By Ellen Chappelle

If you haven’t visited Edmonds’ art galleries recently, now’s your chance to see something new! Fall is a great time to slip inside a warm gallery and reacquaint yourself with the local art scene. Inspiration abounds as artists display new wares.

Edmonds Community College Art Gallery is currently showing sculptural works by Oyster Bay-based artist Evan Blackwell. The exhibit, which is featured through Dec. 9, reflects the planning for and response to Blackwell’s metal sculpture, Metropolis, commissioned for the front of Meadowdale Hall on the college campus.

The recently renovated Meadowdale Hall houses the college’s Visual Arts, Construction Management, Energy Management and Visual Communications programs.
“My goal is to reinvent much of my surroundings both philosophically and physically in order to experience a more fulfilling life,” said Blackwell, who is represented by Foster/White Gallery in Seattle.

A dedication for the Metropolis sculpture will be held from 3-4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14 at Meadowdale Hall, followed by a reception for the artist from 4-6:30 p.m. in the Art Gallery on the third floor of Lynnwood Hall. Refreshments will be provided by the college’s Culinary Arts department.

The art gallery is open from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, and 1-5 p.m. on weekends. For directions to the campus, visit the campus map on college’s website.

Our friends at Cole Gallery have been busily rearranging their lovely showroom to incorporate more 3D artwork and art jewelry into their collection. One of their new artists creates sparkling blown glass seashells, inspired by the Salish Sea (the coastal waterways surrounding southern Vancouver Island and Puget Sound between Canada and the United States).

Other new artwork includes organically shaped crystalline porcelain pieces, exquisitely detailed clay sculpture, colorful handpainted pendants, beautiful lampworked glass beaded necklaces, sterling silver wireworked jewelry and fine silver cast pieces.

The Cole staff encourages you to “come on in to get a closer look and maybe even start tackling your Christmas list!”

One of the oldest cooperative art galleries in the United States, Edmonds’ own Gallery North is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month with an exhibition of work from past members. The exhibition will include several noted artists from throughout the Puget Sound area. An artists’ reception will be held Sunday, Oct. 9 from 1-4 p.m. Artists will also greet the public at the Edmonds Third Thursday Art Walk on Oct. 20 from 5-8 p.m.

Upstairs in the loft, you’ll find a beautiful photography collection by Jeff Harrison as well as mosaic artwork by new Gallery North artist Christy Rommel.

Becoming a member of Gallery North “was a life-changing experience,” says artist Shirley Palm, a member for 40 years. “I walked in a total stranger and have made friendships and connections that have lasted a lifetime.”

Gallery North has an active membership of 23 professional artists who keep the gallery running, promoting and selling the work of local artists in the heart of downtown Edmonds. The gallery also offers demonstrations and classes run by member artists as another way to foster art in the community.

Semantics Gallery is hosting the regional juried art show of the Seattle District Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the local group.
From the national organization’s website: “The Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA) was founded in 1990 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to artists over 18 years of age working with colored pencil. With about 1600 members worldwide and over 25 District Chapters in the US, CPSA provides opportunities for colored pencil artists to network. The Society is run by a Governing Board consisting of twelve artists and professionals who volunteer their service to ensure benefits to the membership and the future success of the organization.”

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.