By Janette Turner

Third Thursday Art Walk kicks off with the grand opening of Embellished, starting at 4 p.m. Food, wine, beer and soda are promised, along with a ribbon-cutting by Mayor Dave Earling at 4:30 p.m. Expect a crowd for this anticipated opening. To keep the party going, enjoy complimentary wine tasting, 5-8 p.m., at Arista while viewing artist Derek Gundy’s watercolors combining boats and vino. Just make sure you stay afloat long enough to continue your tour of downtown Edmonds galleries and boutiques.

Get in on the cosmic joke at Interiors of Edmonds, which hosts the work of artist Frank Renlie. As a freelance illustrator, Renlie has worked for ad agencies, businesses and publications around the world, and promises artwork with a splash of humor.

Why limit yourself to a two-dimensional canvas when you can create clothing? That’s the medium tackled by textile artist Pam Wells, now featured at Manya Vee Selects. Wells dyes and embellishes fabrics, which are turned into socks, wraps, scarves and pillows. Too bad the crepe paper outfit she wears in the 1955 photo is probably long gone. https://manyaveeselects.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-wearable-art-of-pam-wells.html

Handmade journals at Edmonds Bookshop

The creativity continues at the Edmonds Bookshop with hand-crafted journals by featured artists Diane Thierry and Viktor Grabner, of Watermark Bindery. Visit with the artists from 5-8 p.m. at the bookshop, and enjoy light snacks and beverages.

If you like music with your art, check out Edmonds Community College alumna Ashley Webster’s swingin’ jazz combo, The Jazz Pearls, 5-8 p.m., at the Edmonds Conference Center. Enjoy her big band sounds as you view photographs by Jacob Smithers at the ArtsNow/uLearn EdCC gallery. Free refreshments.

The Frances Anderson Center features the paintings of Kathleen Cavender. The artist’s blog provides this quote: “Living a life of creativity can open doors of opportunity that we might never encounter otherwise.” All artists in the house agree. https://cavenderartstudio.blogspot.com/

Come meet featured artist Andy Eccleshall at Cole Gallery, 5-8 p.m., and enjoy complimentary refreshments from the Here and There Grill gourmet food truck parked in front of the gallery. And for folks who wonder what art looks in its raw state, check out the progression of a three-hour portrait that was done by Michael Maczuga last week in the Cole Gallery. More of his work will be on display at the gallery.

Friday: Swedish/Edmonds under the stars

Swedish/Edmonds continues its movies under the stars series with ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ playing Friday at dusk on the hospital patio. Chairs will be available for the first 200 guests, or bring your own blanket to sit on the lawn. Fresh popcorn and lemonade will be served. Free. www.swedish.org/movies

Saturday: Edmonds Bookshop hosts Jeanne Matthews

The author of ‘Bonereapers,’ Jeanne Matthews, will be featured Saturday, noon, at the Edmonds Bookshop.

Sunday: Adrian Xavier Band at Edmonds City Park

Adrian Xavier Band Reggae comes to Edmonds City Park on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the form of a free concert by Adrian Xavier Band. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket, and nab a spot on the grass. In case of rain, the concert will be canceled by 2:30 p.m. www.edmondsartscommission.org.

This week: art classes at ARTspot

Youths ages 8-14 are invited to join ARTspot instructor Barbara Wyatt for her class, ‘An Afternoon with Clay.’ The Saturday workshop runs 1-4 p.m. with all materials needed to make and decorate one or two pieces. https://www.artspotedmonds.com/ARTspot/Youth_Classes.html       

Artwork by Mona Fairbanks   

Instructor Mona Fairbanks teaches a class at ARTspot titled ‘Build It! Draw it! Paint it!’ Only six spots are available for the series , which features deconstructing, constructing and painting. Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m., for ages 8-13. Click here for interview with Mona!

Advance notice: Phoenix’s ‘The Sugar Bean Sisters’

If you’ve been waiting for a dramatic dose of comedy, take heed that the Phoenix Theatre season officially starts on Aug. 31 with ‘The Sugar Bean Sisters.’ Comic hilarity is promised as the Southern sisters try to avoid spinsterhood. Advance tickets here. https://www.phoenixtheatreedmonds.com/comingsoon.htm

 
Arts reporter Janette Turner is your guide to local culture. In addition to covering visual, performing and literary events for My Edmonds News, Janette is managing director of EPIC Literary Series and a member of the Swedish Hospital Art Committee. (Photo by Jennifer McKinney)