YOUTH SHOWS SHINE
At The Hardware Store Gallery, two photography shows, both featuring the work of the students of Ray Pfortner, are on view until July 31. “Postcards from Vashon” is the result of Pfortner’s 14th annual “Shoot to Show” photography class, presented at Vashon Center for the Arts. The other exhibit, “Photography Exploratory,” includes work created by McMurray Middle School eighth graders who spent a week with Pfortner in Seattle, shooting at various locations. Attendees can also vote for their favorite photographs throughout Strawberry Festival weekend — first, second and third-place ribbons will be awarded for each show. All voters are eligible to win a set of boxed greeting cards adorned with Pfortner’s shots of Cuba.
FILM INSPIRES ART
“Boxes Boxes Boxes,” now on view at VCA’s Blue Heron Education Center Gallery, is a multi-generation and multi-classroom collaboration drawing inspiration from the Oscar-nominated documentary, “Faces Places,” featuring the artists J.R. and Agnes Varda. Students in English and art classes at Vashon High School watched the film in class and then created individual works exploring themes of identity. Students also visited residents at Vashon Community Care and the art room at Chatauqua Elementary School to create boxes dedicated to others and their stories. Many of the boxes are interactive and made to be read, featuring narratives of times when people felt “boxed in” or “put inside a box” by external forces.
CHECK OUT SHOW AT CHURCH
Vashon Presbyterian Church will host an art exhibit, “Islander Expressions,” during Strawberry Festival weekend. Sculptures by George Thieme, photographs by Mica Gaxiola-Morosoff, mixed media paintings by Ginger Krinsky and Olivia White, and a watercolor collective by students of the Carpe Diem School will be shown. Exhibit hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
VASHON ARTIST IN SEATTLE
Vashon artist Bill Dilley will show a collection of artwork, “About Face,” at the Mount Baker Neighborhood Center for the Arts, at 2919 Rainier Ave. S., through July 28. A reception for the artist will be held at the center from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 19. The show will include Dilley’s wood and metal works as well as paintings and multi-media explorations. For more information, visit billdilley.com.
VIVA SALONS
Vashon Island Visual Artists (VIVA) is offering summer salons at Gather Vashon, where islanders can share casual conversations around various artistic interests. Salons are organized by discipline, for artists at all levels of development. No advance registration or membership with VIVA is needed to participate, but attendees are encouraged to bring a beverage or snack to share, as well as examples or photos of their work. Upcoming salons will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following dates — July 19: Pottery and ceramics with Chris Beck, Lin Holly and Marla Smith; July 24: Printmaking and illustration with Jean Echevarria; Aug. 9: Paint and watercolor with Jeff Good and Valerie Willson; Aug. 22: Woodwork and carving with John Moore.
KOTTKE AND COLLINS COME TO TOWN
Leo Kottke, a guitar legend influenced by folk and delta blues music, will play a concert at Vashon Center for the Arts at 7:30, Friday, July 27. In addition to his stellar musicianship, Kottke is also well known for his humorous storytelling. Tickets are $45 to $60. The concert is officially sold out; get on the waiting list at vashoncenterforthearts.org/event/leo-kottke.
Tickets are still available for another concert by national treasure Judy Collins, who will perform at VCA at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. All tickets are $75; an additional opportunity to attend a meet and greet with Collins costs $75 more. Visit vashoncenterforthearts.org for more information.
