Yes, the Graphite project is alive and well. That’s the word from Edmonds business owner and artist Tracy Felix, who along with Mary Olsen is planning a new arts center on the former Mar-Vel Marble site at 2nd Avenue South and Main Street.

It has been two years since Olsen and Felix announced their plans for the new building, with the goal of creating a space for artists and the public to intermingle in a unique concept with studios, living spaces, and public spaces. Graphite is meant to make art accessible to all; enhancing Edmonds’ position as a Northwest arts hub.

Groundbreaking was supposed to occur in 2019. “We are fielding a lot of questions about Graphite,” says Felix. “People are very curious and excited to see this building get under way!”

Felix explains that the original two-story building had a complex design, including many different concepts. After various stages of drafts and city reviews, “it had become too complicated.” Olsen explains. “We went back to the drawing board.” The new design will incorporate two separate buildings and has opened up what was previously the first floor, turning it into an independent structure facing Main Street.

Making a separate building, instead of a second floor, eliminated the need for excess square footage that would be used for an elevator and stairways, Felix said. The new design has been improved with more ample public spaces and a better flow. The second building, positioned immediately south, will include apartments over grade-level parking (yes, parking has been taken into consideration!) and a Pilates studio.

The new design was approved by the Architectural Review Board in September. “The City of Edmonds has given the process priority, but there are many details in a building like this.” Olsen explained.  The building permit application has been submitted, and review comments are being addressed. Construction is expected to start early in 2020.

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What to See:

A night at the theater, an evening at the ballet or an event for the whole family, the opportunities for holiday magic and togetherness are culminating as we countdown to the big day.

Edmonds Driftwood Players Presents: A Christmas Story – The Musical

If you are looking for a night of laughs and great theater, head over to see the Edmonds Driftwood Players perform A Christmas Story – The Musical. Based on the movie, this production brings the iconic characters and themes from A Christmas Story to life in a festive musical format. Great for all ages.

Wade. James Theater
950 Main St.
Edmonds

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until Dec. 22
8 p.m.
Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 21, Sundays
2 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$28

The Phoenix Theater Presents: Inspecting Carol

Needing some comic relief? This production will be sure to bring in the laughs. Inspecting Carol is a comical take of a struggling theatre’s clumsy production of A Christmas Carol. Be prepared for witty jokes and a great time.

Phoenix Theatre
9673 Firdale Ave.
Edmonds

Fridays and Saturdays until Dec. 22
7:30 p.m.
Sundays
2 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$25

Free Holiday Movies at the Edmonds Theater

Cline Jewelers is sponsoring this year’s free holiday movies at the Edmonds Theater. On Friday Dec. 13, the whole family is invited to enjoy a free holiday movie. Classic Christmas cartoons start at 4 p.m. and the featured movie, A Christmas Story, will begin at 5:30 p.m. 

Edmonds Theater
415 Main St.
Friday, Dec. 13
4 – 7:30 p.m.
FREE

Seaview Weaving and Fiber Arts Guild Exhibits Works

Thursday, Dec. 12 is the last day to stop into the Frances Anderson Center to see the beautiful works of textile art created by the Seaview Weaving and Fiber Arts Guild. The artists have created a variety of pieces, using techniques like spinning, dyeing, weaving, sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, felting, paper crafts collage and beading. The gallery is presented by the Edmonds Art Festival Foundation. More at seaviewweavers.wordpress.com.

Frances Anderson Center
Through Dec. 12
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
FREE

Santa on Ice in Mountlake Terrace

In nearby Mountlake Terrace, the Seattle Skating Club will be putting on a unique ice experience. This is a great opportunity for aspiring skaters to see a local production. Hosted at OlympicView Arena; make sure to wear layers and grab a hot cocoa to keep you warm.

22202 70^th Ave. W.

Mountlake Terrace
Saturday, Dec. 14
2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$15

The Nutcracker performed by the Olympic Ballet Theater

Enjoy an entrancing evening watching sugar plum fairies, the mouse king and a toy nutcracker that comes to life. The holiday classic, The Nutcracker, can be seen right here in Edmonds, performed by the Olympic Ballet Theater. The ballet is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to enjoy Tchaikovsky’s iconic score while watching the main character, Clara, dance her way through a fantastical dream world.

Edmonds Center for the Arts
410 4th Ave. N.
Friday through Monday, Dec. 20- 23
Fri/Sat 7 p.m., Sat/Mon 2 p.m., Sun 5 p.m.
Tickets $28-$48

What to Hear:

An award-winning returning local and a rockin’ night of holiday pops will fill your ears with delight. 

At EWHS — Edmonds-Woodway graduate Lauren Paris in concert

Edmonds-Woodway High School Class of 2007 graduate Lauren Paris has returned from Chicago and will be doing a benefit concert at the EWHS Little Theatre Friday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. She will be performing show tunes, great classic standards and a selection of pop numbers. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds go to the high school’s drama department. You can look her up at www.laurenparis.net/upcoming.html. Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com.

EWHS
7600 212th St. S.W.
Edmonds
Friday, Dec.13
8 p.m.
Tickets $25

At ECA — Sno-King Chorale Rockin’ Around

The Sno-King Community Chorale will be performing its annual Holiday Magic concert on Saturday, Dec.14 at both 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. This is a festive, family-friendly event including favorites like White Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Feliz Navidad and some fun and recognizable songs like You’re a Mean One, Mister Grinch, and Hallelujah. Tickets can be purchased at www.ec4arts.org.

410 4th Ave. N.
Saturday, Dec.14
3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets $15-$25

What to Do:

A not to be missed chance to meet Santa and a day full of music, crafts and celebration.

Meet Sound Styles Santa!

Plan ahead and get this one on your calendar. On Dec. 14 you can meet Santa, get a cookie and take pictures in the live window display at 5th and Main. This very special Santa event will bring back memories of beautiful window dressings of years past. Make a day of it by riding the Edmonds downtown holiday trolley and exploring all the wonderful shopping opportunities in town.

Sound Styles
5th and Main
Edmonds
Saturday, Dec. 14
11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
FREE

South Edmonds Winter Celebration

Hamburger Harrys, Gravity Bar & Lounge, and Barkada have come together to raise money and collect blankets, food, and toiletries for the homeless. There will be a “Block Party” of holiday fun starting at 10 a.m. and going until 10 p.m. Kids can make holiday crafts and decorate cookies and there will be live music all day. Adults can partake in wine tasting, shopping and more.

610 5th Ave. S.
Edmonds
Saturday, Dec. 14
10 a.m.- 10 p.m.
FREE – donations appreciated

 

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— By Rachel Gardner

Rachel Gardner has a heartfelt appreciation for art in all forms and believes everyone is an artist, some just don’t know it yet. A dedicated and involved Edmonds resident, she can often be spotted onstage cracking jokes between sets or in the audience enjoying local live performances. She enjoys being playful with her art and finding unique ways of expression, like forming a boho-grunge-folk ukulele trio with local Edmonds moms.