Yes, Art Walk Thursday comes early this month with Thursday evening as the third Thursday in May. And, I think that this evening we are promised the best weather we’ve had so far this year for our tradition of walking downtown Edmonds’ art spaces.

At press time, the weatherman was predicting 82 degrees, so sunscreen, visors and sandals are in order as you visit the following venues between 5-8 pm.

But first, a reminder: Want an artist, or venue-mention in the Art Walk segment of “Artfully Edmonds”? Don’t be shy – email arts@myedmondsnews.com and let me know what is happening at your art space for an expanded mention.

Strolling the Avenues:

Whether your Art Walk begins at the foot of 5th Avenue; or you’ve decided to go west along Main Street and branch out from there, there’s so much to see and experience during Edmonds Art Walk.

Here are highlights from the 32 art spaces welcoming the public to downtown Edmonds this evening:

Arista Wine Cellars – 320 5th Ave – Featuring: The Art of Wine.
– – –

ArtsNow Gallery Ed. Conf. Center 201 4th Ave N. The EDGE graduation reunion will take place between 5-8 pm. Twenty-plus artists show impressive work in various mediums. ArtsNow will be welcoming Gary Stroutsos, international world flute master and cultural storyteller. Gary will bring to lifetime honored stories and songs, to better understand and preserve the music of the American Indian.
– – –

C’est la Vie – 320 5th Ave So – Enjoy the whimsical wood work of Lorenzo Padilla! His intricate bird houses for the garden or inside your home. Hand made of recycled materials. Unique and colorful!

Cline Jewelers – 105 5th Ave – One of a kind creations and diamonds from Any’s recent trip to Antwerp.

Coldwell Banker Bain – 108 5th Ave S – Paul Lewing “Light In the Meadows” Acrylic paintings of the North Cascades and Washington.

Cole Gallery – 107 5th Avenue South – Watercolorists Bev Jozwiak and oil painter Michael Maczuga bring a colorful show of impressionism! Also featured are artists Pam Ingalls, Mark Boyle, Marcio Diaz, and Iris Scott.

Cole Gallery on My Edmonds News TV’s new video magazine Edmonds Today

Let me also add how thrilled I am to have been included in the inaugural production of Edmonds Today, now featured on My Edmonds News TV — a new website that My Edmonds News is officially launching at the end of the month. I selected as the Artfully Edmonds segment of the introductory show an interview of Denise Cole, owner of Cole Gallery.

You can view my interview here.
– – –

Edmonds Bookshop – 111 5th Ave S – Book Signing: Gabriela Condrea writes about tango and relationship. Her book is titled When 1+1=1: That “Impossible” Connection.

Edmonds Vision Center – 201 5th Ave S Ste. 102 – Black and white photography by Roy Burbank.

Lili’s Garden Gear and Gallery – 102 5th Ave N – Lili Hall’s creative hand crafted jewelry for all occasions.

Rick Steves 130 4th Ave N. Arturo Torres focuses his photographic interest on doorways and windows which speak of life beyond them.

Saetia – 120 5th Ave S – Vocalist Dan Voetman Edmonds Singer/Songwriter will be featuring beloved classics from the 60’s and 70’s.

Windermere Real Estate – 210 5th Ave S Ste. 102  Kathleen Wolfe, Oil Painting: Expressing her love of nature, her oil paints illustrate the magical colors, textures, shapes and changing light.

Zinc Art Plus Interiors – 102 3rd Ave S – Reckless Behavior -A group show curated by Eric Swangstu playing with the stigma of the moto-lifestyle.

Main Street

Aria Studio Gallery – 535 Main St. – New works by Joan E Archer and photography by Leah K Goodwin. You’re invited to the demonstration at 6:30 pm.

Art Spot – 408 Main Street – Works in progress by Scott Burnett. New acrylic mixed media.

Bay Equity – 111 Main St, #111 –  abstracts in acrylic, small surreal monoprints, surreals in oil, charcoal and acrylic.

Christopher Framing & Fine – Art 537 Main St – Barbara Kalhor’s photo-transfer etchings and hand retouched photos.

Comstock Jewelers – 411 Main St – Brian Hanchett, Cartoonist, former editorial cartoonist for the Edmonds Beacon.

Edmonds Realty – 111 Main Street Ste.101 – Artist, Karen Ulvestad is an educator and photographer with a wide range of interest.

Edward Jones Investments – 313 Main St. – PS, Northwest! Liz Lyell Great Jewelry! Handmade with love & care from semi-precious stones, pearls, fine glass, Thai silver and sterling.

Francis Anderson Center/Library – 650-700 Main St – Edmonds Arts Commission/Ed Arts Fest Foundation Sculptors Workshop “Dreams” Ceramics at the FAC, NW Special Artists Group Show at Edmonds Library.
– – –

Gallery North – 401 Main St. – “Capturing the Glow” featuring artists Eve Ingraham (Mixed media and jewelry) and Lauriel Sandstrom (watercolor).

House Wares – 318 Main St.-  Pastel Landscapes in an Impressionistic style by Lauren Brumbaugh.

Interiors of Edmonds – 321 Main St. – Diana Kingsley combines her two great passions of travel and art to create beautiful and lively abstract oil paintings.

Kinder Britches – 422 Main St – Come tell your story with Origami Owl Living Lockets, personalize your locket with fun, unique charms!

Ombu Salon – 550 Main St. ~ Mary McInnis’ pastel paintings are composed of big chunky marks in the exploration of light and color.

The Papery – 410 Main – Colorful pet portraits & cards in oil pastel on paper by Rebecca Rosman. Refreshments Served.

Randall J Hodges Photography Gallery – 317 Main St Unforgettable landscape photography of the west.

Rogue – 524 Main St – Marko – macro photography and small things using his camera lens. The subject matter and unique designs continue to evolve, but they are always evocative.

Stunningly Strange Gallery – 407 Main St – “Childhood” inspired group show featuring an array of artists!
~ ~ ~

Large Stage Events at ECA

Yesterday And Today ~ A Beatles’ Tribute
This Week!! Tickets Available!!

Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
410 4th Ave. N.

Saturday, May 17, 7:30 p.m.

Rock to the music of the Beatles in an interactive concert experience where the audience creates the playlist for the night… every night! Everyone has a Beatles song attached to an event in their life. Through laughter and personal stories, yesterday and today connects the audience and performers in a way like none other. Each performance becomes a unique and remarkable event.
This show takes the incredible music of the Beatles and personalizes it with the stories and perspectives of audience members.
With dead-on musical precision and stunning set designs, ECA will

Saturday, May 17 ~ 1 pm
And, don’t forget the Beatles Music Sing-A-Long earlier in the day at the Edmonds Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave. The Sing-A-Long is free, but you will want to make reservations for the 1:00 pm event by calling 425.774.5555.

In connection with the performance Yesterday and Today at Edmonds Center for the Arts, musician Billy McGuigan will lead an interactive sing-along of Beatles tunes and classic favorites.

The Edmonds Senior Center says, “Bring the whole family to this special event!” The 60-minute program is presented in partnership with Áegis Living of Edmonds.
_ _ _

Storybook Theatre: Snow White
Tuesday, May 20 ~ 10:30 a.m.

Adaptation by Lani Brockman • Music & Lyrics by Susan Bardsley
From the playbill: The Queen is decidedly unhappy. With Snow White in the picture, the Queen is no longer the “most beautiful in all the land.”

Whatever shall she do? Hilarity ensues when the banished Snow White meets the Dorf Family — 7 brothers (played by 3 silly actors.) Can the Dorf brothers keep Snow White safe and out of the Queen’s way?
Tickets for this production of Snow White are available by calling 425-820-1800, or by visiting the theatre’s website at https://storybooktheater.org/tickets/

– – –

Season Preview Event
Thursday, May 22 ~ 6 pm

Edmonds Center for the Arts’ (ECA) Season Preview Event is a special opportunity to meet ECA Executive Director Joe McIalwain and learn about the line-up for our upcoming season, including our new Family Series and Summer Engagements. Learn more about ECA’s programs, show packages and how you can be a part of the ECA family.

The lobby will be open at 5:30 p.m. and this event begins promptly at 6 p.m. in the Edmonds Center for the Arts theater. The program will last approximately 30-40 minutes. There is no charge to attend the ECA’s Season Preview Event.

To obtain tickets for these ECA events: Call the ECA Box Office at 425-275-9595, go online at www.ec4arts.org or visit in person at the ECA Box Office, located at 410 4th Ave. N.
~ ~ ~

Vince Valenzuela Stand-Up Comedy Benefit
Sunday, May 18 ~ 6-10 pm

Shorewood High School Theatre
17300 Fremont Ave. N., Shoreline

What would you do if you had a family member who had gone through a series of health crises, needed knee and hip replacement surgery and is financially devastated from their ongoing health issues? Well, if you are Vince Valenzuela, actor and nationally known comedian you’d start with the old saying, “Laughter is The Best Medicine” and plan a silent auction and comedy line-up Benefit featuring a roster of talented well-known comics.

The family member needing the Northwest native’s helping hand is his older brother, Nick, who has had a series of health-related setbacks over the years.

Valenzuela, who has appeared in dozens of commercials, and such popular shows as “Comedy Central”, “Grimm”, and TNT’s “Leverage”, says of the upcoming benefit, “I hope this [comedy benefit] and fundraising campaign will literally help Nick (who needs knee and hip replacements) get back on his feet.”

National headliners joining Vince for the Nick Valenzuela Comedy Benefit include: Susan Rice, Brad Upton, Art Krug, Duane Goad, Joe Vespaziani, and David Crowe.

Tickets are $20 per person, available here.

For more information about the event call 206-954-8226 or visit here.

~ ~ ~

Edmonds Jazz Connection
Downtown Edmonds Stages and Studios
Coming Soon!
Saturday, May 24

Cool, young, musicians playing hot jazz on an Edmonds Kind of Day is what the Rotary Club of Edmonds Daybreakers has in mind for music lovers as the Rotary presents the 14th annual Edmonds Jazz Connection.

The popular music festival helping establish Edmonds as a jazz destination features performances from top-notch, award-winning high school ensembles throughout the Pacific Northwest. Sponsors point out that, “Many of these [ensembles] have performed at the prestigious Essentially Ellington Jazz Academy,” at New York’s Lincoln Center.

You’ll want to visit the Edmonds Jazz Connection Facebook page to catch the latest buzz as the event draws near:

Your link to the roster of participating high schools, the event schedule, and venue map is here.

Theater News

Wade James Theatre
950 Main St.

Good ol’ Times Radio Show
May 17 ~ 8 pm
May 18 ~ 2 pm

“Back by popular demand!” could not be a more appropriate adage in describing the Driftwood Players production of “Good ol’ Times Radio Show”.

Talent Larry Albert takes to the airwaves in the newest production of the radio broadcast of the Harry Nile detective series. The series has its roots in Washington State and is set in the 1940s with main character Harry Nile, retired cop, slinging Seattle street names, and solving crime.

Listen in to this masterful production, available through YouTube, to get a sense of the technical genius of the show.

Tickets are available at the theater company’s website www.driftwoodplayers.com or by calling 425-774-9600.
~ ~ ~

Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre
Shoreline Conference Center
18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline

GREASE: The Musical

School version: May 8-18
Evening/Sundays: May 23-June 8

From the playbill: Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical.

Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin'”, “It’s Raining on Prom Night”, “Alone at the Drive-In Movie” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley.”

Tickets: The theatre company is performing both a “school version” production and their evening and Sunday matinee versions of the musical. Ticket choices are available here.
~ ~ ~

Author and Poet’s Podium

Edmonds Story Time
Café Louvre
210 5th Ave. S.

Every Sunday ~ 3:30-5 pm
Katheryn McMullen, moderator for the Sunday afternoon author-at-the-podium event informs Artfully Edmonds that writer Diane Duca will be the featured guest. Ms. Duca will present her novel-in-progress about the smuggling trade in Turkey. Katheryn will also be welcoming to the podium Joe Rice, reading Chapter 2 from his memoir, Not Your Ordinary Joe”; Eleanor Owen reading from her memoir; Stefani Priest reading her short story, “Invisible,” about a woman and a beautician; and Lizzie Herivel reading “Wish Upon a Killer Star.”
– – –

Write On The Sound ( WOTS )
First Call for the 29th Annual writer’s conference

Online Registration opens Monday, July 28.

The City of Edmonds Arts Commission, this week, sent out its first-call mailer for the 29th Annual WOTS conference – to be held Oct. 3-5 this year.

The WOTS Steering Committee took this opportunity to announce that Robert J. Sawyer, science fiction author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula and the John W. Campbell Memorial Awards, will be featured on Saturday, Oct. 4 as keynote speaker for the prestigious conference.

Why all the fuss? Every year writers from across the nation and around the globe descend Edmonds for the exclusive attendee-slots that the Arts Commission makes available. Traditionally conference attendance has been capped at 250, with robust wait lists of hopefuls wanting to attend the wide-range of workshops and writer’s studios.

So! There it is – your first alert. Time will fly between now and the opening of WOTS registration on 28th of July – don’t miss your opportunity to attend this exciting, energy-infusing event designed for writer’s at all levels of the spectrum.

# # #

Emily Hill is an author and long-time resident of Edmonds. She is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or venue featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.