara Newton (who specializes in pastels) is being featured at the Edmonds Library for this month’s art walk.

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tracy-felix-owner-suzanne-griscom-store-manager-with-elizabeth-bellmer-demonstrating-alcohol-inks
No welcome beats the one Art Walk Edmonds patrons will receive from the ARTspot team. Pictured here is co-owner Tracy Felix with Suzanne Griscom, store manager,and artist Elizabeth Bellmer. ARTspot’s demo trio will be demonstrating the pop, sizzle, and joy of alcohol inks from the store’s location at 408 Main St.

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Cage 3 in Blue by Sharon Grader, showing at
Cage 3 in Blue by Sharon Grader, showing at Edmonds Vision Center. Image courtesy of the artist.

 

Edmonds Vision Center
201 5th Ave. S.

Encaustics continues to be the rage and Edmonds Vision Center has selected the work of Sharon Grader to show through Oct. 19.

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Cascadia Art Museum (CAM)

190 Sunset #E

Featuring the exciting art, and amazing story of Peggy Strong (1912-1956) as well as notable northwest sculptors, CAM welcomes patrons of Art Walk Edmonds to its prestigious location on Edmonds waterfront. More about the current CAM exhibits are at this link.

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Kimberly Adams' work, showing at Cole Gallery will compel you to take a second look at finger painting. Image courtesy of Cole Gallery.
Kimberly Adams’ work, showing at Cole Gallery will compel you to take a second look at finger painting. Image courtesy of Cole Gallery.

Cole Gallery
107 5th Ave. S.

Kimberly Adams’ Seasons of Color exhibition is promised to reside at the cornerstone gallery until October’s art walk, Oct. 17.

Denise Cole, owner, says of Adams’ work, “As we approach one of the most beautiful times of the year, we celebrate autumn with Kimberly Adams’ luscious oil finger paintings!  Reminiscent of the Impressionists, with a definite contemporary twist, Kimberly illuminates the canvas with landscapes full of vibrant color depicting the Northwest’s  wondrous palette.”

Adams says of her work, “I wanted to bring the viewer in touch with nature and share my fascination with colors that are forever changing around us.”

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"Edit" by Elise Koncsek -- an outdoor exhibit presented by the Edmonds Arts Commission.
“Edit” by Elise Koncsek — an outdoor exhibit presented by the Edmonds Arts Commission.

Edmonds Arts Commission

“Edit”

Seattle artist Elise Koncsek’s temporary art installation, “Edit,” has been installed in time for this month’s art walk as part of the Edmonds Arts Commission On The Fence program.

Located at the Frances Anderson Center Field’s Main Street fence (between 6th and 7th Avenues) this interactive installation invites viewers to create stories from 23 individually mounted, brightly painted laser-cut wood panels containing a word or a phrase on both sides of each panel.

The viewer is invited to flip the panels to create a story, or change the current story, as well as play with color patterns of the panels. The overall effect is an exploration of permanence versus change, personal expression, color combinations, and the nature of language.

For more information about Elise Koncsek, go to https://koncsek.com. Information about the EAC On The Fence program is available at www.edmondsartscommission.org  or by calling 425-771-0228.

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Awwww... How can you possibly resist this year's "Edmonds Art Studio Tour"?
Awwww… How can you possibly resist this year’s “Edmonds Art Studio Tour”?

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

Art Studio Tour

Map link

Presented by the Edmonds Arts Festival

Over 20 Edmonds’ artists are extending a generous invitation for enthusiasts to come visit their studio spaces this weekend. Organizers could not ask for better weather for such a time-honored event!

Watch for Art Studio Tour directional signage to make your way to the artists currently putting Edmonds on the map.

Artfully Edmonds has received personal messages of invitation-to-the-public from David Vaneau, Andy Eccelshall, and the artists represented by ARTspot and Cole Galleries.

David Vaneau, who specializes in figurative bronze sculpture, will be welcoming visitors to his studio located at 725 Driftwood Lane.

Andy Eccleshall is showing at 904 6th Ave. S. In additional, Eccleshall holding a silent auction for the painting “Hope Floats” in aid of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (brittle bone disease).

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ECA's chic galas showcase Edmonds' sophistication and style -- year after year.
ECA’s chic galas showcase Edmonds’ sophistication and style — year after year.

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

Saturday, Sept. 24
5 p.m.

ECA 10th Anniversary Gala ~ This fast-approaching glittering event continues Edmonds’ gala season, coming in on the heels of Cascadia Art Museum’s 1st Anniversary Gala. My Edmonds News will be there to photograph the exciting gala highlights.

To purchase tickets, please contact Angela Neubauer, Development Manager at 425-275-9492 or angela@ec4arts.org.

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Thursday, Sept. 29
7:30 p.m.

Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers ~ It’s down to the wire if you have been stalling on grabbing tickets to the ECA’s season opener. Scattered around The House are 23 seats. We are at ‘last call’ for Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers. Artfully Edmonds recommends you finish our arts recommendations and then dash on over to the ECA online box office, or call the ECA at 425.275.9595 (a number you should have on speed dial at this point.)

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A jeweled event will ring in Cascade Symphony Orchestra's "Emerald Jubilee".
Cascade Symphony Orchestra’s “Emerald Jubilee”, to be held Oct. 9 will precede the opening of the classical music season slated for Oct. 24.

Cascade Symphony Orchestra (CSO)
Season begins Monday, Oct. 24
7:30 p.m.

For the past several years CSO has enjoyed performing to a full house. Although season tickets for this orchestra, led by the popular and engaging Michael Miropolsky, are currently on sale, single tickets to Cascade Symphony Orchestra performances are now being made available at this ticket link.

The CSO 2016-17 gala will be held on Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m.

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Phoenix jPeg

“Comedy without all the drama” 
The Phoenix
9673 Firdale Ave.

We will have to wait until Friday, Oct. 7 to see what the talented troupe from Firdale has to offer in their rendition of Moon Over Buffalo written by Ken Ludwig, and directed by Eric Lewis. Lewis — a longtime member of The Phoenix royalty – is best known to Artfully Edmonds for his creation of the ridiculous parody knock-off of Gilligan’s Island.

Artfully Edmonds and friends wouldn’t miss Moon Over Buffalo!

This house sold out quite handily all through 2015-16, so Artfully Edmonds suggests season tickets, and. . . Oh! You will also want to reserve your seat at the Nov. 2 gala. You want fun? This is the troupe that dishes generously! Ticket link to bookmark.

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Edmonds' event volunteer, Cynthia Andrews.
Edmonds’ event volunteer, Cynthia Andrews.

Leaving Town – Just for a bit?

Here are our suggestions:

Sept. 15-17
Tukwila

Emerald City Steppin’ Connection

and Steppinb.com

8th Annual

There are very few reasons to head out of town for the evening on such an “An Edmonds-Kind-Of” Weekend as is predicted; but as it so happens Edmonds’ volunteer and music scene enthusiast Cynthia Andrews is the emcee for Emerald City Steppin Connection. The high-profile dance competition takes place just east of Sea-Tac.

Cynthia tells My Edmonds News that she is very active in the Chicago Stepping (Chicago Steppin’) community, a dance style that dates back to the 70’s.

She explains, “Chicago Steppin’ is an African-American dance derived from the jitterbug and the bop. It is now bringing communities around the world together through its slow and sexy dance. Women are encouraged to wear dress and heels, and men are gentlemen, asking women to dance like in the olden days.

“We are starting a new series of classes in the Edmonds/Lynnwood area soon. Dancing does so much to keep people young and active; plus we’d like to add a new, exciting dance trend to the Snohomish County dance scene.”

If learning a new dance style, with a very social crowd, sounds like fun, Cynthia can be reached at Cynthia@livingitUpAfter50.com.

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Arts of the Terrace - an artful collaboration taking place in Mountlake Terrace.
Arts of the Terrace – an artful collaboration taking place in Mountlake Terrace.

Saturday, Sept. 24
Arts of the Terrace

38th Annual Exhibition

Arts of the Terrace, is an upcoming collaboration between the Mountlake Terrace Arts Commission, Friends of the Arts, and Friends of the Mountlake Terrace Library.

For its 38th annual festival, organizers “are joining the art forms of writing, reading, poetry, music and visual arts.” Organizers invite Edmonds-area art patrons to come to the festival between 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, “Enjoy the works of local poet Ann Batchelor Hursey, author of A Certain Hold; and also take in the music of the Puget Sound Folk Harp Society.

– By Emily Hill

14 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.

 

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