New exhibitions fill the walls of local arts spaces
Published 6:04 pm Thursday, October 2, 2025
A weekend full of art is in store for islanders, with receptions for new exhibitions taking place on both Friday and Saturday on Vashon. Here’s what will be on view.
Outstanding In Its Field Gallery
A group exhibition, “Into the Woods — Natural and Supernatural Beauty,” opening from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Outstanding In Its Field Gallery, located at 10524 S.W. 188th St. The reception will include fresh-baked seasonal treats, hot cider and a free mini Tarot card reading from Liz Peterson.
The show features 13 artists, offering works that range from brilliantly colored work to ones with hints of the macabre. These include pastel paintings from Barbara Benedetti Newton and Janeen Bramwell; cast-glass and enamel jewelry by Julia Gombert; linocut and monotype prints by Brian Fisher and Lynn McClain; raku ceramics by Chuck Bonsteel; ceramic vases from Cecilia Kane; photography by Jim Diers; watercolors from Catherine Gill, turned wooded bowls from Steve Caldwell; lighted mushroom sculptures from Mary McGinnis, acrylics from Jude Boardman and bas relief bronze sculpture and etched glass from White Hart Art.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of the work will benefit the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust. The gallery is open from 12-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and on weekdays by appointment — call 206-419-0199.
Sotheby’s
A collection of work by legendary island photographer Ray Pfortner will be on view at Vashon Island Sotheby’s International Realty from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Vashon Island Sotheby’s International Realty,17635 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon. The one-night-only show will take place in the realtor’s conference area and will include work from Pfortner’s more than 30 years of photography and Vashon Maury.
Pfortner’s fine art prints as well as greeting cards, snow globes, coasters and charcuterie boards will be on view and available for purchase. Refreshments will be served, and Pfortner will be on hand at the reception to answer questions about his work.
Swiftwater Gallery
Bill Cleaver, of WM Henri Fine Design, will speak and demonstrate his art from 6-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Swiftwater Gallery, at 17600 Vashon Hwy. Cleaver will talk about the tradition of leather — where it has been and where it is going, and demonstrate different ways of embossing, hand-stamping, texturing, borders, stitching and molding leather.
Work by the more than 50 members of the cooperative art gallery will also be on display at the gallery.
VALISE
VALISE Gallery will present “Trees,” a multi-generational celebration of nature and art, with an opening reception from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3.
The show features the work of VALISE’s member artists and introduces a special installation by local student photographers. The students will present a collaborative photo installation centered on trees, alongside a wide range of paintings, drawings, and sculptures created by VALISE’s member artists.
“We are excited to create a show that brings together the voices of young and seasoned artists alike,” said Jiji Saunders, VALISE founder. “Supporting youth art and creative expression is an important part of our mission.”
The show will preview from 1-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, prior to the reception, and run through Nov. 1 at the gallery, located at 17633 Vashon Hwy SW. Regular gallery hours are 1-6 p.m. Fridays and Saturday. Find out more at valisegallery.com.
Vashon Center for the Arts
Martin Koenig’s exhibition of photographs, “Balkan Echoes: Portraits of Southeast Europe (1962-1987),” opens from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, offering an extraordinary visual archive of Balkan village life during a time of profound transformation. (Read an article about the show here.)
Vashon Senior Center
A First Friday reception for an two-month exhibition of works by the Senior Center’s Photo Club members will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 2.
Windermere Vashon
Catherine Gill, an established artist who is a newcomer to Vashon, will have an exhibit of paintings on view on Vashon in October and November, with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Windermere Vashon, located at 17429 Vashon Hwy SW. Ten percent of the sale proceeds from her Windermere exhibit will go to Vashon’s DOVE Project.
Since moving her studio from Seattle to the Vashon last month, she has taught monthly painting workshop including a plein air workshop at Shawnee Hill Farm in August. On Sept. 16, she will also teach painting workshops at Mukai Farm & Garden on Sept. 16 and Oct. 21. Also in October, Gill will teach painting classes for the DOVE Project on Friday mornings.
“I have been amazed and grateful for the way that the existing Vashon community has supported me and invited me to participate in island life,” Gill said.
