Artfully Edmonds: A potpourri of wonderful event choices this week

Artist Beth Seacord chose a Halloween theme for one of her many INKtober entries. (Courtesy ARTspot)
Artist Beth Seacord chose a Halloween theme for one of her many INKtober entries. (Courtesy ARTspot)

Potpourri best describes this week’s arts posts. Wonderful events and exciting happenings that — when mixed together — create the colorful, vibrant arts environment that draws visitors and residents to Edmonds’ high-caliber venues.

The continuing news of the gala season, a spate of Halloween events and the launch of ECA’s new Saturday Matinee Series are all charted in this week’s column. Add Phoenix Theatre’s hilarious production, which continues for one more week while theatre patrons wait for the opening of Driftwood Players’ riveting production, Fahrenheit 451, and we have an Edmonds-Kind-Of-Events roster.

Probably somewhere in your neighborhood a family is constructing an exhibit for the Scarecrow Festival (SCF) – so in some ways – Edmonds’ art comes to you!

Bookmark this page and follow My Edmonds News for event updates by our columnists, reporters and the community – there’s a lot going on in Edmonds.

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This week Artfully Edmonds was drawn to the window display at ARTspot, 408 Main St., where artists participating in INKtober (a global challenge, organized locally by artist Tracy Felix) are showcasing their efforts.

Beth Seacord’s ink drawing of ghosts flying out of an (obviously) haunted house seemed a fitting way to give this week’s column a graphic starting point.

Edmonds businesswoman, Tracy Felix, chose this ink drawing for display in the ARTspot window this month.
Edmonds businesswoman Tracy Felix chose this ink drawing for display in the ARTspot window this month.

But nothing says “Halloween” like skulls, whether as a drawing of a candy skull or the more classically styled skull inked this past spring by Felix.

Coming up! An Interview with Chris Minor

Next week Artfully Edmonds will feature the Edmonds’ artist who uses his medium to laugh at death – Chris Minor. You’ll be surprised at his spirited replies to the questions we’ve brewed up.

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Suzanne Griscom is formally introduced to the Edmonds community this month. (Photo LinkedIn)
Suzanne Griscom is formally introduced to the Edmonds community this month. (Photo LinkedIn)

Spotlight on Suzanne Griscom

ARTspot’s newly named store manager, Suzanne Griscom, assists many Edmonds-area artists. If you are an artist who is participating in any of the ARTspot challenges, community arts events, or even working solo in your studio, Suzanne has probably helped you in your selection of supplies at some point over the past year.

Tracy Felix, co-owner of the art and crafts supply shop, says that Suzanne “took to the art store last year like a fish to water.”

Tracy continues, “Suzanne was recently promoted to store manager, which is such a gift for me. This is a complicated business, and her expertise has made such a positive difference in keeping all the details of ordering, inventory and class supply lists straight.”

Declaring her passion for helping artists hone their craft with the right tools, Suzanne said: “This is not merely a job; working at ARTspot is a vocation for me. I observed the activities of the store for a long time and visited often, waiting for the opportunity to be hired so that I could participate in all that goes on here.”

Tracy weighs in on the dual interview, “Suzanne often tells me that ARTspot is her ‘happy place.’ Her best strength is translating her love of the creative process into true support for the people coming in looking to put some art in their lives. She fully engages with people, and can do “art speak” all day long. . . which, actually. . . she does!”

Suzanne has a master’s degree in teaching and holds a certificate in copy editing and proofreading. Readers can chat with Suzanne next week at Art Stalk Edmonds! where she will be greeting Third Thursday celebrants and advising customers on their art supply needs.

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moon-over-buffalo-poster-11x17

Friday, Oct. 14 ~ 8 p.m.
Continuing through Oct. 30

 

Moon Over Buffalo
The Phoenix Theatre
9673 Firdale Ave.

Glowing reviews are coming in for the currently running production by The Phoenix – Moon Over Buffalo by playwright Ken Ludwig.

How good is Moon Over Buffalo? One opening night patron describes the production as “… the best show of all our years with The Phoenix/Edge of the World.”

“Screamingly funny” – is how we at My Edmonds News described the Eric Lewis-directed play. Our full review of Moon Over Buffalo is just a click away at this link.

Tickets for your party can be procured at this online ticket outlet.

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ECA Wizard of oz

Saturday, Oct. 15
10 a.m.
Edmonds Center for the Arts
410 4th Ave. N.

The Wizard of Oz
“Relaxed screening” Saturday Matinee

Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) launches its 2016/17 Saturday matinee season with a screening of the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz.

The event is presented as a “relaxed film experience”, and is encouraging an all-ages audience including multi-generational family groups.

The Wizard of Oz screening will begin with an opening performance by Barclay Shelton Dance Centre.

You know the story elements: Tornado, Kansas, Dorothy, Toto; then Oz, the Yellow Brick Road, the Scarecrow who believes he doesn’t have a heart, the cowardly lion, and the Tin Man who is convinced he doesn’t have a brain. And don’t forget the ruby red slippers, the wicked witch and the fairy godmother. Won’t it be fun to skip down memory lane with children and grandparents at this relaxed showing of a classic tale?

This presentation of The Wizard of Oz is part of ECA’s Dementia-Inclusive Series of community events, working in partnership with Elderwise. ECA staff has designed film events with accessibility a priority for people with memory loss. Audience members will be made aware that movie viewers may talk or get up to move about during the screening – and that’s just fine!

You haven’t been to one of the ECA’s Saturday matinees? This guide might help: Theatre house lights are left on low so the audience can see and move around, as necessary. All ages are welcome. In particular, the series presents an opportunity for families and friends of all ages to spend time in an intergenerational setting, and to connect over classic films.

Purchase tickets online at www.ec4arts.org, by phone at 425-275-9595, or in person at 410 4th Ave N. (Arts for Everyone tickets are available by phone or in-person only.)

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Celebrate the success of Olympic Ballet Theatre by attending the 2016 Gala
Celebrate the success of Olympic Ballet Theatre by attending the 2016 Gala

Saturday, Oct. 15
5:30 -9:30 pm

Beaux Arts Dinner & Auction
Olympic Ballet Theatre Gala

Lynnwood Convention Center
3711 196th St. S.W.

Saturday evening, Olympic Ballet Theatre will be hosting its annual gala titled, Beaux Arts Gala Dinner & Auction.  The community is invited to join the members of the ballet company for an elegant evening in support of Olympic Ballet’s new season.

Special guest speakers and presenters will include Kent Stowell and Francia Russell, the founding artistic directors of Pacific Northwest Ballet.

The gala will include fine wines and dining, with menu choices by executive chef Michael Felsentein; silent and live auctions, and preview performances of the upcoming season.

A wide variety of auction items include Seahawks tickets, an Angel of the Winds hotel stay and dinner, a balloon flight with Aerial Balloon Company, a four-day getaway to Camano Island, plus much more.

Ticket pricing for this event ranges from $85–$95 depending on menu choices.

To RSVP for the event call 425-774-7570 or email your ticket request to dance@olympicballet.com.

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If you loved the film-series showing of "West Side Story" -- extend the experience with your friends by seeing Rita Moreno in person on Oct. 15.
If you loved the film-series showing of “West Side Story” — extend the experience with your friends by seeing Rita Moreno in person on Oct. 15.

Sell Out Alert!
Saturday, Oct. 15
7:30 p.m.

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

Rita Moreno, who appears this Saturday night at ECA, holds the distinction of being one of only nine performers ever to win all four major artistic awards: the Oscar, the Emmy, the Grammy and the Tony. Possibly Moreno’s greatest achievement is the Academy Award win for her role as Anita in West Side Story.

Her performance is guaranteed to be a chart-buster and Edmonds is lucky that the ECA team had the vision to add her (and the cinematic showing of West Side Story last week) to their 2016-17 lineup.

This memory-making program will include Moreno’s personal selection of favorites from the American Songbook, Broadway classics (including West Side Story, Sunset Boulevard, Master Class), swing and jazz, selections from her new Spanish language album, Una Vez Más (produced by Emilio Estefan), and even rap!

Her career has spanned over 60 years of stage, film and television. Moreno was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in December 2007 was inducted into the California Hall of Fame. She was named the 50th recipient of SAG-AFTRA’s highest tribute—the SAG Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.

Tickets to An Evening of Rita Moreno are available online at www.ec4arts.org, through the ECA Box Office located at 410 Fourth Ave. N., or by calling 425-275-9595.

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Scarecrows are popping up all over town with the thanks going to the Edmonds Historical Museum.

Thursday, Oct. 20
5 p.m.

A New Halloween tradition to be unmasked at this month’s
Art Walk Edmonds (AWE)

To appropriately honor the spooky season, Art Walk Edmonds is partnering with Edmonds Museum’s Scarecrow Festival, in a one-night renaming of the popular art walk.

Art Stalk!” is what the two Edmonds organizations have officially dubbed this month’s art walk.

Locations for scarecrow that are exhibiting in the downtown area will appear on an “Art Stalk!” map for a special “primary vote” – totally separate from official Scarecrow Festival balloting.

This separate balloting will be conducted under the banner, “Best of the Art Stalk!”

Tracy Felix — one of the organizers of Art Stalk! — says, “Even though this ‘beauty contest’ is separate from official Scarecrow Festival voting, it is a wonderful opportunity for two Edmonds organizations to partner in a way that adds fun to both Art Walk Edmonds and Scarecrow Festival 2016.

Official six-vote balloting for Scarecrow Festival 2016 begins on Sunday, Oct. 23 at this website.

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MOMIX Opus Cactus will be performed at the ECA on Thursday, October 20.
MOMIX Opus Cactus will be performed at the ECA on Thursday, October 20.

Thursday, Oct. 20
7:30 p.m.
MOMIX Opus Cactus
Edmonds Center for the Arts
410 4th Ave. N.

Dynamic images of fire dancers, slithering lizards, cacti and visions of the American southwest landscape is what artistic director Moses Pendleton brings to life with his signature illusionistic style brought to the stage by dance illusionists, MOMIX. This performance troupe transports audiences to a fantastically colorful world through the use of illusion.

For 20 years, MOMIX has been celebrated for its ability to conjure up a world of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body.

MOMIX performs at The Long Theatre last year. (Courtesy The Long Theatre and MOMIX)
MOMIX performs at The Long Theatre last year. (Courtesy The Long Theatre and MOMIX)

Pendleton combines athletic dance, riveting music, outrageous costumes, and extraordinary talents to create a dazzling multimedia experience and spectacular blend of physical theatre, circus, athleticism, and comedy.

MOMIX Opus Cactus will be on Sell Out Alert! within the next few days. Tickets for this extraordinarily unconventional performance are available at ECA’s ticket outlets.

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The Edmonds community awaits a breathtaking production of "Fahrenheit 451" with Ted Jaquith directing.
The Edmonds community awaits a breathtaking production of “Fahrenheit 451” with Ted Jaquith directing.

Thursday, Oct. 20
8 p.m.

Fahrenheit 451
James Wade Theatre
950 Main St.

Driftwood Players open their 58th season with
an edge-of-your-seat production

This season Edmonds’ Driftwood Players (The Players) one of the oldest community theaters in Washington State will celebrate 58 years of entertainment.

On Thursday, October 20, following Art Walk Edmonds, The Players open their theatre season with playwright Ray Bradbury’s riveting Fahrenheit 451.

Throughout the 2016-17 season The Players will offer five main stage productions, four second-stage productions, two popular children’s summer programs, a playwrights’ series, and educational classes.

Tickets to see Fahrenheit 451 are available at this link.

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haunteddoorways_mini
Once again “Haunted Doorways” will creak open at Edmonds Community College Black Box Theatre (20310 68th Ave. W.) October 21-29. Additional information about this production can be found at the My Edmonds News “Events” tab.

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Kids!
Saturday, Oct. 22
All morning!

12th Annual Halloween Extravaganza

Pumpkin Carving ~ “Monster House” movie ~ Coloring Contest

Details regarding this event are available from Coldwell Banker Bain, 108 5th Ave. S.

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Grammy award winner Jim Lauderdale tributes Bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley in an upcoming ECA performance.
Grammy award winner Jim Lauderdale tributes Bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley in an upcoming ECA performance.

Saturday, Oct. 22
7:30 p.m.

Blue Grass Tribute!
Dr. Ralph Stanley’s Bluegrass
With Jim Lauderdale
Edmonds Center for the Arts
410 4th Ave. N.

This tribute to Dr. Ralph Stanley, who died earlier this year, honors the history and legacy of the Appalachian and bluegrass music that Dr. Ralph Stanley created.

Grammy Award-winning singer and master songwriter Jim Lauderdale headlines this show, performing with Dr. Stanley’s grandson Nathan Stanley.

Stanley’s music was featured in two blockbuster movies, “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” and “Lawless.” His chart hits include, Man of Constant Sorrow, Oh Death, Pretty Polly, Rank Stranger, Angel Band; among many other tunes.

Tickets for this festival seating event are available at the ECA ticket link.

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cascade-symphony-55-years-b

Monday, Oct. 24
7:30 p.m.

Cascade Symphony Orchestra
Opens its 55th Season
“With A Bit of Halloween”

Casting a spell over the audience with such mesmerizing orchestral pieces as Lehar’s Overture to The Merry Widow, Night on Bald Mountain (Mussorgsky); and with Yuka Sasaki performing the Liszt Piano Concerto No.. 1 in E flat major the Cascade Symphony Orchestra formally opens its 55th season. Music director Michael Miropolsky adds to the evening’s program Ravel’s Bolero and Danse Macabre, op. 4 by Saint-Saens.

Cascade Symphony Orchestra is on perennial Sell Out Alert!

However information on obtaining single and couple ticket options is available at this CSO link.

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Local author and My Edmonds News columnist Mike Scindler announces his new book.
Local author and My Edmonds News columnist Mike Schindler announces his new book.

 

Authors and Poets Podium

Saturday, Oct. 29
6:30 p.m.
U.S. Veterans in the Workforce
By Mike Schindler

A Book Release Party
Third Place Books
17171 Bothell Way N.E.
Lake Forest Park

Navy veteran, columnist, author and Edmonds’ resident Mike Schindler is inviting the community to his book release party for U.S. Veterans in the Workforce to be held on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Schindler, a columnist for My Edmonds News, is founder and CEO of Operation Military Family.

In his newly-released book, Schindler tells the stories of our returning heroes in a manner in which the public might gain a better understanding of the life experiences of vets and their families.

While addressing some of the hardships, Schindler also reveals another side of America’s heroes―the side that celebrates the triumphs and hirable qualities offered by our veterans.

From the book jacket

U.S. Veterans in the Workforce sheds light on the American heroes who come home to new heroic endeavors―the ones that make America worth fighting for.

Together we can change this conversation and let the world know that the solution to America’s challenges can be solved by deploying America’s Greatest Asset right in our own communities and companies.

For additional information regarding this book release party follow updates on Facebook at this link.

–- By Emily Hill

 12 Emily-2015Emily 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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