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Lectures and Events
Art Lecture: Gu Xiong The multi-media artist and professor, who fled China for Vancouver, B.C. after the Tiananmen Square massacre, talks about how exile affects the perception of one’s homeland. 2 p.m. Sat. May 8. Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 3515 S. Alaska, $6, 206-760-4285.
Artist Lecture: Scott Fraser The accomplished super-realist painter discusses his approach to trompe l’oeil and still life. (Fraser is also the subject of a solo show opening at the Frye, see below.) Noon, Sat. May 8. Seattle Academy of Fine Art, 1501 Tenth Ave. E, free, 206-526-2787.
axis of Art Can’t we all get along? The “axis of evil” gets a break at this evening of music, dance and poetry, with Persian and Cuban music, photography from Iran, video from North Korea, and Rumi poetry. 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Wed. May 5, $6 (a benefit for the World Music Coalition), Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave.
Madison Valley Art Show Neighborhood artists show their stuff. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. May 8. The Bush School, 3400 E. Harrison, free, 206-322-7978
Microsoft Artist Lecture: Hans Nelsen “There is something fundamental about wooden masks. They appear in almost every world culture,” says self-taught Vashon Island artist Hans Nelsen. As part of a series of lectures linked to works in Microsoft’s substantial art collection, Nelsen talks about his thirty-year career as a sculptor whose works emulate natural forms, including Fibonacci ratios found in everything from seashells to the human body. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Fri. May 7, free, Building 33, Microsoft campus, Redmond.
Pretty Parlor Fashion Show An evening of outrageous fashions, Brazilian groove, lounge acts, and manic experimental tap dance, all in lovely and sensible Greenwood. 7 p.m.-midnight, Fri. May 7. Pretty Parlor, 6729 Greenwood Ave. N., free, 206-789-8788.
The Untold Story Two artists represented in SAM’s little “Untold Story” exhibit, Curtis Steiner and Galen Lowe, engage in a discussion with curator Pam McClusky. Topics on the agenda: stories true and untrue behind art, the lost art of collecting curiosities, and something SAM describes mysteriously as “what happens in a festival of insults and tall tuber contests.” Okay, I’m curious… 7 p.m. Thurs. May 6. Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St., free with admission, 206-654-3100.
First Thursday
Capitol Hill Arts Center In “Detritus,” Evan Blackwell and Marc Lawrence turn Seattle’s garbage into—art! Reception: 8 p.m.-10 p.m. (music until 2 a.m., 21 and over only), 1621 12th Ave.
D’Adamo/Woltz Sorta-mysterious paintings of imagined landscapes by Cary Henrie. Reception: 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. 303/307 Occidental S., 206-652-4414. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
Davidson SEE BOX, THIS PAGE.
Gallery 4 Culture “The Art of Maritime Modeling” aims to remind us of the city’s disappearing boat history. A flotilla of ship models will invade the gallery; some are the work of trained artists, while others were fashioned by hobbyists and the self-taught. On the list is the extraordinary John Taylor, whose previous shows of weatherbeaten old rustbuckets at Garde Rail have been superb. Reception: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 506 Second Ave., Suite 200 (Smith Tower), 206-296-7580. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri.
Frye Art Museum Colorado’s Scott Fraser is a master of the superreal still life; instead of the usual peaches or wine bottles he paints things symbolic in his life, like goldfish crackers and Styrofoam cups. Artist lecture: 7 p.m. 704 Terry Ave., 206-622-9250. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.
Forgotten Works Three photographers try their hand at primitive or pinhole cameras for unusual effects: Amy Bates uses a cheap Chinese camera called the Holga, Patrick Girgen shoots flowers as they combust, and David Chick builds and snaps shots with giant pinhole cameras, including one fashioned from a thrift shop suitcase. He calls it the “pinhole-aroid.” I love saying that. Reception: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. 619 Western Ave., 206-343-7212. noon-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun.
Gallery 110 Chris Buening’s mixed-media paintings, “The Mind’s Last Great Trick” are peppered with elements of the surreal: Hearts, valves, veins and other visual tropes remind us we’re just a bunch of overgrown infants with oral fixations. Also on display, Betsy Best-Spadara’s lovely, patterned linocut abstract collages. Reception: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 110 S. Washington St., 206-624-9336. Noon-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat.
Global Art Venue The second annual show of Korean glass art by Jong Pil Pyun, Sang Min Lee and others. Reception: 5 p.m.-8 p.m. 314 First S., 206-264-8755. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.; Noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Grover/Thurston Seattleite Gary Nisbet’s collage/paintings draw upon symbols from everyday life: birds, flowers, etc. Reception: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 309 Occidental St., 206-223-0816. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.
Linda Hodges In “Accepting Nature,” Seattle sculptor Deloss Webber encases found stones in rattan basketry influenced by traditional Native American and Japanese designs. Reception: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 316 First Ave. S., 206-624-3034. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat.
Lisa Harris There’s a heavy dose of nostalgia and cuteness in the recent paintings of Lois Silver, but there’s no denying she has a genuinely adept way with color and composition. Reception: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 1922 Pike Pl., 206-443-3315. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.
market graphics “Life Drawings” from Cornish instructor Julie Gaskill. Reception: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 1935 First Ave., 206-441-7732. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.- Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
Seattle Art Museum Youth in Focus, the citywide project that gets teens participating in photography, responds to SAM’s “Only Skin Deep” exhibit on racial and cultural identity. Reception: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 100 University St., free with admission, 206-654-3100.
Solomon Fine Art The group show “Yarns” plays on both senses of the word: The works here incorporate some sort of tales or threads. Included will be work by eight artists, including Jenny Hellmann’s embroidery and Dave Hughes Gothic text in Plexiglass. Reception: 5 p.m.-8 p.m. 1215 First Ave., 206-297-1400. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
William Traver Katja Fritzsche’s glass-and metal sculptures evoke stylized deer and other ungulates, while Richard Royal’s glass sculptures twist and seethe like crystal flames. Reception: 5 p.m.-8 p.m. 110 Union St., second floor, 206-587-6501. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Zeitgeist Photographer PIPI’s off-kilter snapshots, taken with a Russian Lomo camera. Music provided by Alan Freed & Daniel Michael Viox. Reception: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 171 S. Jackson St., 206-583-0497. 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.-Sun.
Other Openings
Art/Not Terminal Sculpture by Charles Parrish and paintings by locals Patrick Donnelly, Jr. and Joel. A. Astley. Reception: 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Sat. May 8. 2045 Westlake, 206-233-0680, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Atelier 31 Elegant photos of European cityscapes sans people by Michael Eastman, as well as Adele Sypesteyn’ s mixed-media geometric abstractions incorporating handmade papers. Reception: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Wed. May 5. 2500 First Ave., 206-448-5250. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Tues.; 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.
ballard fetherston The softer side of Seattle’s Elizabeth Jameson, plus mixed media on canvas from Mary Molyneaux. Reception: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Fri. May 7. 818 E. Pike St., 206-322-9440, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues.-Sat.
exposure gallery Paul Irvin’s photo series, “diners drunks dogs & doorways,” opens as part of the Ballard Art Walk. Reception: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sat. May 8. Gadbois Art & Photography, 2856 NW Market St., 206-789-6644.
gallery 63 Eleven Work from Dionne Haroutunian and Jay Lazerwitz is shown as part of the Ballard Art Walk. Reception: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sat. May 8. 6311 24th Ave. NW.
Jeffrey Moose Good goddess, a bunch of art on the feminine within by UW textile professor Lou Cabeen, Lummi Island sculptor Ann Morris and others. Reception: 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Fri. May 7. 1333 Fifth Ave., Rainier Square, second level, 206-467-6951. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; noon-5 p.m. Sat.
LGBT Community Center Gallery Semi-abstract watercolors and sculpture of Pacific Northwest nature by Shawn Marie Johnson. Reception: 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Sat. May 8. 1115 E. Pike St. 206-323-5428. Noon- 9 p.m. daily.
Martin-Zambito Recent work by Danny Pierce, who’s been painting realist, vigorous everyday scenes of New York City since he was an instructor at Hunter College in the 1950s. Opens Thurs. May 6. 721 E. Pike St., 206-726-9509. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat.
Phinney Center The group show “The Garden: Nature’s Edge” is the centerpiece of the Greenwood-Phinney Neighborhood Artwalk. Reception: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Fri. May 7. 6532 Phinney Ave., 206-783-2244. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.
Pitcairn Scott Dari Stolzoff’s abstract paintings combine foggy, atmospheric effects and hard-edged fields of color. Reception: 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Fri. May 7. 2207 Second Ave., 206-448-5380. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat.
Portco 34 The irresistible Tad Hutchison presents his “tribute to utility and usefulness.” Part of the Fremont Art Walk. Reception: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Fri. May 7. 626 N. 34th St., 206-545-9444.
Priceless Works “The Human Factor,” a multi-media solo show by Jennifer Elek that attempts to skewer conspicuous consumption through painting, glass, neon, and ceramics. Reception: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Fri. May 7. 619 N. 35th St., Suite 100, 206-349-9943. Noon-6 p.m. Thurs.-Sun.
Roq La Rue “Now We are Six” celebrates six years of wonderfully lowbrow, creepy, and oddball art at the Roq. Curator/owner Kirsten Anderson has invited Roq’s motley corps of artists to pick one of their favorite pieces. The lineup includes Scott Musgrove, Marion Peck, Mark Ryden, Joe Vollan, and Kipling West. Reception: 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Fri. May 7. 2316 Second Ave., 206-374-8977. 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun.
sam rental/sales Continuing its new bi-monthly partnerships with local galleries, RSG exhibits work by artists affiliated with Lisa Harris, including victoria Johnson and Richard Morhous. Opens Tues. May 4. 1220 Third Ave., 206-343-1101, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
Viveza Heinrich Toh’s solo show, “More Fish Balls for Dinner” includes various mixed media sculptures; Marilyn Jones’ accompanying show of abstract paintings is entitled, “Sugar Daddys and Taffy Pulls.” Reception: 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Fri. May 7. 2604 Western Ave., 206-355-0070. Noon-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.
Last Chance
Art/Not Terminal Who says art is totally useless? This month the Annual Functional Art Show and Contest showcases work that supposedly has a real purpose! 2045 Westlake, 206-233-0680, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Ends Thurs. May 6.
Benham Just in time for spring, a group show of unusual flower photography by Omak’s Ken Smith, San Juans resident Fred James Housel, and Seattle’s Steven Meyers, who specializes in x-ray prints. 1216 First Ave., 206-622-2480. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Ends Fri. May 8.
Bryan Ohno SEE BOX, THIS PAGE.
Cornish College Art & Design BFA Cornish has dependably stocked the local scene with a good corps of emerging artists, and this year’s graduating BFA class has a strong showing. 306 Westlake Ave. N. (Trick & Murray Building) 206-726-5011. Noon-7 p.m. daily. Ends Fri. May 7.
Greg Kucera In “Last Call—New Photographs” director John Waters brings the same slapstick gruesomeness of his films to a show of photography and mixed-media works. 212 Third Ave., 206-624-0770. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Ends Fri. May 8.
Henry Art Gallery “A Door Meant as Adornment” offers a twenty-year retrospective of avant-garde Seattle furniture designer, architect, and artist Roy McMakin. UW campus, 206-543-2280. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs. Ends Sun. May 9.
James Harris In Seattle photographer Glenn Rudolph’s world, gothic teens camp in neglected parks, farmers struggle as suburbs sprawl in their midst, and off-grid idealists watch their dreams curdle. 309A Third Ave., 206-903-6220. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Ends Fri. May 8.
Kirkland Arts Center KAC’s biennial Faculty Exhibit displays works by more than 40 Arts Center instructors, including ceramics by Carol Gouthro and paintings by Michael Otterson. 620 Market St. 425-822-7161. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Ends Fri. May 7.
Galleries
1506 Projects You can play the guessing game at “Pseudononymous,” a show of completely anonymous work at this new alternative space created by artists Sarah Bergmann, Dianna Molzan and Neal Bashor. 1506 E. Olive, 206-329-5400. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat-Sun.
Black Lab “Pattern and Happenstance” is art collective Sublevel 3’s final show: a multimedia exploration of randomness, rhythm, order, language and chaos. Includes work by Eroyn Franklin, David Herbert, Jason Smith, Super Jew and Alice Tippit. 4216 6th Ave., 206-778-6528. Noon-5 p.m. Sat. –Mon.
Bluebottle Big, superflat paintings of all creatures fast and slow by Seattle artist Kynan Antos. 415 E. Pine St., 206-325-1592. 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Tue.-Fri., noon-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun.
Francine Seders Seattle artist Lynda Rockwood’s abstract elliptical wall sculptures and other free-standing works utilize a variety of materials including cast bronze, sheet lead, marine fossils, and gypsum cement. 6701 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-782-0355. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.- Sat, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
G. Gibson Lori Nix’s wonderfully twisted staged tableaux photographs depict understated tragedies (car crashes and such) using cheap model railroad scenery and dramatic lighting. 514 E. Pike St., 206-587-4033. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
Garde Rail Folsky figurative sculptures in found scraps of wood and tin by Ohio artist Kevin Titzer. 4860 Rainier Ave. (Columbia City), 206-721-0107. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat.
Photographic Center Northwest Twenty-six prints by one of Mexico’s most talented photographers, Graciela Iturbide. Her images, whether of transvestites in rural Mexico, or of religious pilgrims in India, have an otherworldly spirituality that’s firmly planted in the dust and grime of the real. 900 12th Ave., 206-720-7222. Noon-9:30 p.m. Mon.; 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun.
Richard Hugo House Diem Chau, a Cornish alumnus and past winner of the Urban League’s Roger Shimomura Award, shows new paintings in “Stirring Smoke.” 1634 11th, 322-7030. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., Noon-5 p.m. Sat.
SOIL “Please Everyone” showcases a variety of emerging artists who live north of the 49th parallel (in that utopia known as Canada). On offer: large canvases of interiors by Mark Neufeld, polystyrene objects by Kyle Beal, and sculpture by Megan Anderson. 1317 E. Pine St., 206-264-8061. Noon-5 p.m. Thurs.-Sun.
State Convention & Trade Center The Seattle-based non-profit Blue Earth Alliance stages its Spring Photography Exhibition, meant to draw attention to endangered environments and cultures. Included are Anna Mia Davidson’ images of contemporary Cuba, Rebecca Norris Webb’s unblinking shots of urban zoos, and Subhankar Banerjee’s famous photos of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.800 Convention Pl., 206-694-5000. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Museums
Museum of Glass Taking the medieval stained glass panel as her launching pad, Judith Schaechter creates sappy, violent, and just plain weird vignettes of early 21st century life. Also on display, 60 glass faces created by Marita Dingus during a recent 5-day residency at the Museum and a retrospective of Italo Scanga, a buddy of Chihuly’s who was a frequent guest artist at the Pilchuck School until his death in 2001. 1801 East Dock St. Tacoma, 253-396-1768. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Seattle Art Museum “Only Skin Deep,” an exhibit from New York’s International Center of Photography explores the art world’s own complicity in perpetuating, even creating, racial stereotypes over the last 150 years or so. More than 300 images have been placed into five thematic groupings that address issues of identity, hierarchy, assimilation, fetishization, and more. 100 University St., 206-654-3100. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs.
