February Feature: Take a Bow

I am increasingly convinced that art, music, theater, storytelling, and community engagement are essential to life. I really love exploring personal histories, social themes, and ultimately our evolving culture and world. As shown in my February Features series, a variety of mediums can be used to reflect these ideas we all face and encounter. So, to wrap up, I want to keep the conversation going and keep uncovering new artists, musicians, designers, and more!

One of the pieces at A/NT Artist Collective.

Here's my recommendations:

1) ArtsWest Playhouse - My co-worker was recently part of the Peerless cast in this small black box style theater. It was so fun to see him in this modern adaptation of MacBeth. Mr. Fleece was a big fan too :)

2) Seattle Repertory Theatre - So many great works coming this spring! We saw Two Trains Running by August Wilson and are looking forward to the upcoming Isben in Chicago and Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, both currently playing.

3) Seattle Art Museum - I'm planning on going on March 1st for First Thursday when admission is free!

4) Frye Art Museum - This spot has been on my list for years and I'm hoping to finally see it this month. Best part, admission is always free!

5) Seattle Theatre Group - A Seattle staple! Mr. Fleece purchased custom season tickets so we're going to several more shows this year including Hamilton, a jazz concert, and a community dance show. I'm also interested in seeing Waitress (lyrics by Sara Bareilles) and Dear Evan Hansen as part of their next Broadway season!

6) A/NT Artist Collective - Another free art gallery, located in Seattle Center. They have a free Opening Reception on Saturday, March 3rd from 6-9pm if you want to check it out. The gallery is non-juried, everything is for sale, and the collection rotates each month.

7) Bill and Melinda Gates Visitor Center - again, admission is always free! They have educational and interactive exhibits that are really well executed.

8) GroupMuse - Intimate house concerts by professional classical musicians. Truly amazing and would highly recommend. I'd love to go to another one this spring!

9) Seamonster Lounge - I've been to this dive bar once before and would like to make a return visit for their Tuesday no-cover jazz night that starts at 8pm!

10) Columbia City Theater - This is a music venue I've never checked out but is on my list.

More ideas here.

So much to see and share,

- SJW

February Feature: Artist | Jenni Saniuk

I met this friend when living in Austin - we were part of the same church and I always admired her joy for God, life, and others. She started painting shoes for friends around the time I was leaving for Seattle and it's been fun to see her talent bloom into a small business, Your Sole Expression! I fully enjoy the pop culture favorites she replicates with detailed precision and clever design. I've thought about getting a pair of Toms painted but honestly can't think of a design, phrase, or story I feel so strongly about other than You've Got Mail perhaps...now there's an idea! ;) Regardless, these shoes are super fun! I'd also recommend following her Instagram as she's currently doing a personal pen/ink project (two collages below) that I'm just loving.
Shop
Instagram

Shoe-per Talented,

-SJW

February Feature: Designer | Leslie Wilkins

I met this gal a few years back and liked her instantly. She's since gotten married and moved south to Tacoma but I try and follow her artwork because it's always edifying and pleasing! I ran into her at an art show for this artist and learned that they knew each other - such a small world :) My favorite series is her personal project, 52 verses. Besides that, Leslie tackles branding, illustration, and even wedding invitations! Hit her up if you need new business cards, a new logo, or some fancy watercolor envelopes :)
Website
Instagram

She's stylin!

-SJW

February Feature: Woodworker | Spalted Home

Our friend Jessica was one of the first entrepreneur/business owners I met. She makes these petite state/country necklaces in her shop, Oh So Antsy but recently expanded mediums. She's now working with reclaimed wood and shaving away to create these useful & beautiful kitchen & home items. Check out her separate brand, Spalted Home and her latest endeavors, including a sweet 7-month year old daughter :) 

Website

Instagram

She's so talented!

Stirring, stewing,

SJW