By Ellen Chappelle

Have you ever wished that you could slip into an artist’s studio and see how his or her amazing creations are made? If so, you’re in luck! During the third weekend in September, 21 Edmonds artists are opening their doors and inviting us in – free of charge – to see where they work, what they create and, in some cases, show us how they do it.

Edmonds Art Studio Tour
The sixth annual Edmonds Art Studio Tour offers the perfect weekend staycation. Drive through some of the most scenic areas along the Sound, discovering new neighborhoods as you meet 42 artists in 21 working studios and galleries. Print a map from the Tour website and enjoy the self-guided treasure hunt at your own pace. You can also check in with the Tour artists on Facebook.

Along with finding some real gems, you’ll have the treat of meeting the fascinating people who fill our galleries, businesses and public places with their award-winning works.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll find:
-Fanciful ceramic sculptures created by a zany artist who went from drawing characters of people to creating quirky characters for home and garden
– Mixed-media works by artist-entrepreneurs who opened a Pioneer Square gallery; bringing several Edmonds artists’ works with them
– Spirit-filled wildlife abstracts by a family physician who left her practice to paint full-time
– Unique glass pieces by an artist who honors the creativity of local young artists by incorporating their designs in her work
– Jewelry inspired by an artist who is also a comedian
– Photography by artists who take you to faraway places — both above ground and under water
– Bronze figures inspired by a sculptor who volunteers in overseas missionary work
– Small landscapes by artists who have painted our downtown murals

The artists of Edmonds not only create beautiful things, they also add a lot to our community. Many of our local artists teach classes, volunteer in schools, donate art work to be auctioned off for charity and more. And as you visit their creative spaces, you just might discover some creative juices of your own!

Painter Sue Robertson was instrumental in starting the Edmonds Art Studio Tour. An active member of the Kirkland art community, she was acquainted with the artists who began the Kirkland Art Studio Tour. “Since I did not reside in Kirkland,” she said. “I was unable to participate that first year. This prompted me to consider starting a studio tour where I live, here in Edmonds.”

Robinson heard about a newly-formed Edmonds artists’ group called ArtistsConnect. “I decided to attend this group’s meetings with the ultimate goal of networking with local artists in pursuit of the dream of an Edmonds Art Studio Tour,” explained Robertson. “We formed a steering committee consisting of local artists, along with representatives of the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation Board and the Edmonds Arts Commission, both of whom served as consultants.”

Six years later, both ArtistsConnect and the Edmonds Art Studio Tour are still going strong, a testament to the commitment of local artists and the ongoing support of the community. Robertson welcomes that growth, saying, “It is our hope to continue to add participants to the Tour to provide our visitors the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of artists.”

This year during the Edmonds Art Studio Tour, you may notice the name Fraker/Scott Gallery showing up at many of the studio locations. Eleven of the artists they represent in their Pioneer Square gallery are also participating in this year’s Tour.

ArtistsConnect members Tracy Fraker and Lynn Scott co-own the Fraker/Scott Gallery, which they opened this past year. They are also integral members of the Edmonds art scene. Scott has curated the Art of Our Mothers art event at the Edmonds Center for the Arts for five years and coordinated the Edmonds Art Walk for a year. Fraker has shown her paintings at HouseWares for 10 years, taught classes at Cole Gallery and has an outdoor mural mounted on the side of the Edmonds Bookstore. She is also one of the founders of the Edmonds Studio Tour.

“We are bringing the wealth of artistic talent to the city (Seattle). We know where our roots are and that is Edmonds,” said Fraker. “It is the culmination of many years of art experience and ambition to show our work and the art of other artists we feel need to be seen.”

“That just happens to be Edmonds artists,” replied Scott. “There is a deep pool of talent in our hometown. We are showing painters, sculptors and jewelry artists from Edmonds.”

During this year’s Tour, Fraker and Scott are showing their work, along with that of two of their gallery artists, at Scott’s studio in the north Meadowdale area.

The Edmonds Art Studio Tour will take place Sept. 17-18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Tour is presented by the Edmonds Arts Festival and funded in part by the City of Edmonds Arts Commission Tourism Promotion Fund.

Previously Loved Art Sale
The sixth annual Previously Loved Art Sale will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at ArtWorks, 2nd and Dayton, in Edmonds.

This very popular event provides a great opportunity to find previously loved paintings, drawings, sculpture, art posters, crafts, art books, periodicals, art supplies, frames and more! Everything from blank canvases to high-end art will be available for sale at very reasonable prices.

Artists may donate art to the sale any time up to and including the day of the sale. Bring donations to ArtWorks any Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or call 425-774-6049 to make an appointment for drop off. Donations are tax deductible.

ArtWorks is a gathering place for artists offering classes, workshops and exhibit space and is supported by the Edmonds Arts Festival (EAF) and the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation (EAFF). The annual Edmonds Arts Festival held on Fathers Day weekend is the main support of the EAFF, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching the arts through the cultural and educational growth of our community. In addition to ArtWorks, the EAFF also supports community and educational grants, scholarships and the EAF Museum at the Frances Anderson Center in Edmonds.

Sculpture proposals requested
On July 8, the new Sound Transit Edmonds Station was dedicated, along with the Standing Wave sculpture by Gerard Tsutakawa. Standing Wave was originally installed at the SR 104 Mini Park in 2004, waiting for the completion of the new Sound Transit Station location, for which it was designed.

The Edmonds Arts Commission is now seeking proposals for another temporary sculpture exhibit to display in the Mini Park location. The Arts Commission plans to use this site to exhibit large sculptures on a temporary and rotating basis, each installation remaining for one to two years. The small landscaped Mini Park provides a prominent location visible to people waiting for the Edmonds-Kingston ferry. The area available for the installation is about 25 square feet.

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.