New art exhibitions will brighten local galleries in August

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Check out new art exhibits on Vashon during Friday’s gallery cruise and over the weekend. Most of the shows will remain on view throughout August.

Open Space

“Sanctuary, At Home in the Body,” a multi-disciplinary series of experiences exploring themes of thriving and well-being, will include multiple presentations on Vashon, Seattle and Tacoma from Aug. 1-10 — including a exhibition on Vashon opening from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Open Space for Arts & Community.

“Sanctuary, At Home in the Body” is being produced by local artist, innovator and social justice activist Leah Okamoto Mann under the banner of her organization, Kintsugi Somatic Art, which offers workshops, performances and artful communal experiences aimed at healing diverse communities.

The exhibition at Open Space will include visual and performing artists including Dana Lupton, Anita Bondi, Chantal Uto, Salvej Amella Noa, Leah Okamoto Mann, Seattle and Tacoma youth photographers, and young artists from Open’s spaces Orbit youth program and Vashon Youth & Family Services.

Outstanding in its Field

The exhibit, “Garden Delights: Flora & Fauna,” will host an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Outstanding in its Field Gallery, located at 10524 SW 188th St., just west of Sawbones.

The reception was originally scheduled to open last month, but was postponed until this month.

The exhibit includes Gail Hapeman’s stained glass stepping stones and fused glass lanterns; oil and acrylic paintings from Barbara Benedetti Newton; blown glass flowers from Brian Brenno; Lynn McClain’s monoprints and art cards; bug sculptures and encaustics from Charlotte Masi; Lisa Witherspoon’s jewelry; soft pastels by Janeen Bramwell; acrylics by Anne Moses and Sarah Edwards; baskets from Barbara Gustafson; watercolors from Jeanne Marie Thomas and Nancy Putney; floral art cards from Janis McElroy; and bas relief bronze sculpture and etched glass from White Hart Art.

A portion of the proceeds from art sales will benefit the Vashon-Maury Island Garden Club.

At the reception, meet the artists, nibble on fresh-baked treats, and hear a performance by Kat Eggleston in the gallery’s party pasture. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets or camp chairs.

The gallery requests that visitors wear masks while inside the small gallery space. Regular gallery hours are 12-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and on weekdays by appointment. Call 206-419-0199 or write to info@outstandinggallery.com.

PSCCU

Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union’s First Friday reception, from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, will feature artwork, music and refreshments.

Photographer Diane Carr will show images captured on her travels, “inviting viewers to slow down, look closely and feel the quiet beauty that surrounds them, both near and far.”

Tibka Carr, a college student and also a photographer, will also share some of her work for the very first time, capturing small details found in everyday moments.

Fiber artist Tiana Colovos will show works made in felt including totes, containers and sculptural vessels.

Longtime island musician Loren Sinner will play bass and sing at the reception.

Snapdragon

A night of music and art on Friday, Aug. 1, will raise funds for Haven, an animal welfare and pet rescue organization on Vashon, with all proceeds from art sales going to the organization. Find out more about Haven’s programs and services at havenrescue.org.

VALISE

VALISE Gallery will present “Random Guessing,” an exhibition of works by George Wright.

The exhibit explores the concept of Rock, Paper Scissors, a game with roots that go back to ancient China, Japan and Greece. And while ancient Greeks and Romans, while they may have played the game, were more interested in the art of waxing and preserving. With heated bees wax, they sealed the portraits of loved ones that remain visible today.

What does all this have to do with the artwork of George Wright? Take a random guess, or better yet, go see her show from 1-9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, or visit during regular gallery hours, from 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in August.

Vashon Center for the Arts

Check out the latest exhibition of artwork in Vashon Summer Arts Fest at a reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Vashon Center for the Arts.

Artists in the exhibition include Andrea Walker; Brooke Gassiot; Carol Tufford; Dianne Grob; Ilse Reimnitz; Kassan Holder; Terry Donnelly and Tim Anderson.

This round also features an exhibition by the Vashon Potter’s Group, showcasing a wide range of ceramic styles and techniques. Participating potters include Beth Anne Freiling; David Olsen; Gale Lurie; Jane Neubauer; Jessica Lapano; Karen Fevold; Kedar Mankad; Laurie Thorpe; Marla Smith; Maya Breitburg-Smith and Sara Barry.

Jewelry by Christine Pelling will be shown in the gift shop from August 1-31.

Windermere Gallery

An exhibition of original paintings by island artist Liz Maxfield will have an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at the Windermere Gallery, at 17429 Vashon Hwy SW. The exhibit will continue through Sept. 30.

Maxfield is drawn to the intricate and beautiful human anatomy of the body and finding the immediacy of the figure through gesture drawings. Plant studies are a similar way for her to capture interesting line and color combinations. Maxfield also loves travel and photography and uses her pictures from past trips as inspiration for paintings.

Learn more at lizmaxfield.com.