Well, folks, it’s been a good run. I’m moving across the mountains to greener pastures this month to help breathe some life into a much smaller town. As I prepare to move on, I see how much Edmonds has transformed in the year and a half I’ve been home, and I see the potential for great things to come. With the BID, the Community Cultural Plan, and the continued growth of ECA, Edmonds has proved that it is determined to overcome its reputation as a retirement community and be seen as a place where art is valued above all other economy. I am proud to have contributed in my small way to the efforts of our varied arts organizations, and I look forward to seeing how they will change over the next 18 months. Maybe by then we’ll have accessible and affordable artists’ lofts, maybe a recording studio for young musicians, maybe free WiFi throughout downtown—and maybe a functional city website with comprehensive and up-to-date information about events…but maybe I’m dreaming. Whatever happens—even if the public attitude toward sandwich boards and free-roaming cats changes (unlikely)—I will always call Edmonds home.

Several upcoming shows have caught on to the spirit of transformation in Edmonds, and are bringing in the new year with creative interpretations of familiar artistic tropes.

At Gallery North, members of the gallery cooperative are showing their own work on the theme of “Light and Bright” to ward off the wet, gray winter. Walking into the gallery this month will change your entire mood, as these positive-thinking painters have infused their space with warmth and happiness. For me, January always feels like it’s going to last forever, so I commend the good people of Gallery North on their ability to turn their faces to the sun. For Kathleen A. Johnson, “it’s easy to be inspired to paint ‘light and bright’ this time of year,” because(!) “the days are short and often dark or chilly.” Tsk, those crazy artist types. See Kathleen’s work among the other light, bright paintings of the Gallery North crew through the month of January. The artist reception is scheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 11th and all the artists will also be present during the Third Thursday Art Walk next week.

Preview their work here.

At Stunningly Strange Gallery, Deb Shannon is teaching old sweaters new tricks. Be sure to stop in there on your Third Thursday Art Walk to see what these old sweaters can do. Shannon sews clothing and accessories made from recycled cashmere sweaters–cozy, creative, and eco-friendly!

Playwright Lyssandra Norton is debuting her first professional work at the Wade James Theater next weekend, Jan. 16-19. “Self-Composed” explores that weird in-between stage leading out of adolescence and into adulthood, when the world can at once feel impossibly tiny and overwhelmingly huge. It contains some mature content, so is recommended for ages 13+. Directed by Morgan S. Heetbrink, and featuring the talents of Tim Brandt, Addy Davis, Rebby Foster, Deborah Jacoby, Luke Mirabel, and Yvonne Velez, this is a play made by, for, and about all of us awkward 20-somethings. Norton is an Edmonds native who currently lives in Bellingham. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets $14. Purchase at www.driftwoodplayers.com or call 425-774-9600.

The Indigo Girls play ECA Saturday night at 7:30, bringing their contemporary folk music to Edmonds. In songs of protest, devotion, and lament, The Indigo Girls express their desire for the world to be a better place, tackling environmental and social problems through music. They have been fighting the good fight since 1989, with their award-winning first album, “Closer to Fine.” Tickets start at $42 for Saturday night’s show.

Their most recent video for the song “Making Promises” shows the “Girls” growing up to become the inspirations they are today.

Nellie McKay, backed by the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet, transforms old classics into original, contemporary music through rhythmic innovation and a wide range of unusual instruments. They will play next Friday, Jan. 17 at ECA at 7:30. Tickets start at $22.

As hard as it is to believe that it is already the third week of 2014, sure enough January’s Third Thursday is coming up on the 16th of the month. In addition to the wonderful works of art you’ll see at businesses all around town, the Edmonds Poet Walk will feature David Ramey reading his poetry from 7 to 7:30 p.m. at Red Petal Cupcakes and Coffee. Visit www.edmondsartwalk.org for a map, a list of artists, and a preview of David’s work.

Thanks for reading, I’ll miss you all!

— By Juliet Brewster

Artfully Edmonds columnist Juliet Brewster, an Edmonds native and Edmonds-Woodway High School graduate, has a degree in literature from Bennington College. To have your arts happening listed, email arts@myedmondsnews.com.