By Janette Turner

The big art news this week is Cole Gallery’s sixth anniversary, but let’s take a moment to celebrate another local talent. Consider the Eiffel Tower made of wine corks by Kris Muhlestein. It’s almost as ingenious as the real thing in France, but this version is specially-made for the Edmonds Community College Foundation Gala Dinner and Auction. Way to go, Kris! Too bad we have to wait until Feb. 23 to see Corque Eiffel in person, so here’s a peek at other artistic events happening this week.

Saturday: Cole Gallery’s sixth anniversary

What is Cole Gallery giving you for its sixth anniversary? How about a party! Head to Cole Gallery on Saturday to wish Denise and her fine staff a happy anniversary and enjoy refreshments from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. The gallery will be packed with well-wishers and new artwork at 10% off. Enjoy live jazz from the Rich Cole Trio and tastings of top shelf Cognac and single malt Scotches, compliments of Pilchuck Distributors, with  food catering by the Shorecrest High School Culinary Arts program. See the website for details.

Thursday: Driftwood opens new play

“LOSS: A Play About a Violin,” by Elena Hartwell, opens at Driftwood Player’s Wade James Theatre for the weekend. Here’s the story, according to promos: “Mother isn’t herself, everyone has a secret, and someone named Harold is out in the rose garden in this exploration of love, loss, music, and family.” Director Hartwell recently told us about her favorite part of the play.

My Edmonds News: What line or scene do you like best?

E.H.: This changes for me, I’ll have a moment I love in rehearsal, then I’ll see something different during another rehearsal and I’ll think, oh, that’s my new favorite moment in the play. During the writing process, I most enjoyed writing the character of Raelynn, because she’s such a mystery. I was so curious to find out what she’d do next. My current favorite scene is one in Act II between Raelynn and Marshall, it’s both funny and poignant. I’m very curious to see how the audience reacts to it. I’ve now had several readings of this script, from Driftwood’s reading series, to two readings in New York City and another in Valdez Alaska. Regardless of where the play has been heard or who the actors have been, audience members have come up to me and told me how much they related to the characters and events in the play. The script deals with difficult, but unavoidable events most of us will experience at some point in our lives, I hope that in some way, my work makes people feel a little less alone.

The show plays 8 p.m. on Thurs., Fri., and Sat., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, and tickets can be found on the Driftwood website. For an interview with director Diane McClure, click here.

Saturday: Savvy Traveler hosts Photography Travel Tours slideshow

Jim Nilsen and Magrit Baurecht Nilsen of Photography Travel Tours present a slideshow at Savvy Traveler, Saturday, 10 a.m. featuring images of Tuscany, Venice, Croatia, and Slovenia, along with photo-taking tips. Reservations for this free talk can be made at 425 744 6076. Also check out the Savvy Traveler website for upcoming events on meaningful travel, safaris and wild adventures.

Saturday: Taste European wines at Arista

Arista Wine Cellars hosts a tasting of European wines on Saturday from 1 – 4:30 p.m. The wine tour of Europe, according to their website, “hits Spain, France & Italy without leaving Edmonds. Our European lineup includes: Puerta Vieja Blanco from Rioja, Graciano Tuercebotas from Bodegas del Medievo in Rioja, Valency Blanc from Domaine Claud Lafond in the Loire, Coquille D’oc from Domaine Sainte Rose Cotes de Thongue, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Reserve from Poggio Stella in Tuscany. All Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door visitors are welcome.”

Saturday: Improv at EdCC

Get your comedy fix at EdCC with a fast-paced improv show performed by high schoolers. The Unexpected Productions North event starts at 8:05 p.m. in the EdCC Black Box Theatre.

Monday: Elizabeth Griffin speaks at EPIC

Edmonds Library and EPIC Group Writers host author Elizabeth Griffin at Monday morning writing group. Griffin’s nonfiction book, “Fragile X, Fragile Hope,” is about her son Zack’s syndrome and resulting autism. Griffin will talk about her publishing experiences and work as a journalist at this free event. The writing group starts at 10 a.m.; Griffin speaks at 11 a.m. For more information see EPIC.

Monday: Demetris hosts winemaker Linda Trotta

Demetris WoodStone Taverna offers a winemaker’s dinner with Swiftwater cellars winemaker Linda Trotta on Monday from 5-9 p.m. Check the Facebook page for more information.

Monday: Otherworlds dance night

Get out your buttonhook and prepare to dance your old wool socks off on Monday nights. Otherworlds is hosting Victorian and world dancing with experienced instructors, from 7-9 p.m. See the website for more on this event, which requires only “a sense of humor.”

Advance notice: Kidstock comes to ECA on Jan. 19

Kids and their parents are invited to Edmonds Center for the Arts on Jan. 19 for a day of play at Kidstock. Every 45 minutes, a juggling act or hula hoop event will take place, so be prepared to join in. Make sure to reserve your spot early for this free event by going to the ECA website.

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 President of EPIC Writers Group, a writing teacher, and a member of the Swedish Hospital Art Committee. (Photo by Jennifer McKinney).