Summer Arts Fest rolls on at arts center

New exhibits, demonstrations and special events add to lively mix

July 25, 2018 1:30 am
Kathleen Kenney’s “Acrobat Red Shoes” is part of The Red Shoe Show at Vashon Summer Arts Fest.
Kathleen Kenney’s “Acrobat Red Shoes” is part of The Red Shoe Show at Vashon Summer Arts Fest.

The Vashon Summer Arts Fest, a two-month celebration of the local arts scene staged by Vashon Center for the Arts, is set to unveil a new series of exhibits by dozens of artists in the coming weeks. In addition, fest-goers can observe wood artists in action in the VCA parking lot as well as try their hands at making art in several participatory workshops held on Saturday, July 28.

Catch artists in action and join in the creativity at the following events:

Suzanne Hubbard: “The Big Weave”

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 27, and 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 28

Hubbard will be on hand to guide community members in creating a community tapestry on a 6 x 8 x 3-foot Swedish tapestry loom. Experience the pattern, structure and texture featured prominently in this weaving technique, and write a personal message of hope for the world on a special tag which you tie onto the fabric.

Steve Caldwell: Wood sculpture demonstration

2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28

Caldwell, an island wood artist, will demonstrate ways of burning, painting, texturing and finishing wood sculpture.

Rachel LordKenaga: “Memories”

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 28

LordKenaga will demonstrate her process and guide participants in using their photographs to create original pieces of art by using paper, pencils and watercolor paints.

Paul Clark: “Using Your Artists’ Eye”

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 28

Participants will create a unique piece of art, combining a frame, driftwood and mirror. There is a supply fee of $30, and art-makers will take home their work. This event has a limited enrollment — registration is suggested. Drop-ins are welcome if space is available. For more information, visit VashonSummerArtsFest.org.

Stroll the galleries and check out the following ongoing and new exhibits:

Wood Artist Group Show, curated by Steve Caldwell and Shawn Nordfors. A collection of Vashon wood artists including Caldwell, Nordfors, Steve Schlossman, Hans Nelsen, Rick Paquette, Curt Minier and Israel Shotridge. Closes July 30.

Opening July 27 and continuing to August 12:

Collage Group “Cut & Paste,” curated by Donna Romero. A collage collection by Vashon artists showing an array of different effects created from the mediums of paper and glue. Artists include Donna Romero, Sheila Eckman, Sharon Hines-Pinon, Janice Mallman, Suzanne Moore, Tara Snowden and John Schuh.

“The Red Shoe” Group Show, curated by Kathleen Kinney. Island artists explore (and play with) myths, metaphors, stories, lessons and taboos about the significance of the color red through the ages and red shoes in particular. Artists include Anne B. Theiss, Irene Otis, Brian Brenno, Kristen Reitz-Green, Debi Shandling Crawford, Christina Nichols, Edith Sehulster, Eddy Radar, Morgan Brig, Brian Fisher, Suzanne Hubbard, Peter Mantle, Pat Churchill and Kathleen Kinney.

Andrea Bellon will exhibit “AB INTRA (From Within)” — abstract paper collage that explores shape, color and texture to create compositions that express internal thoughts and emotions, both conscious and subconscious

Britt Freda will exhibit “Cour*age” — acrylic and graphite works on panels address endangered species, gender equality, environmental impact and the courage it takes to persevere.

Carol Schwennesen will exhibit a retrospective collection of her artwork from the last 60 years.

Kris Pedrin will show “Winter in the Northwest Series” — winter-themed photographs honoring the inspiration and beauty of the Pacific Northwest, especially Vashon Island.

Mark Beaudien will exhibit “World Photography” — a collection of photographs from the artist’s travels to over 30 countries on six continents that includes wildlife, landscape and underwater images.

Paul Clark will show “Mirrors, Driftwood & You” — 3-D collage using mirrors, wood and other common elements to create art that is a reflection of both ourselves and our world.

Rachel LordKenaga will exhibit “Memories” — 2-D work inspired by old photos and memories that can bring out emotions through visual exploration and excavation.

Robin Jones will show “The Here and After” — oil paintings created to raise awareness of endangered species through activist art.