Artfully Edmonds: It’s an Edmonds kind of summer, bursting with art and music

"Still Waters Run Deep" by Bev Jozwiak at Cole Gallery.

By Ellen Chappelle

Ah summer! It’s the best time of year to live in Seattle – especially in Edmonds, where we are blessed with an up-close and personal view of the mountains, the Sound and an expanse of clear blue sky… most days!

With high season in full swing, there’s always something fun to do in our bustling little town. And since we don’t want you to miss anything artsy, here are a few upcoming events to enjoy.

Experience local art
Semantics Gallery is featuring the watercolor paintings of Jola Stephenson. A long-time Edmonds resident, Stephenson paints soft, soothing landscapes. “My inspiration for my painting comes to me as I walk along the beach, sail the islands and play in the mountains,” she says. Enjoy this lovely display at Semantics Gallery through July 21.

Gallery North celebrates the monoprint this month with Flat Art from the Press, showing the work of Bonnie AuBuchon and Mary Anderson. “Monoprinting,” according to our friends at the Gallery, “is a technique that has been used to make unique two-dimensional images for centuries. The process is much like printmaking, but only one image is created or subsequent prints are all unique as the artist reworks the master printing plate.” The artists will be at the gallery during this month’s Third Thursday Art Walk on July 21 from 5-8 p.m. and the show runs through July.

Jeanne Edwards is Cole Gallery’s First Glance artist for the month of July. Her impressionist oils burst onto the canvas with glowing light and color. Also being celebrated at Cole Gallery is July featured artist Bev Jozwiak. The acclaimed watercolorist’s soulful and whimsical watercolors balance the serious side of art with joy. Meet both painters at the artists’ reception on Saturday, July 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Stroll this month’s Third Thursday Art Walk throughout downtown Edmonds on July 21 and enjoy art displays and demonstrations from 30-40 artists, complete with live music and delectable tastings. The Art Walk is a festive community event that draws 500-600 art lovers each month.

The sixth annual ARTSplash kicks off during the Third Thursday Art Walk and continues through July 24. Art for sale by more than 40 local artists will include paintings, color and black-and-white photography, pottery and sculpture, fiber art, printmaking, fused glass creations, and precious metal, glass and beaded jewelry. The show will be held at ArtWorks at Second and Dayton.

Enjoy a performance
The Disney Channel’s smash hit musical comes to life on stage at the Wade James Theatre when Driftwood Players mount Disney’s High School Musical. Tickets are $15 if purchased in advance or $20 at the door. Buy five tickets and spend just $50! Performances are Friday and Saturday, July 15-16. Show times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Steve Stefanowicz will be performing on July 16 from 6-9 p.m. at American Brewing Company. “A favorite here at American Brewing Company, Steve always exceeds our expectations,” say the folks at ABC. “His rich vocals and amazing acoustic guitar skills make for one thoroughly enjoyable evening.”

The Phoenix Theatre in Firdale Village is now selling season subscriptions for its fourth season that will allow patrons to see six performances for only $92 – and every one of this year’s shows is purported to be a “side-splitting comedy.” Who couldn’t use a little belly laugh now and then?

Music is undoubtedly good for the soul. So is fresh air. And if you combine the two into the Edmonds Arts Commission’s outdoor summer concert series, you’ve got the best of both worlds.

Edmonds Arts Commission’s
2011 SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK
3 p.m. – Edmonds City Park, 3rd & Pine
Series Sponsors: Lynnwood Honda, Acura of Lynnwood

July 17  The Kellee Bradley Band, Folk/Pop

July 24  “The Comedy of Errors,” Seattle Shakespeare Company/Wooden O  
*1 3/4 hr performance

July 31  Reilly & Maloney, Folk

Aug 7   The 85th Street Big Band, Classic Big Band Music

Aug 14  The Diamond Experience, Neil Diamond Tribute Band

Aug 21  Peter Frothingham, Americana

Aug 28 Ranger and the Re-Arrangers, Instrumental Gypsy Jazz

All concerts are ADA accessible. 
In the event of rain, concerts will be cancelled at 2:30 p.m.

For more outdoor concerts, don’t forget the 29th annual Taste of Edmonds Aug. 12-14. In addition to food, arts and crafts booths, rides, a beer garden, and a wine garden, the event also boasts four entertainment stages with lots of music. Voted one of the Top 100 North American Festivals, the Taste of Edmonds offers something fun for everyone.

If you want to add to our list, feel free to leave information about other art-related summer events in the comments section.

With a background in theatre and journalism, Ellen Chappelle is perfectly poised to covers the local arts scene for My Edmonds News. She also keeps busy writing and editing for artists and small businesses, publishing an informational site for dog owners and creating handcrafted jewelry. Please keep her posted about all things artistic in Edmonds by emailing her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.

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