Edmonds galleries and shops will offer a place to warm up and to celebrate December’s Art Walk Edmonds (AWE). Let’s see what’s in store for you as you take a break from the hectic-home chaos and step out onto the downtown sidewalks for Art Walk.

Dragonfire Neighborhood Gallery
529 Dayton St.

Have you visited Dragonfire Neighborhood Gallery yet?

On Dayton, just east of Red Twig café this AWE-some addition to the Edmonds art scene is the perfect place to start our holiday listing of Art Walk Edmonds participants.

We stopped by this week to visit with gallery director Kurt Mattingly and see how the display of new-to-the-scene artist Joseph Ungari’s photography looked in its chic December through January home:

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Notes from Elizabeth Calder-Martin
Director of Art Walk Edmonds

This month, Art Walk celebrates the creative, sparkly, joyous decorations that each store brings to the festivities of the holiday season with a “best-of” window contest, voted on by our Art Walk Edmonds strollers.

Categories to be voted on include:
· Most Artfully Creative
· Most Glitzy
· Made Me Holly Jolly
· Made Me Want to Shop There

Ballots will be on the back of each map and can be returned to any Art Walk participating location. Voters will also have the chance to enter a drawing for a giclee holiday print by Michael Maczuga, donated by Cole Gallery.

Also during Art Walk will be performances by the Edmonds-Woodway Jazz Ensemble.

Elizabeth tells us that she has been working with ED! (Edmonds Downtown Alliance) on a team designing festive downtown experiences for shoppers during the holiday season.  “Something I wanted to share and bring to the experience is what I call ‘Pop-up Projections,” she said. “The projections themselves are made from a series of photos I have taken from my travels and are what I hope will add dimension to December’s festivities.

“Using old carousel slide projectors, there is a nostalgic note to not only the process, but the image quality as well. One static image per evening will be on display at Arista Wine Cellars and Rogue from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18 and Dec. 19.”
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Here are previews of the participating Art Walk Edmonds galleries and shops that Artfully Edmonds heard from this week:

ZINC Art + Interiors
102 3rd Ave. S.

An exciting highlight this month as we prepared our Art Walk Edmonds (AWE) column was a visit with Laura Zeck, who has been an energetic force on Edmonds art scene since opening her “steps off Main” gallery last year.

What can we expect from Laura and her team in 2015? I was lucky enough to catch Laura one morning this week over espresso at Chantrelle and learned that this trend-setting gallery will up its game by continuing to “focus on the caliber” of its artists.

What does Laura look for when selecting whom to introduce to her (many) fans and followers? “I look for art with a narrative quality; like Faye Jones of Seattle, who specializes in whimsy and color. I love her line work, as well as her realism.”

Artfully Edmonds was delighted after visiting Jones’ website.

Why shop at ZINC Art + Interiors? Artfully Edmonds asked, rather cheekily. Not at all put off, Laura responded, “People come in to ZINC Art + Interiors because they are shopping for – or want to see – quality products. The art work is a bonus – and if it translates into energy and storytelling, I’ve achieved my goal.”

ZINC Art + Interiors was featured in My Edmonds News this past week.
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Edmonds Conference Center
201 4th Ave. N.

The Deep

The work of 15 notable artists will be featured at Edmonds Conference Center for December’s AWE stroll. Among them is Kimberlie Brayman, whose painting is show with this listing. Brayman personally invites the community, “come in and enjoy the wine and light refreshments!”

The Deep seeks to portray the many meanings of depth through diverse mediums.

Popular guitarist Scott Burnett will provide welcoming music to the warm atmosphere of the conference center. I’ll be there, meeting Kimberlie for the first time – and listening to Burnett’s music. Hope to see you at Edmonds Conference Center as well.

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Gallery North
401 Main St.

“Gifts of the Season”

Festive harp music, holiday treats and warm greetings will be delightfully yours as you visit Gallery North. So much is happening at the venerate gallery that Artfully Edmonds readers will be seeing a lot of Gallery North news, like this video feature we did earlier in the month inviting Edmonds-area holiday shoppers to visit their December “Gifts of the Season” showing which continues!
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ARTSpot
408 Main St.

Merry Christmas ~ Let’s Be Artfully Silly! At ARTSpot it’s easy to let your hair down, laugh heartily, and have whimsical fun.

An Art Walk Edmonds stop at this color-burst of a gallery and art supply shop is a must because this month the venue is featuring Lynn Scott Paintings and Ellen Chappelle Jewelry.
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MaJe Gallery
409 Main St.

And right across the street from ARTSpot is MaJe Gallery. What is one of the highlights of MaJe Gallery in the eyes of Artfully Edmonds? The elegant wardrobe additions, of course! But I also love Manya’s jewelry finds, her artful home décor trinkets and trays, and her personal warmth and elegance.
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Cole Gallery

107 5th Ave. S.

How to find Cole Gallery? Easy! Look for David Vanau’s sculpture “Ananda” marking the entrance to the mainstay gallery. Festive and celebratory, isn’t she – just an indication of the merry mood you’ll find if you slip into Cole Gallery . . . just follow the buzz!
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Edmonds Library
650 Main St.

Through Jan. 30

“Landscapes”
by Josey Wise

Oil landscape paintings by Everett artist Josey Wise will be on display at the Edmonds Library through January 30 as part of the City of Edmonds Arts Commission rotating exhibit of works by local and regionally-based artists.

As a painter, Josey’s goal is to capture a moment in time, or a gesture of nature with as simple a brush stroke as possible, playing with the contrasts of light and shadow and always with a focus on color. She is a self-taught artist. Her preferred medium is oil, a bright palette, and her style is contemporary.

Edmonds Library hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. For more information about the Edmonds Arts Commission and its mission visit www.edmondsartscommission.org.

Bundle up! Go have fun!
There are many shops and business-venues throwing their doors open this evening to welcome the Edmonds community in for hot chocolate, a sip of bubbly, cookies and chocolates. We’ve taken you on a mini-stroll of venue highlights, but the Art Walk Edmonds team and Artfully Edmonds would love for you to take the time to make a quick visit to all of the art locations. Bundle up! Go have fun!

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Thursday, Dec. 18 ~ 1 p.m.

Free!
Senior Center Dance
At the Edmonds Senior Center
220 Railroad Ave.

But before Art Walk Edmonds Thursday evening, and before the weekend theatre performances of “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Hallelujah Girls” and before the ballet – there’s the “Big Band Holiday Tribute” and Senior Swingers Winter Concert!

It’s going to be festive, and lively, and fun! Edmonds could not be more proud of the work that the staff and volunteers of the Edmonds Senior Center does for our community – from arranging visits by the Seahawks team members to a ring side seat of the Christmas Ship – this wonderful community gathering spot is such an asset!
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The Nutcracker

Olympic Ballet Theatre (OBT)
Venue: ECA
410 4th Ave. N.

A family event!
Friday, Dec. 19 ~ 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 ~ 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21 ~ 5 p.m.

This is the holiday centerpiece event that Artfully Edmonds is treating her grandchildren to this year. At five and seven years old they are just the right age to appreciate the joy and wonder of Clara’s magical dream about the Sugar Plum Fairy. With its introduction to the classical, lifetime memorable score by Tchaikovsky, as performed by the Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestra – what better treat – and tradition!

And we have already heard from My Edmonds News reader JoAnne Nelson just how special the OBT performance is.

Online ticketing is managed at Olympic Ballet Theatre’s site: https://olympicballet.com/online-ticketing Call OBT at 425-774-7570 for specific event information.

Parking: There is parking at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, but attendance for this spectacular sparkle of a show may call for overflow parking. Edmonds has thought of that!

For details on parking adjacent to Brackett’s Landing (0.56 miles west of Edmonds Center for the Arts) go here.

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Support our high school musicians!

Friday, Dec. 19 ~ 7 p.m.

Edmonds-Woodway High School
Great Hall (next to the Gym)
7600 212th St. SW

Swing Dance:
Swinging in the Holidays!

Edmonds-Woodway High School’s top three jazz bands will be performing at “Swinging for the Holidays!” Come cheer them on, and support Edmonds’ talented young people!

Dance, applaud, sing and celebrate the season with EWHS Jazz Bands while supporting their upcoming trip to New Orleans. Imagine! A fundraiser that will take our Edmonds kids to New Orleans – the heart and soul of jazz.

For more information about the dance email t.harvester.norris@gmail.com or contact the Edmonds-Woodway High School Music Department.
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An Artfully Edmonds Review:

Cascade Symphony Orchestra (CSO)
Venue: ECA

“Happy Holidays” under the direction of Conductor Michael Miropolsky was performed this past Monday evening to an Edmonds Center for the Arts full house.

The mood in the performance hall was electric as patrons rushed to their seats, calling out hellos to season ticket holders and Edmonds-area neighbors.

As the lights dimmed and the house became hushed the program began with the Concerto for Two Violins by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by Miropolsky and concertmistress Pamela Liu.

As usual Lui wowed the crowd; this time in a full-length mocha chocolate gown set off by a one-shoulder effect of silver shimmer sequins. The cross-bodice empire waist design featured alternating pleats and billows culminating in a stylish hemline. But Ms. Lui was not the only one dressed in holiday finery. All of the orchestra members were decked out in glittering greens and radiant reds – even the cellos! The latter wore jaunty little cello hats for the occasion! So cute!

Antics and Victor Borge-styled humor ruled the stage as Maestro Miropolsky egged on the high-caliber orchestra, and entertained the audience with staged gags and faux-missed cues. “It’s funny!” he demanded to a missed laugh from the audience. The timing and sincerity was all it took for the audience to roar.

The program included Christmas hymns, Chanukah classics in medley format, and tunes of the season – and by “season” I am referring to Gershwin’s “Summertime,” which (Miropolsky pointed out) the orchestra never gets to play because the CSO performance schedule ends before summertime. Principal flutist Jennifer Mahaffey deserves an ovation for her performance of Summertime.

Another program highlight, which at first appeared to be the set-up for a magic act, was the suspenseful stage entrance of Principal Percussionist Ian Alvarez. Carrying an elaborately outfitted music stand filled with various objects, including an oversized alarm clock, a block of wood and “mystery” items Alvarez set about a delightful accompaniment of Syncopated Clock to enthusiastic laughter from the audience.

Music – classical or otherwise – has never been so much fun!

Principal clarinetist Beverly Setzer’s management of the Chanukah Medley arranged by Eli Marcus and Robin Seletsky won Setzer a round of applause for her dizzying jazzist rendition of the popular Klezmer classic.

It’s worth noting – because of brisk ticket sales and the popularity of the endearing Maestro –the next CSO program is fast approaching.

Monday, Jan. 19th ~ 7:30pm
Hamlet
Tickets for Hamlet are on sale now through the ECA box office. The program will include Overture to Don Giovanni by Mozart; Hamlet Fantasy Overture by Tchaikovsky; Roumanian Rhapsody by Enesco; and the Piano Concerto No. 1 by Beethoven – performed by guest artist Angelo Rondello.

Ticket Purchase: Ticket packs for the last three shows of the CSO Season are available – reserve your set now and don’t be left out – for fun, for laughter, for the love of music! https://cascadesymphony.org/buy-tickets/

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Bells of the Sound

Trinity Lutheran Church
6215 196th St. S.W.

Saturday, Dec. 20 ~ 7 p.m.

A Winter’s Night

Bells of the Sound, the Puget Sound’s premier handbell ensemble, invites you to A Winter’s Night, a special program of holiday music that will paint a colorful portrait of the Christmas season.

Ticket information: $10 adults and $8 youth/seniors will be collected at the door.
Children under 8 years are free. For more information call 425-778-2159.
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Driftwood Players
950 Main St.

Thursday, Jan. 15 ~ 8pm
Opening Night

Lark Eden
Directed by Doug Staley

A lump of coal for anyone who missed “Miracle on 34th Street” – all performances had sold out by Dec. 15. But don’t despair if you did miss it; with the bad news comes the good . . .

Lark Eden opens for a short-run from Jan. 15-18. Tickets are on sale now for, “a touching story that spans the lives of three girlfriends from the time they were passing notes in school into old age.”

Playwright Natalie Symons wrote Lark Eden while residing in Seattle two years ago. From her website: “playwright, actress and novelist Natalie Symons received the 2014 Creative Loafing Tampa Bay award for ‘Best Local Playwright’ as well as the 2012 Best of the Bay Critic’s Pick for ‘Most Promising Playwright’. Her Suzi Bass nominated epistolary play Lark Eden has been hailed by critics around the country as “brilliantly written”, “linguistically rich”, and “a tale that every person can relate to.” See you there!

Order your tickets from the Wade James online ticket office.

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The Phoenix Theatre
9673 Firdale Ave.
Firdale Village

Hallelujah Girls will be dancing off the stage this Sunday, Dec. 21 and you will not be singing “Hallelujah!” if you miss this funny, well-staged, Class A production. There are four performances left!

Hallelujah Girls was reviewed by Artfully Edmonds opening night, along with a mention that the big-hearted theatre has been one of the popular collection spots for the Carol Rowe Memorial Food Bank – trade in a non-perishable for a concession stand treat!

The Phoenix Theatre now features reserved seating and the wine bar is open! Come in, slip off your high heels, sip! sip! and intone the Phoenix Theatre mantra, “comedy without all the drama!”

Tickets for “Hallelujah Girls” are available here.

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 featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.