By Janette Turner

“I just knew there was a demand for it,” said Denise Cole in response to why she and Tracy Fraker are opening an art supply store in Edmonds. “There are no professional-grade art supply stores from Mount Vernon to the University District.” To fill the gap, Cole and Fraker are launching a new venture, ArtSpot, opening in June at 408 Main Street.

Over cupcakes and coffee recently at Red Petal Cakes, Cole and Fraker shared their vision for ArtSpot, which includes curated art supplies for professionals and students, workshops, fair pricing and — a first for Edmonds — an Art-o-Mat. The converted cigarette machine will dispense art made around the world. Once ArtSpot raises the $4,000 for the machine, local artists can get into the slipstream and fund scholarships for students who cannot afford ArtSpot workshops.

Cole and Fraker believe in supporting the art dreams of young people. “I used to draw and paint,” said Cole, adding that changed when her college professors taught her to discredit her traditional leanings. Finally, after 15 years sidetracked as a social worker, Cole picked up a pencil, fearing she would “suck.” She quickly realized her skill was intact. She began to study professional paintings and jumped into the Edmonds Art Festival and the festival circuit. At the Aria Studio with Joan Archer, Cole met Fraker, and the two bonded as fellow artists and business people.

Fraker recently spent two years as part of the Fraker/Scott Gallery in Seattle’s Pioneer Square with Lynn Scott. “I was going to take a year sabbatical,” said Fraker, “and create a body of work to take to New York City galleries.” But her mother told her that she needed to be back in Edmonds. “This is where my heart is,” said Fraker.

The ArtSpot opens in June and you can stop by the website in the meantime to check out their environmental, high-grade art supplies.

Other notable events around town include:

Ten + One Ladies Painting at the Library. The months of May and June will feature artwork by this local group of women artists. May artists are Beverly Shaw Starkovich, Pamela Harold, Helen Drummond, and Marilyn Webberly. June artists are Sue Gill Rose, Judith Heim, Cheryl Hufnagel, Delorse Lovelady, Victoria Galbraith, Joan Poor, and Jane Mayer. Pam Harold’s artwork is also featured at the Semantics Gallery.

“Xanadu,” opening May 4, Edmonds Heights K-12, directed by Shileah Corey, choreographed by Gabriel Corey and Indeah Thomaier, and conducted by Michael Corey and features a cast of 30 actors, ages 14-18.

Acting Basics class at ArtsNow starts May 6, taught by Buddy Todd.

Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) hold their Spring Jubliate on May 6, 3 p.m. at Aurora Nazarene Church. A featured auction item is the opportunity to conduct a piece at a Benaroya Concert in November.

Egg Tempera Painting class at ArtsNow starts May 7, taught by Jon Jarvis.

Driftwood Players’ Alternative Stages presents “Cyrano de Bergerac ,” opening May 10; directed by Greg LoProto.
Arts reporter Janette Turner is your guide to local culture.  In addition to covering visual, performing and literary events for MyEdmondsNews, Janette is managing director of EPIC Literary Series and a member of the Swedish Hospital Art Committee.