Issaquah Art Walk

The Pacific Northwest is world renown for its proximity to abundant natural beauty as well as it's cultural attractions. However, tourists visiting the area need not venture only towards the city if looking for a community focused cultural event.

In Issaquah, Wash. the Downtown Issaquah Association presents the Issaquah Art Walk from Friday May 7th-Sept. 3rd. The event, founded in 2001, is held on the first Friday of every month. As a bonus, Issaquah is only approximately 15 miles away from the heart of Seattle. The Art Walk is a chance for community members to view local art and listen to local musicians all while perusing local shops and restaurants. So, what's the catch? There is none-the event is free.

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Local Art Community

The region is known for its galleries, museums, antiques and cultural events. So, what's so special about Issaquah?

The town of Issaquah, despite its proximity to the Seattle metro area, is a community of approximately 26,000. The city is one of Western Washington's fasted growing communities, yet, was founded as a mining and logging village. Issaquah is well-known for its small-town feel while only minutes from technology giants like Microsoft or Nintendo and offering an abundance of outdoor activities year-round.

The Art Walk, however, caters towards both local communities and the surrounding art community. Elizabeth Short, faculty at Issaquah High School, explains "the Art Walk is not only a way to bring tourists in to the smaller community of Issaquah but also a way for our local art community to be seen on a larger scale." Short explains "little do people know, but Issaquah has a large art enclave that can be seen simply by driving down Front Street." Front Street, as Short described, serves as a main street in Issaquah and has multiple art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Listen to more of my interview with Short here.

Andrea Lui, junior at Skyline High School in Issaquah, explains that she enjoys the Art Walk because it provides an outlet for local high school students, such as herself. Lui is enrolled in Kaleidoscope School of Music, also located on Front Street, and predominantly practices modern metal and punk music. The school, who is also well-known for offering the majority of musical talent in the seventh to 12th grade range, prides itself on being Issaquah's first comprehensive music school, conveniently located in downtown Issaquah. Watch Kaleidoscope School of Music's own Zero Side Effects perform at Art Walk.

Artists Near and Far Take Part in Art Walk

Renée Robbins Pound and Lenoard Whitfield, owners of local Art by Fire Gallery and Glass School located on Issaquah's Front Street, explain that Art Walk draws showcases of both local artists as well as artists from around the Pacific Northwest. "Work from our own studio is showcased throughout the United States, so, it appears that more and more artists are following that same trend," states Robbins Pound. Art by Fire also offers mini-workshops in the art of glassblowing, flameworking and casting. The studio gallery strives to "help students achieve their own goals-whether they're looking for a hobby or life-changing career."

Artist Betsy Dahlstrom practices watercolor painting as both a hobby and a career. After raising her family full-time in Georgia, Dahlstrom relocated to Issaquah to become a painter full-time. Although Dahlstrom acknowledges Issaquah's art community is still growing, she explains that it is a "perfect place to foster creativity." Dahlstrom resides in the foothills outside of town, nicknamed the "Issaquah Alps", and explains she finds inspiration right outside her front door. She considers the region one of her favorite locations as water is a major theme throughout the majority of her work. Listen to the rest of my interview with Dahlstrom here.

Art Community Growth

ArtEAST, a collective formed by the former Art Collective of Issaquah and the Downtown Issaquah Association, serves to launch the Art Walk every year and guarantee "an artistic spectacle that is sure to catch the eye." In the past, the organization has served as a promoter of the Art Walk, solidifying the popular event it is today. When the Art Walk began in 2001, artEAST explains only one art gallery lined the Front Street. Currently, downtown Issaquah boasts five art galleries, five music instruction schools, a glass blowing studio and many other businesses that serve as part-time galleries.

During the event, downtown Issaquah transforms restaurants, hair salons and bookstores alike into modern art galleries. For example, even the lobby of the coveted Village Theatre is transformed with displays of local artists if performances are not scheduled. As the success of Art Walk only increases every year, the event is sure to garner more and more regional attention from both artists and art enthusiasts of the Pacific Northwest well into the future.

Be sure to read the Issaquah Art Walk FAQ's below the slideshow.

Click here for more art related events around the region.

Art Walk - Slideshow

Art Walk FAQ'S

Q: When is the Art Walk?

A: The Art Walk is held the first Friday of every month. In 2010, the Art Walk runs from Friday May 7th-Friday Sept. 3rd. The event runs from 5-9 p.m.

Q: How can I volunteer to help set-up the Art Walk?

A: Contact Michael Johnson, Downtown Issaquah Events Coordinator, at events@downtownissaquah.com.

Q: How can I display my art at the Art Walk?

A: Contact Michael Johnson, Downtown Issaquah Events Coordinator, at events@downtownissaquah.com.

Q: How much is the admission for the Art Walk?

A: Free!

A Sunshine Filled Weekend for the PNW

The rain has (mostly) faded into the mist as the sun sets its sights in the Pacific Northwest. Here's a look at what's happening around the region.

-Gamers rejoice. This weekend at the Seattle Center, the Pokémon Regional Video Game Championship will draw in upwards of 500 Pokémon enthusiasts. The Nintendo game, created in 1998, is the company's second most-popular game. Winners of the tournament will move on to national and world championships in late 2010.

-Interested in experiencing the boating culture of the PNW but don't own a boat? No problem. The Center for Wooden Boats is hosting a free public sail on Sunday May 9th. The center's Cast Off! program allows visitors to get an insider's look at sailing in classic boats. To reserve a spot, stop by the center at 10 a.m. on the day of sail.

Opening Day of Boating Season Attracts Boaters and Tourists Alike

Each year, opening day of boating season draws crowds from around the region to frolic on the abundance of nearby bodies of water. Opening day, held on the first Saturday in May since 1920, is a virtual holiday for boat-owners and boat-enthusiasts alike. If you don't own a boat (or someone who does), don't fret. Crowds seem to gravitate towards downtown Seattle to take a ferry tour around the Puget Sound, check out Pike Place Market, or watch the boats slowly but surely drift further from the coast. Below is my Seattle Spring time-lapse slideshow. Listen to the audio here.

Spring Timelapse of Seattle - Slideshow

Suprisingly Spring-like

-April 24th marked the opening day for fishing on Washington State's seasonal lakes. However, anglers beware: the Department of Fish and Wildlife is ensuring all fisherman have fishing licenses. Fishing license fees can be found here. The fees from fishing licenses fund the cost of growing fish in hatcheries, such as the Carson National Fish Hatchery. This hatchery attracts visitors year round.

-On Monday, April 26th, Neil Innes, a musical-comedic act for almost 50 years, will perform at the Triple Door in Seattle. Innes, known worldwide for John Lennon Beatle's parodies, also has associations with other bands throughout the 1960s, such as the Bonzo Doo-Dah Dog Band. Read more about Innes here.

Pacific Northwest Travel Destinations Map

Here is a map of some of the top travel destinations around the Pacific Northwest.

View Pacific Northwest Travel Destinations in a larger map

PIKE PLACE MARKET:

Pike Place Market is a sightseer’s paradise. Located on Seattle’s waterfront, more than 600 vendors can be found within a cluster of culture, cuisine and art. World famous for the original Starbucks, the market also features an integral part of Seattle’s cultural reputation as being a seaside port: a fish market. The Pike Place Fish Market is a tourist attraction similar to a right of passage as employees toss all types and all sizes of fish over the heads of unsuspecting tourists. The catch? Often times, an individual amongst the crowd must first purchase the fish to cue the show. However, the fish market conveniently offers airline-approved packaging for out of town visitors wishing to showcase their finds to friends back home.

Be sure to also stop in to Le Panier (a traditional French Bakery) and Piroshky Piroshky, a cult favorite serving Russian filled pastries. The market also always has an abundance of fresh cut flowers available for purchase. Although the flowers are always a visual delight, tulips are widely available after the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival throughout the month of April.

CANNON BEACH, OREGON:

Cannon Beach is a popular destination for visitors looking for unparalleled scenery as well as a unique art colony set amongst the Pacific Ocean. The city, originally named Ecola, was renamed after the nearby sinking of the U.S. Survey ship named “The Shark” and the discovery of the ships cannon on the beach in 1846.

As a hot spot for photographers and artists, Cannon Beach supports a growing art community. This artistic influence is evident throughout the many quaint bed and breakfasts and dining options throughout the city.

Cannon Beach is also world-famous for the rock monoliths directly West of Cannon Beach. These massive rock structures, including 235 ft. Haystack Rock, are just a few reasons why Cannon Beach is the most photographed natural sight in Oregon.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WASHINGTON:

The San Juan Islands are more than 170 islands that are in the San Juan Archipelago off the Western coast of Washington state. The islands, including the most popular tourist junctions of Lopez Island, Orcas Island, Shaw Island and Friday Harbor, serve as a getaway destination for many visitors wishing to hike, kayak, sightsee and more.

The islands are served by the Washington State Ferry System and are accessible via ferry terminals in Vancouver, BC or Anacortes, Wash. An additional 40 islands are also inhabited, however, private transportation must be arranged.

The islands are most popular for their abundance of wildlife. Approximately 90 Orca whales call the islands home year-round along with other marine life such as sea lions and seals. Consequently, the San Juan Wildlife Refuge protects 83 of the islands.

WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA:

Whistler, BC is known as a snow lover’s paradise. Yet, the city of Whistler has adrenaline inducing activities to offer even the most seasoned outdoorsmen satisfaction year-round.

Located 75 miles north of Vancouver, BC, the town of Whistler is located at the base of Whistler Mountain and was most recently featured worldwide as a key site for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Whistler, named for the whistle of marmots that roam around the mountain, also offers an abundance of international cuisine options including Japanese, French, Italian and American dishes just to name a few.

Whistler is also popular for its availability of luxury accommodations throughout the area so that visitors can stay, and play, in style.

MOUNT ST. HELENS, GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST, WASHINGTON:

Mount St. Helens is an active volcano located in the Gifford Pinochot National Forest in Washington State. Most famous for its eruption that greatly impacted nearby communities and wildlife in 1980, the area became a National Volcano Monument in 1982.

The 110,000-acre area is now used predominantly for recreation and research. Visitors to the monument are now able to camp, hike and more while observing the approximate 230 square miles directly affected by the eruption in 1980.

Mount St. Helens even offers helicopter tours that allow visitors to see the crater up close and personal. That is, if your wits can handle it.

The Seattle Mariners

In the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Mariners are a force to be reckoned with. As the regions only Major League Baseball team, fans flock from surrounding areas to support a team that, statistically, falls below fan expectations.

Does the Mariners lower than average performance deter fans? Not in the least.

Season ticket holder, Caytie Talbert, 22, says "as one of five Major League Baseball teams with a stadium that has a retractable roof, Mariners fans care less what the weather’s like outside-that won’t keep fans away." Talbert's spirit is shared among other followers, laughing as she says "I guess that does mean we can’t blame losing streaks on the rain."

The Seattle Mariners have called Seattle home since 1977 and are members of the Western Division of of Major League Baseball's American League. Despite the success of winning the American League division series in 1995, the Mariners have never played in a World Series. For a franchise surrounded by fan frenzy, what makes the Mariners so great?

"To me, the Mariners are a way of life in the Northwest," says Talbert. "I feel like the Mariners represent Seattle in such a strong and positive way that translates to loyalty and dedication to your roots throughout the major league.”

After the demolition of the Kingdome in 1999, the Mariners welcomed their new home, Safeco Field, with open arms. Along with from offering much needed improvements, the construction of Safeco virtually saved baseball in the region by creating a long-term home for baseball in the region.

Aside from picturesque views of the Puget Sound, many Mariners fans flock to opening day as a show of support for their loyal team. This year's home opener on April 12 welcomed a sellout crowd of 45,876 faithful fans, eager to start anew as a whole.

“I think what I like most about going to Mariners games is the sense of community," says Talbert. "It's not every day you see Randy Johnson, a hero in the eyes of Mariners fans, return to throw the ceremonial first pitch."

Central Washington University student Ross Young, 20, agrees with Talbert. "I love the Mariners. Mariners fans seem to be part of a large community," says Young. "When you see a person with a Mariners hat on, it almost gives you authority to start up a casual conversation and potentially make a new friend."

The Seattle Mariners should consider themselves one of the luckiest baseball franchises in the nation. "I love going to the games at Safeco and feeling the energy and excitement all around the stadium," says Young.

Despite being the only Major League Baseball team in the region, the loyal Mariners fans continue to support their beloved team, rain or shine, win or lose. The Seattle Mariners baseball franchise will clearly last long into the future.

Listen to what Seattle-area residents are saying about the Mariners

A Rainy Day Type of Week

...At least in terms of news.

-In Seattle, Wash., the annual Multiple Sclerosis walk took place on Sunday morning. The walk, benefiting programs and services for people who are suffering from MS and their families, research, prevention and more. Thousands of residents took place in the walk, looping around Husky Stadium. The walk attracted individuals from throughout the region in order to attend a weekend full of events.

-Also in Seattle, The Seattle Mariners begin their season on April 12th at Safeco Field. As the first regular-season game, fans are coming in droves to watch the regions only Major League Baseball team. The Mariners face off against the Oakland Athletics with a sellout crowd expected.

-In Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Vancouver Fashion Week started with a bang. A gala was held on April 7th at Empire Landmark Hotel to celebrate the event's tenth season. The event attracted fashionistas and designers alike from London, Montreal and local designers from the Vancouver area.

-Sadly, the city of Vancouver also experienced a great loss this week. The iconic neon sign of The Only Sea Foods restaurant featuring a seahorse was taken down this week after more than 50 years. Yet, the sign is being stored by the Portland Hotel Society which hopes to restore the sign and maybe even re-open the restaurant in a new location in the future. The restaurant was previously Vancouver's longest surviving restaurant in the same location.