It’s summertime, which means many opportunities to enjoy the arts in Edmonds.

Let’s start with ArtSplash 2013, set for 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. July 20 and 21. An annual art show put on by ArtistConnect, ArtSplash features original artwork from over 30 different artists.  A reception with refreshments will be held July 19 from 6-8 p.m. No RSVP necessary.

Summer also is the time for Edmonds’ Driftwood Players Fourth Annual Festival of Shorts. Remaining shows are at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 at 2 p.m. Over 250 plays were submitted by playwrights from all over, and a group of readers narrowed them to a group of eight. Those eight plays, each 10 to 15 minutes long, will be performed for the first time ever at the festival. The audience will vote on their favorite play at the end of the night. A panel of judges will also vote on their favorite. An awards ceremony will be held after the final show on Sunday. Tickets are $14 and can be purchased online at DriftwoodPlayers.com or at the door.

Another theater shows perfect for summertime enjoyment is the Phoenix Theatre’s production of “Gilligan’s Island.” This parody of the classic television show will be playing July 19-28, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are available at the door; $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10.

Cole Gallery will feature “Wilderness Wandering,” work by artist Mark Boyle from July 17-Aug. 17. Boyle’s work captures daytime and nighttime paintings of nature. It ranges from mountain streams to the glow of a campfire. Cole Gallery is located at 107 5th Ave. S.  and is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m- 5 p.m.

Speaking of art galleries, entries for Gallery North’s “Beauty of the Northwest” exhibition are due on July 22. The exhibition will include paintings that are plein air (outdoor) and studio landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Rules for entry can be found here.

Gallery North will also be holding a reception for their show, ‘Thru A Glass Eye.’ Artists Phil Kollen and Jeff Harrison will be celebrated at the reception on Sunday, July 14. The exhibit includes photos of nature and architecture as seen from an artist’s point of view. The exhibit runs through July. Refreshments will be served at the reception, which will begin at 1 p.m. Another reception will be held during Edmonds’ July 18 art walk.

The Third Thursday Art Walk runs from 5-8 p.m., and features hundreds of free exhibitions and live performances. Best of all, the artists are on hand to talk about their work. You can learn more here.

Enjoy live jazz performances at Sea Jazz, which happens every Sunday from 1-3 p.m. and every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Award-winning high school musicians from the Edmonds School District will be performing at the water-facing side of Anthony’s Beach Café, by the Marina. The show is free and all ages are welcome.

Also, each Sunday afternoon this summer,  visit an “Artist in Action” at the Port of Edmonds public plaza. This Sunday, July 14, there will be two artists featured. Mike O’Day , a former cartoonist/caricature artist, will be creating clay pieces using various methods. This will include clay slabs, coils, and hollowing out solid clay piece. In Edmonds, O’Day’s work is currently on display at ArtSpot. Artist Carol Meckling will be drawing animal portraits. She is inspired by the relationship presented between an owner and their pet. She’s currently doing drawings of animals that have had or still do have a connection with organizations that encourage the well being of animals. This event continues every Sunday until Aug. 25 from 1-3 p.m.

Finally, Concerts in the Park begin this Sunday, July 14, at Edmonds City Park from 3-4 p.m. This week, The Spyrographs will be performing the best spy, pop, surf hits of the ’60s (think Nancy Sinatra). In case of rain, the events will be cancelled by 2:30 p.m. Edmonds City Park is located at 3rd Avenue South and Pine Street.

— By Lily Jaquith, guest arts columnist