The Burien Arts Association is hosting another “Sing & Sketch” tonight (Thursday, Mar. 11th) at BTB Advertiser Burien Press.

According to Erin Williamson:

“Relax at the Burien Press while enjoying a terrific cup of joe & delectable pastries, pies and sandwiches.“

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Sing & Sketch” music/art party.

WHEN: Thursday, Mar. 11th, from 6pm–8pm.

WHERE: Burien Press, located at 423 SW 152nd Street in downtown Burien (across from the new City Hall/Library); phone: 206-453-5412.

COST: No cover, just bring your creativity or your interest in watching/listening.

INFO: From a poster:

Come enjoy a song and art circle!

For the Musicians: Share you latest songwriting creation or just play an old favorite while others join in.

For the Visual Artists: Enjoy the chance to do some figural drawing or painting while listening to live music.

For Everyone, art and music appreciators alike: Relax at the Burien Press while enjoying a terrific cup of joe & delectable pastries, pies and sandwiches.

Poster Art by John Unbehend

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURIEN ARTS & Burien Press

For more Information contact: burienarts.org

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Burien’s Highline Medical Center is holding a children’s “Kidz Tipz for Safety” billboard contest in association with Highline Public Schools, in an effort to engage kids in childhood safety.

Each year one in three people in the U.S. visit an emergency room – 40 percent as a result of injury-related accidents and a third under the age of 21.  Highline Medical Center, which serves nearly 50,000 ER patients annually, in concert with Highline Schools, is inviting students to design their own safety billboard.

Elementary school students in the Highline School District are encouraged to design their own billboard featuring an up-to- eight-word safety tip, with three winning entries to be featured on billboards in the surrounding community. Finalists’ artwork will be also featured at the Grand Opening Celebration of Highline Medical Center’s new Emergency Room on April 10. And every child who enters will be eligible to win a party at Family Fun Center in Tukwila.

A panel of representatives from Highline Medical Center and the community will review the entries and select 20 finalists from which final winners will be chosen. Finalists will have their artwork on display at the opening of the new ER from 10 am to 3 pm on April 10.

The deadline for entries is Friday, March 19, and more information and contest rules are available by emailing commrelations@highlinemedical.org.

The days are getting longer, the sky brighter, flowers are starting to bloom, bugs are coming out and its Photo Friday – what better way to celebrate the coming days of Spring than by celebrating with a stunning “Springtime In Burien” photo slideshow by area Pro Photographer Francis Zera?

This set of amazing macro nature photos is Exhibit A in why we love Photography – through the eye of a talented artist like Francis, one can see things that you normally might not notice, and see it in a beautiful new way.

According to Francis, who shot these pics Wednesday:

Today’s brief spell of late-afternoon sunshine got me thinking about spring, and I had an opportunity to wander around a private garden on the east side of Burien.

The plants and trees were just starting to bloom, and I found some pretty interesting stuff, including this insect that was swimming around in a dewdrop that was poised on a new tulip leaf.

This little guy appears to be a Hypera zoilus Kaldari, aka Clover Leaf Weevil, swimming in a dewdrop. According to the Wikipedia entry, they seem to prefer dry places to wet, so I’m thinking it might have been simply unlucky enough to have been nailed by a big raindrop and subsequently trapped inside the droplet by the surface tension.

It was still alive when I photographed it, and was moving around within the confines of the droplet.

For those technically inclined, I was using a Canon 5D Mark II with a 180mm f/3.2 macro lens.

Here’s Francis’ stunning spring slideshow:

Click to View Francis Zera’s Photo Slideshow

Francis Zera is a professional architectural and commercial photographer, as well as Co-president, Seattle/Northwest chapter, American Society of Media Photographers. See his portfolio at http://www.zeraphoto.com or follow him on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/zeraphoto. Francis can be reached at 206-659-ZERA.

Our friends at White Center for the Arts are holding a very unique “Python-A-Thon” fundraiser this Sunday, March 7th, from Noon – 8pm at Big Al Brewing (in White Center), where episodes of the classic “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” TV show will be shown non-stop.

Participants are encouraged to bring potluck food items, dress in costume (lumberjack anyone?), bring penguins to put on the telly, and walk like you’re in the Ministry of Silly Walks, all while donating to a worthy local arts association.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Python-A-Thon” viewing party of classic Monty Python TV episodes to help raise funds for White Center for the Arts.

WHEN: Sunday, March 7th from Noon – 8pm.

WHERE: Big Al Brewing, located at 9832 14th Ave SW; (206) 453-4487 (website here)

INFO: From a poster:

Big Al Brewing Presents Monty Python Video Festival

“Continuing Education”

Earn your letters in Pythonology

Finding it hard to get promoted even though you have a MM- Master of Monty?

Get your Doctor of Pythonology (DP), and silly walk your way to the top!

DP courses in:

• The Arts
  • -Why lumberjacks sing
• Optical Sciences
  • -How not to be seen
• Aeronautics
  • -What makes sheep fly
• Military History
  • -German humor and the demise of the Wehrmacht
• Veterinary Sciences
  • – Learn to determine the difference between “Dead” and “Resting”

And much much more!

If you’re silly enough, you too could become a fully accredited Doctor of Pythonology, capable of answering such puzzling questions as…

• “Why is there a penguin on the telly”?
• “If she’s a go’er why is she with him”?
• And, “Did the Vikings invent spam”?

Classes begin on Sunday, March 7th

First class of the day starts at 12 noon

Location: Go to www.bigalbrewing.com for directions

Extra credit will be given for bringing pot luck and coming to class as your favorite Monty Python character.

To get you in the mood, here’s the classic “Ministry of Silly Walks” sketch:

Every year, Members of Congress are allowed to display one piece of artwork by a high school student from their district in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Congressman Adam Smith, who represents Washington’s 9th Congressional District (which includes Burien), is holding an annual judged art competition to select which local art receives this honor, with a deadline of April 9th.

The selected student will win prizes and be invited to attend the national reception for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 24, 2010 in Washington, DC.  two round-trip airline tickets are donated for travel to DC.  The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Prizes also include a scholarship to the Savannah Collage of Art and Design.

If you have any questions or want to receive electronic updates about Rep. Adam Smith’s Congressional Art Contest please contact Ms. Debra Entenman   (253) 593-6600 or email: Debra.Entenman@mail.house.gov.

For contest guidelines, please download the forms from Adam’s website here.

2010 Congressional Arts Competition:

The Congressional Arts Competition allows each Member of Congress to display one piece of artwork, created by a high school student in their district, in the Capitol for one year.

Entries for the 9th Congressional District Art Contest are due by 5:00 PM on Friday April 9, 2010. All submissions should be sent to:

Congressman Adam Smith
2209 Pacific Avenue, Suite B
Tacoma, Washington 98402

Additionally, during the month of April, most entries will be on display at Tacoma Art Museum (1701 Pacific Avenue).  However, please be advised that due to space limitations it may not be possible to display all entries.

The winner of the competition will be announced at the Art Exhibition and Reception on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 1:00 pm at The Tacoma Art Museum.

The winning student will win prizes and be invited to attend the national reception for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 17, 2010 in Washington, DC.  Three round-trip airline tickets are donated for travel to DC.  The winning entry will be displayed in the Cannon tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year.

2010 Congressional Art Competition Guidelines:

The competition is open to high school students only. Exceptions will be made for schools that have 7th through 12th grades on one campus. Each Member’s office can choose whether or not to include 7th and 8th grades in the art competition if there are schools in its district that fit these criteria. Additionally, official resources are to be used only to the extent authorized by the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.

In order to allow artwork to hang in the Cannon Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol, the following restrictions are enforced:

• Artwork must be two dimensional;
• Each piece can be no larger than 28”x28”x 4” (28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep) including the frame. Artwork cannot weigh more than 15 lbs;
• Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo (not the student’s own), painting, graphic, advertisement, or any other work produced by another person is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing);
• Artwork must arrive in Washington by May 24, 2010 for inclusion in the exhibition.
• Artwork will hang in the Capitol for the entire year of the exhibition and cannot be returned to the students earlier. Students should, therefore, submit artwork they will not need for other purposes.
  

  Last year's Congressional art contest winner Arunan Mukphrom with Congressman Adam Smith at his office in Washington DC. The winning artist and their family were invited to Washington, D.C. to see their artwork hung in the Capitol.

Artwork accepted mediums are as follows:

• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
• Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers
• Collage: must be two dimensional
• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
• Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
• Computer-generated art
• Photography

Paper Work:

A typed and securely affixed large label must be applied to the back of each piece. Also provide a typed copy of the Student Release form, signed by both the teacher and the student, must be attached to the back of the artwork to certify the originality of the piece.

The winning artist’s student release form along with the Member Approval form should be sent to DC via fax to 202.225.3012, attn: 2010 Art Competition, as soon as you have chosen a winning artwork .

Release forms and Member Approval forms must be received by May 28th. This will allow us to determine if more information is required from the student before actually receiving the artwork.

The final decision regarding the suitability of all artwork for the 2010 Congressional Art Competition exhibition in the Capitol will be made by a panel of qualified persons chaired by the Architect of the Capitol.

Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission.

In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed.

It is necessary that all artwork be reviewed by the panel chaired by the Architect of the Capitol and any portion not in consonance with the Commission’s policy will be omitted from the exhibit.

Framing Guidelines:

High School students in Washington's District 9 are eligible.

Framing guidelines apply only to the ONE winning artist/artwork that will be sent to Washington, DC.

All artwork must be framed. Frames should be kept as simple and sturdy as possible.

Metal frames are recommended. No “snap on” frames with glass are to be used.

All artwork must be protected by Plexiglas or glass. Plexiglas is preferred. If glass is used, special packing and shipping arrangements are encouraged to ensure that the work is not damaged if the glass breaks.

All works, including frame, should be no larger than 28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, to the outside of the frame, and 15 lbs. in weight. Please double check the size before sending the entry to Washington, DC. Due to wide participation of Member offices, framed work larger than the specified dimensions will be turned away.

Matting can enhance or detract from a work of art and should be carefully prepared.

Use sturdy picture hangers on the back of the frame. Two sturdy eye hooks should be attached at the top right and left sides of the back of the work for hanging in order to prevent the work from leaning forward or hanging unevenly. Do not put wire between the hooks for hanging; these will be added when the artwork is hung in the Capitol.

Do not attach labels, ribbons, etc. to the front of the piece or underneath the glass or Plexiglas.

If the artwork is abstract in design, please indicate on the backside which side is “up” with arrows.

As directed by the House Oversight and Standards of Official Conduct Committees, each district winner is responsible for framing his or her own entry. Any hardship case should be assisted at the district level; works can no longer be framed by the Architect of the Capitol.

A typed copy of the Student Information & Release Form must be securely attached to the back of the artwork.

More information on this art competition is available at Adam Smith’s website.

Back in October, we premiered a trailer for a new documentary being produced on Burien, called “Where We Live Now, Burien.”

This documentary is still in production, and another clip has been released, this time focusing on Burien’s Skatepark located at SW 144th and 4th Ave SW, near the community center.

Here’s an intro for this segment from the Editor’s (Rowan North) YouTube Channel:

“This is a section from a working documentary about the power of community collaboration and grassroots democracy in Burien, Washington…”

Here’s the clip:

As we mentioned before, the crew behind this production includes many well-known Northwest video folks, such as:

• Executive Producer: Anne Stadler, community leadership consultant, formerly KING-TV5 documentaries and specials Producer
• Co-Producers and Writers: Terry Tazioli, writer/on-air Host, formerly with The Seattle Times, KING-TV5
• Lucy Mohl, formerly Senior Manager, Microsoft (and previously KING-TV, Film.com and RealNetworks)
• Production Manager, Videographer, Editor: Aaron Stadler, www.fatcatVDO.com
• Videographers: Bill Fenster, www.billfensterproductions.com
• Diana Wilmar, www.foxwilmar.com/bios/bios
• Videographer/Editor: Rowan North, LinkedIn
• Still Photographer: Kimi Milo
• Audio: Stevan Smith
• Scott MacLaughlin
• Robin Sarmento

This project is still in production, and like most productions-in-progress, is still seeking funds to complete it.

Executive Producer Anne Stadler says:

“We’re looking for at least $7,000. One thing we want to do is get this packaged with a series of discussion questions to market to Mayors and City governments around the state and country. So anything more that we raise, will go toward THAT. Haven’t budgeted for that yet.

Donations will go towards editing the doc, as well as producing a couple of shorter pieces: skate park and young people; Burien and BIAS.”

Here’s how you can help:

Send whatever you can to the Sunyata Foundation; all Donors will get their names in the credits, as well as a DVD of the video, along with the heartwarming knowledge that you helped promote Your Burien (keep in mind that this is a non-profit, 501-C3 organization):

Sunyata Foundation
PO Box 58788
Renton WA. 98058

As more elements get produced, we’ll preview clips here…so stay tuned to The B-Town Blog.

Since it’s Photo Friday here at The B-Town Blog, what better way to continue our exploration of one of our favorite arts than by showcasing an interview done by one Photographer (Francis Zera) with another (Jason Smith)?

Seattle photographer Jason Smith recently opened a show of his work at Burien’s Vino Bello (636 SW 152nd St.). Jason works as a photographic printer, as in, the old-school method of making prints using darkrooms, enlargers, vats of stinky chemicals, and fiber-based archival papers. There’s nothing digital about the work in this show, but that doesn’t make it anachronistic, rather, the prints offer a timeless look at ordinary (and sometimes extraordinary) objects and situations.

Professional Photographer Francis Zera was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time with Jason as he hung the art at Vino Bello, as well as during the show’s opening night, where he took some time to talk about his inspiration for the show, which we now present in this SoundSlideshow:

Click to Play Francis Zera’s SoundSlideshow

Longtime Burien resident and local artist Dave Branson was out and about this last weekend, spending time sketching at Seahurst Park Beach, which played a significant role in his life growing up here since his family used to own a 9-acre wooded waterfront residential lot nearby.

Here’s what Dave had to say about this sketch:

It was a beautiful sunny day Saturday, so we went to Seahurst Park, and I did this sketch while we were there.

I was young when the sea wall went up at Seahurst Park, and it’s always felt like the park’s dominant feature to me. My Dad would jog at the park regularly, and I would join him sometimes when he could pry me away from Saturday morning cartoons. I remember when the sea wall was new and the concrete pavers on the path along the top of the wall hadn’t settled yet. They were musical because they would ring a little bit when we ran along the path.

Now I’ve heard that the northern part of the wall will be removed, just like the southern wall has been. It will take some getting used to. I’m still not used to how the southern half of the park has changed. I know it’s all for the best, environmentally, and now the beach will feel like the dominant feature of the park when our family visits the park in the coming decades.

And for a little historical background on this part of Burien and the Branson family, here’s some info taken from the city’s website:

In the early 1900s, the land known as Eagle Landing Park belonged to the Branson family. The Branson property was part of a 200-acre parcel owned by the Seahurst Land Company, which supplied water to local residents from springs on the property. The original Branson estate was a 9-acre wooded waterfront residential lot. In 1915, a relative of the owner built a residence in the northern portion of the property, which was upgraded and expanded in the 1930s. A county road through the property was platted but never built, and has been vacated since 1935. The property was logged about 90 years ago, when much of the timber in Burien, Seahurst, and Gregory Heights was felled to supply wood for America’s Liberty Ships in World War I.

The steeply sloped property sits atop two geologic units – glacial lake clay and silt below, and glacial outwash sand and gravel above – both deposited during glaciation of Puget Sound in the last Ice Age. Springs trickle from the hillside at an elevation of about 50 feet. The area has a long history of slope instability, according to oral history and the topographic features of the site.

To see more of Dave’s art, check out his blog: http://popsiclemud.blogspot.com.

by Scott Schaefer

On Friday afternoon (Feb. 19th), it was such a spring-like winter’s day that I decided to take a long walk around downtown Burien and go on a “photo safari.”

Armed with my trusty yet tres’ portable Olympus DSLR E-450, with my fave 50mm prime lens mounted, I set off and started shooting.

Some of you may have even seen me out and about, as I recall being honked at by at least two cars (hopefully they were both friendly honks and not “get the flip out of the way” ones).

After returning to our office and unloading the camera (I took 126 pics in about 1.5 hours’ time) and reviewing the shots, one kept popping up at me – of Kim David Hall’s “Art Clock” on SW 152nd, with the reflection of Vino Bello’s sign from across the street in the face:

While the reflection may look superimposed, it’s not – and if you look closely you can see how the clock body itself is out of focus and overexposed. That’s because the camera’s metering system latched onto the reflection, and both focused and set the exposure for that. Pretty cool.

For all you photo nerds out there, here’s some of the pic data:

• Camera: Olympus E-450
• Exposure: 1/4000 sec
• Aperture: f/2.0
• Focal Length: 50 mm
• ISO Speed: 400

(and BTW, yes Michele…you have my permission to display this print in your wine bar! Oh, and be sure to go to the Animals First Foundation fundraiser and see Woodrish there tonight!)

Okay, since I’m in a photo mood, here are some others I shot today around downtown B-Town – click on images to see larger versions:

So…do YOU have any interesting photos you’d like to share with our readers on “Photo Friday”? If so, either email them to us here, or upload them to our Flickr Group here.

Burien Photographer Jennifer Leone’s first public showing of her work will start this Sunday, Feb. 21st and run for seven weeks at the Fireside Cafe and Gallery in Kent.

The showing kicks off with an open house this Sunday from 3pm to 6pm at the cafe and gallery, which is located at 12010 SE 240th Street on Kent’s East Hill (adjoining Kent Covenant Church). A number of mounted and framed large-format prints will be on display, as well as a selection of matted prints.

Jennifer’s photos will be on display through April 9th.

The Fireside is open Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm, and Sundays 8:30am – Noon. Baristas are on hand Monday through Thursday, from 9am – 11am.

Samples of Jennifer’s work can be found online at http://jennslens.zenfolio.com/.

Through the end of February, online orders are eligible for 10% off the entire order in celebration of the Fireside opening – use coupon code FIRESIDE221 at checkout.

Here’s Jenn’s “artist statement” from her website:

My photography has been an on-and-off thing until this past year, when my life was uprooted and I was left to dig myself out of my own dirt. It’s taken on a life of its own, as I learn more and practice more it yields me better results. I’m hoping to fill out my skeletal portfolio with more than just scenic and personal-interest shots (my two tabby/torbie kitty sisters, Grynne and Bearrett, butterflies, flora, and light capture) with people and abstract/action shots… In short, something more than personal eye candy.

Here’s a sample of Jenn’s work:

Burien Little Theatre’s classic, 50s-themed rockin’ version of Arne Zaslove’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” continues at the Burien Community Center this weekend, with shows Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm.

Tickets are $7-$20 online (click here to order) and $17-$20 at the box office, with the $10 student ticket price in effect until the end of the month.

The show runs through Sunday, March 21st.

If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s a video promo that shows off the production – check out the costumes, slicked back hair and big sideburns:

Read our previous coverage here.

We stumbled upon a sketch by Burien resident Dave Branson, who is letting us post his rendition of the new Library/City Hall Building he created on Monday, Feb. 15th.

Here’s what Dave had to say about this particular piece:

This is a sketch of the Burien Library and City Hall I did on February 15, 2010.

I have to remember to use a different pen next time I combine ink and watercolor. The pen bled a bit when it got wet.

I like the simple but strong architecture of the Library. It’s modern and original without being too cluttered or trying too hard to be avant-garde. I also enjoy libraries in general.

While out on errands today, I stopped and took a few photos of the building, trying to find an angle that showed off the elements of it that I like, then I based the sketch on one of those shots.

To see more of Dave’s art, check out his blog: http://popsiclemud.blogspot.com.

The Burien Arts Association is hosting their second “Sing & Sketch” tonight (Thursday, Feb. 11th) at BTB Advertiser Burien Press.

According to Erin Williamson:

“Folks who show up will get a free slice of pie or cake, so even more reason to come!”

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Sing & Sketch” music/art party.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 11th, from 6pm–8pm.

WHERE: Burien Press, located at 423 SW 152nd Street in downtown Burien (across from the new City Hall/Library); phone: 206-453-5412.

COST: No cover, just bring your creativity or your interest in watching/listening.

INFO: From a poster:

Come enjoy a song and art circle!

For the Musicians: Share you latest songwriting creation or just play an old favorite while others join in.

For the Visual Artists: Enjoy the chance to do some figural drawing or painting while listening to live music.

For Everyone, art and music appreciators alike: Relax at the Burien Press while enjoying a terrific cup of joe & delectable pastries, pies and sandwiches.

For More Information contact: burienarts.org

Poster Art by John Unbehend

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURIEN ARTS & Burien Press

Burien Arts is holding its second annual all-day Highline Vintage Jazz Festival with two sessions on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Highline Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd Street in Burien.

The all-day music fest will feature two unique three-hour performances, the first from 2pm – 5pm and the second from 7pm – 10pm, with some of the region’s most well-known jazz musicians playing Dixieland, swing, solo stride piano, gypsy jazz and more.

Tickets to the event cost just $20 per show or $35 for a full-day pass, and are available through Brown Paper Tickets here.

Identical twin banjo pickers The Canote Brothers will MC.

Matinee performance musicians will include:

MATINEE (2:00 – 5:00 pm):

• Holotradband: Traditional / Dixieland
• Tony Marcus and Patrice Haan (Leftover Dreams): Swing Standards
• Pearl Django: Gypsy Jazz
• Rouge: French Cabaret

EVENING SHOW (7:00 to 10:00 pm):

• Harley’s Horns A’Plenty: Swing Standards
• Ray Skjelbred: Stride piano
• Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band: Traditional / Dixieland
• Del Rey & Craig Flory: Blues /Jazz/Traditional

The Festival will also feature:

• Outdoor musical entertainment
• Dancers
• Great food
• Raffle prizes
• Free transportation to and from local restaurants and bars (which will likely be having specials for festival-goers)
• And more!

The Highline Vintage Jazz Festival is the brainchild of Burien Arts’ board member and fixture in the local music scene, Lance Haslund. Lance is a part-time musician and lifetime lover of all music, particularly jazz. He has been promoter of small concerts in the Burien area for several years and says:

“The Highline Vintage Jazz Festival will fill a void in the local festival scene.

To my knowledge, until now the Puget Sound area has not provided a showcase for multiple styles of early jazz in one event.

As Burien emerges as one of the new vital places for the arts in the region, we pay tribute to the people who moved here and grew the community during the Big Band era, and offer a faithful rendering of the music of their youth.”

Burien Arts is a local non-profit dedicated to enriching the community by providing engaging and innovative arts programming to the Highline region and beyond. Vitally active since 1965, Burien Arts maintains a crucial role in the artistic fabric of the community.

Tickets to the event are available online through Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com) or by calling: 1-800-838-3006. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the festival.

Buy your tickets now by clicking here!

For more information, please check www.burienarts.org, call 206-244-7808 or email info@burienarts.org.

Here are some videos shot at last year’s fest featuring the Bulldog Brass Band:

Burien’s annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank was a smash hit Friday (Jan. 29th), setting records in both attendance (964 diners) and total amount of money raised (over $13,000).

“We had 477 people attend during lunch and 487 who came out for dinner,” said Mike Werle, Highline Food Bank Executive Director. “The amount of money raised was a little over $13,000.”

Werle added, “There must have been over 40 people who volunteered at the event, many of who were probably not counted because they didn’t come through the front door. Therefore I think we had over 1,000 people who contributed to the dollar total.”

“Do me a favor and put a big plug in for all the work that Gina Kallman and Debra George put in to make this event happen.  They are awesome!”

Here’s a Photo Slideshow shot during the dinner serving by Scott Schaefer:

Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow

Also, as previously reported, BTB Photographer Michael Brunk took these shots during the lunch hour:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

BTB Advertiser E.B. Foote Winery wants our Readers to know that this is the final week for Breeder Theater’s “Snowbound,” which ends its run Sunday, Jan. 31st.

The only shows with tickets available are this Wednesday (Jan. 27th) and Thursday (Jan. 28th), so you’d better act fast (you can order online here).

Written by local playwright T.M. Sell and directed by BTB Photographer Michael Brunk, the story is set at a lodge in the Washington mountains (see our Review here and our Non-Review here). As winter snows block the passes stranding the guests, the local sheriff stops by with troubling news about an escaped convict:

• Could one of the guests be the suspected killer?
• Can any of them really be trusted?
• And just how many references to Alfred Hitchcock titles are in the show anyway?

“Snowbound” also features music by Nancy Warren. The stage manager is Andrew Pogue. The cast includes Andrew Smith, Laura Smith, Teresa Widner, Steve Scheide, Kelly Johnson, Scott Green, Martin J. McKenzie and Brenan Grant.

Here’s the schedule:

• Friday Jan. 15
• Saturday Jan. 16
• Sunday Jan. 17
• *Wed. Jan. 20 (benefits Highline College Foundation)
• Friday Jan. 22
• Saturday Jan. 23
• Sunday Jan. 24
• Wed. Jan. 27 – TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
  
• Thursday Jan. 28 – TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
• Friday Jan. 29 – SOLD OUT!
• Saturday Jan. 30 – SOLD OUT!
• Sunday Jan. 31 – SOLD OUT!

Tickets are just $20, and include the play, hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting by E.B. Foote.

You can purchase them at the winery (127-B SW 153rd in Burien; 206-242-3852), at CorkyCellars in Des Moines (206-824-9462) or online here.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• And Now, Our Actual Reviewer Reviews “Snowbound”
• Non-Reviewer Doesn’t Review Breeders Theater’s “Snowbound”
• PHOTOS: Behind-The-Scenes Peak At Breeders Theater’s “Snowbound”
• The Pass May Be Closed, But Tickets Are Now On Sale For Breeders Theater’s “Snowbound”

Our intern, Bryan Charles, of Big Picture High School has created another cartoon in his “3 Frog Bros.” series.

As we mentioned before, Bryan is a budding young artist, and has a passion for comics, cartoons and even creating his own Flash animations (some of which you’ll be seeing here very soon).

He also has a twisted sense of humor and a sharp observational eye, and here’s this week’s “3 Frog Bros.,“:

To see more of Bryan’s work, click here.

Burien’s Hi-Liners will be holding auditions for their upcoming production of “High School Musical 2” on Jan. 25th, 29th and 30th, and they’re looking for talent.

And for the first time ever, they’ll be featuring a student band as well.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Auditions for “High School Musical 2” including for a student band

WHEN: Monday Jan. 25 ~ 4-8pm; Friday Jan. 29 ~ 4-6pm; Saturday Jan. 30 ~ 3-7pm

WHERE: Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, located at 15003 14th Ave SW.

INFO:  High School Musical 2 On Stage! synopsis: What time is it? Summer time! School’s out—and the Wildcats  are back for an all new adventure. Join Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and the rest of the East High gang as they dive into the enchanted world of Lava Springs Country Club and put their talent to the ultimate test!

Click HERE to sign up to audition.

Do you play an instrument?  We need Drums, Electric Bass, Guitar, Keyboard, Trumpet, Trombone and Sax for our band!  You’ll receive training from our music director and play for every performance of High School Musical 2!

Sign up for a band audition HERE.

NOTE: All auditioners are asked to be available for Callbacks. If you are not available, please inform the directors at your audition.

COST: Tuition for this production is $350.00, which includes a T-Shirt and DVD of the show. For information regarding payment plans and other forms of financial assistance please contact The Hi-Liners at 206-617-2152.

DATES: Performance dates and times will be:

• Saturday April 24 ~ 7:30pm
• Sunday April 25~ 1:30pm
• Friday April 30~ 7:30pm
• Saturday May 1~ 7:30pm
• Sunday May 2~ 1:30pm

All performances will be held at the Renton Carco Theater, located at 1717 SE Maple Valley Highway in Renton.

Tickets will go on sale in February.

Sign up here: http://www.hi-liners.org/mainstage/audform.html

Just in Time for Valentine’s Day fun, and priced at an affordable $14 (for two!), Burien Little Theatre presents Arne Zaslove’s 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll musical romantic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Here’s more info from a press release:

This Valentine’s Day do something exciting for your sweetheart and take your honey to a matinee at the Burien Little Theatre for just $14. That’s right, Feb. 14, St. Valentine’s Day, is “Seven Dollar Sunday” at BLT! That means all tickets are just $7 on Feb. 14: Better live theater at a low low price. Add dinner after the show with The Mark Restaurant and Bar’s dinner and a show package, and you have a complete Valentine’s Day event for two for just $54. Valentine’s Day simply can’t get any sweeter. So get out your poodle skirt, find your rotary phone, call up your sweetheart and make a date for Feb. 14th. But hurry, Seven Dollar Sunday is always a sellout and when it falls on St. Valentine’s Day, tickets will be gone before you can eat a box of chocolates.

Directed by Burien Little Theatre’s own Maggie Larrick, this Midsummer will have you singing along with star-crossed lovers during this romantic comedy from Feb. 12 through Mar. 21.

“It’s the most approachable of Shakespeare’s shows,” said Larrick. “And the musical numbers in each scene really tell the story.”

The play is set in a 1950s gymnasium at Athens High School on graduation day 1957, and in a neighboring forest. A group of magical fairies intervene and meddle with the lives of two young copuples for whom “the course of true love never did run smooth.” Botched love spells, hilarious characters and 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll make this show a treat for young and old, those in love and those between love.

Midsummer opens February 12 and runs through March 21. Shows are Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.

Show Dates & Times:

• February 12 at 8:00 p.m.    Friday
• February 13 at 8:00 p.m.    Saturday
• February 14 at 2:00 p.m.    Sunday Matinee - Seven Dollar Sunday
• February 19 at 8:00 p.m.    Friday
• February 20 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• February 21 at 2:00 p.m.    Sunday Matinee
• February 26 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday
• February 27 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• February 28 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee
• March 5 at 8:00 p.m.          Friday
• March 6 at 8:00 p.m.          Saturday
• March 7 at 2:00 p.m.          Sunday Matinee
• March 12 at 8:00 p.m.        Friday
• March 13 at 8:00 p.m.        Saturday
• March 14 at 2:00 p.m.        Sunday Matinee
• March 19 at 8:00 p.m.        Friday
• March 20 at 8:00 p.m.       Saturday
• March 21 at 2:00 p.m.        Sunday Matinee

Tickets are available online at www.burienlittletheatre.com, by email at tickets@burienlittletheatre.org or by phone at (206) 242-5180.

For more information about BLT, please visit www.burienlittletheatre.com.

Story & Photos by Michael Brunk

Coming soon to Advertiser E.B. Foote Winery is Breeder Theater’s latest production: “Snowbound,” which opens Friday, Jan. 15th

Written by local playwright T.M. Sell, the story is set at a lodge in the Washington mountains. As winter snows block the passes stranding the guests, the local sheriff stops by with troubling news about an escaped convict:

• Could one of the guests be the suspected killer?
• Can any of them really be trusted?
• And just how many references to Alfred Hitchcock titles are in the show anyway?

The cast and crew have been hard at work since the end of November preparing the show for its debut on January 15th. The process includes extensive scene rehearsals as actors work with the director and stage manager to refine their movements on stage, their characterization and the all-import line memorization. In collaboration with the author, the script is also put through a final scrubbing as it is finalized for the show. The schedule for “Snowbound” was especially challenging logistically with interruptions for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

All of the hard work will soon pay off as the production concludes the final technical rehearsals this coming week and is finally performed in front of a live audience. This is the part that makes the effort worthwhile, as the audience feedback lets the cast know how well they’ve done their job.

“Snowbound” is directed by The B-Town Blog’s own Michael Brunk with music by Nancy Warren. The stage manager is Andrew Pogue. The cast includes Andrew Smith, Laura Smith, Teresa Widner, Steve Scheide, Kelly Johnson, Scott Green, Martin J. McKenzie and Brenan Grant.

The show will open on January 15th and run through January 31st with twelve performances. Show times are 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays. In addition there are 7pm performances on the 20th, 27th and 28th.

Here’s the schedule:

• Friday Jan. 15
• Saturday Jan. 16
• Sunday Jan. 17
• *Wed. Jan. 20 (benefits Highline College Foundation)
• Friday Jan. 22
• Saturday Jan. 23
• Sunday Jan. 24
• Wed. Jan. 27
• Thursday Jan. 28
• Friday Jan. 29
• Saturday Jan. 30
• Sunday Jan. 31

*Jan. 20 show benefits Highline College Foundation

Tickets are just $20, and include the play, hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting by E.B. Foote. You can purchase them at the winery (206-242-3582) and also at Corky Cellars in Des Moines (206-824-9462).

For more information please visit www.breederstheater.com.

For more info on E.B. Foote Winery, their website is here.

And of course, since “Snowbound” is Directed by Photographer Michael Brunk, you know we just have to include his Photo Slideshow:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Burien’s annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank is coming to Moshier Community Art Center Friday, Jan. 29th, with both a lunch and dinner serving, along with one-of-a-kind original bowls handcrafted by area Potters.

This is always a great, fun and fulfilling event involving great food, art and fundraising for Burien’s hungry, and you can bet The B-Town Blog will be there.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 29th:

• 11am – 2pm: Lunch
• 4pm – 8pm: Dinner

WHERE: Moshier Community Art Center, located at 430 South 156th, Burien

COST: Just $10 donation, which will get you both a good solid meal AND a work of art in the form of a beautiful handmade bowl!

INFO: From their flier:

JOIN US FOR A MEAL AND HELP FIGHT HUNGER IN OUR COMMUNITY!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Lunch served 11:00 AM-2:00 PM

Dinner served 4:00-8:00 PM

Moshier Community Art Center, 430 S 156th, Burien

$10 (minimum) Donation

Proceeds to benefit Highline Food Bank

Moshier Community Art Center Potters have teamed up with the Highline Food Bank and Discover Burien to bring you Empty Bowls 2010. Empty Bowls events can be found around the country raising money to combat hunger in our communities. Potters have donated bowls to be filled with soup at this fun event…all are invited!

Your $10 (minimum) donation will get you the opportunity to pick out a beautiful handmade bowl, as well as a simple but wonderful meal of soup, bread, dessert and drink; all donated by local businesses. 90% of proceeds go to the Highline Food Bank, which serves over 750 area families per month, and 10% will go to provide art programming for low income youth.

www.MoshierArtCenter.org or phone: (206) 988-3700

Here’s a video we shot at least year’s event, where over 800 participants helped raise over $10,000 (let’s break that record this year!):

Well, 2009 was a year wasn’t it? And now that it’s over, it’s time for us to find another way to reflect on it – this time courtesy Photographer Michael Brunk, who put together a special SoundSlideshow of what he considers the best B-Town Blog photos of the year, as shot by himself, Scott Schaefer, Francis Zera, Maureen Hoffmann, Janet Grella and Gregory Rehmke:

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s SoundSlideshow

BTB Reader Phillip Levine reports that a very unique sculpture was stolen from his yard recently, and he sent us this info and photo in case any other readers have seen it:

Bronze sculpture by Tom Jay, measuring 80″ high x 9″ in diameter.

Taken from my home the other day, which is located near Arbor Lake and the old Puget Sound Jr. High (aka Puget Sound Park).

Here’s a pic of it – have you seen this?:

If you know the whereabouts of this distinctive-yet-missing sculpture, please email Phillip Levine ASAP at:

levinepr@comcast.net

Story by Scott Schaefer
Photos by Michael Brunk

On Thursday (Dec. 17th), “The Passage,” the large, two-piece Mother/Daughter sculpture by Dan Das Mann that anchored Burien’s Interim Art Space, was de-installed, hoisted by crane, lowered and secured on a flatbed truck in preparation to be carted away, en route back to its “home” in California after spending a year as the centerpiece to an innovated and sometimes controversial experiment in community art.

Co-Curators Dane Johnson and Kathy Justin were there, along with volunteers and hired workers who, over the course of the last two weeks, have removed all pieces from B/ IAS, the one-year art project in a space on SW 150th that once housed Bartells Drugs and its parking lot.

Now devoid of all art, the place will return to its empty parking lot-like self, the chunks of asphalt no longer representing anyone’s artistic vision, but rather an uncertain future for this lot. There will be no more controversial “naked lady statue” (“Paradigm Shift” by Mike McGrath), no more worries by the Fire Department about the use of fire as “art,” no more loud dance music blasting out of speakers, no more smashing pumpkins, and no more “art” here.

Will it house a new cinema? Another section of Town Square? A park of some sort?

Or perhaps…another, new art installation?

Only time will tell, and we here at The B-Town Blog would like to tip our collective hats to all the artists, volunteers, workers, students, community activists, city officials, gardeners, developers, visitors and observers who were all brought together by this idea, and who shared numerous joyous, fun events over the last year.

It seems like it was just yesterday that Photographer Francis Zera captured this time-lapse of the installation of “The Passage”:

Yet here we are repeating that scene, only in reverse – Photographer Michael Brunk stopped by over the last two days and documented the “de-installations” with this Photo Slideshow:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Also, as our salute to the ending of B/ IAS and the exiting of “The Passage,” we present an encore of our artist Danielle Burton’s vision of this sad ending:

And because we enjoyed covering the arts and events at this place, here are other Photo Slideshows and Videos we’ve posted about B/ IAS:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s SoundSlideshow

Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow

On April Fool's Day, we showed off how much we suck at Photoshop with this lame doctored image of "vandalism" to The Passage. Everyone of course was fooled.

Read our previous coverage of B/ IAS here.

We’re proud of our latest Intern, Bryan Charles of Big Picture High School, who’s not only learning new things about storytelling, but has been teaching himself Flash and making numerous animations, all based around his original “3 Frog Bros” cartoon.

Here’s his latest creation, “3 Frog Bros Episode 5” in which the Frog Bros have a close encounter of the strange, and oftentimes funny, kind (keep in mind that he drew and animated this entire thing himself, with the only help coming from friends doing voices):

Have a cartoon idea for Bryan? Email him here!

Burien’s Dottie Harper Park, located at SW 146th and 4th Ave SW, was identified during last summer’s “Burien Walkabout” with author Thomas Seiverts as an underused and “scary” place by some participants.

Recommendations included bringing “light” to the park, which would enhance it aesthetically as well as increase safety.

So a bunch of local folks teamed up and are bringing temporary holiday lights to the park, with an official “lighting up” ceremony set for Sunday, Dec. 20th at 4pm.

Also, volunteers are needed to help install the lights on Wednesday, Dec. 16th, from 10am to 4pm.

BTB Reader Sybil Davis tells us via email that:

Dottie Harper Park is used by people of all ages, and creative lighting of it might make it much more inviting, take away the “fear factor” of sitting or strolling through it, and provide more performance options in the future.

Burien Parks' Steve Roemer, Myron Clinton, and Ray Helms.

What did the city do?
They provided expertise, skill, time and equipment and trenched down to the amphitheater!

What did Burien Arts do?
They organized and facilitated everything.  Found the BEST VOLUNTEER in the world in Jacob Daley, of Always Solid Electric who laid the electrical and did all the electrical work!

Who else helped?  Why is Burien a Dynamite Community?!
Because everyone pitched in and helped!!!  People didn’t form “focus groups” they just rolled up their sleeves and got to work!  It was impressive!

Kathy Justin designed a basic first year affordable light design for Burien Arts.

Home Depot and McLendon’s gave support, and ACE Hardware pulled out all the stops to get lights for Burien Arts.

The entire Burien Arts board of directors is donating money to buy the lights, and all have donated time.

What’s the result?
Lights On! in Dottie Harper Park on Sunday, Dec. 20th!

At 4 pm we will plug in the lights over the amphitheater in Dottie Harper Park. Now when you stroll through the park between the hours of 4-9pm Thursday through Sunday there will be a cozy bower of lights overhead in the middle of the Park.  Burien Arts has exciting future light plans but will reveal those later.  This is just the first step.

Please note that these are just temporary holiday lights for now.

What do we need?

• Volunteers to help us hang the lights this Wed. Dec. 16th 10 am to 4 pm
• Performers to sing or play music at 4 pm on Sunday, Dec. 20th – to help celebrate the fact that now we have Lights!
• Donations to Burien Arts to help defray the electric bill we’ll have to pay.  Your donation is tax-deductible, and can be made here: www.burienarts.org or via phone at 206-244-7808.

Less than a year ago (Jan. 24, 2009), Burien’s Interim Art Space burst onto the city with a chilly nighttime grand opening celebration of fire, music, dancing, art, artists and more, and on Saturday (Dec. 12th) the dismantling of the temporary art pieces continued, supervised by Co-Curators Dane Johnson and Kathy Justin, with numerous volunteers and artists on hand.

Word is that the largest remaining pieces, the mother-daughter sculpture “The Passage,” will be removed this Wednesday, Dec. 16th, returning the space to what it once was – an empty parking lot.

Photographer Michael Brunk was on hand to capture this Photo Slideshow:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Read our previous coverage of B/ IAS here.

Driving past Burien’s Interim Art Space Friday afternoon, we noticed something was amiss.

No, nobody had cleaned up the chunks of asphalt that everyone complains about, nor had anyone covered up the nekkid lady sculpture.

Rather, a large portion of the colorful, big graffiti-styled painted mural had fallen over. This large piece was created by Sam “Sneke” Swanson and Iosefatu Sua at the 2008 Strawberry Festival, as an on-the-street “competition,” and was installed at B/ IAS in late July.

On Friday afternoon, about half of it was laying on its side.

Was this an act of vandalism?

Or merely from a recent windstorm?

Regardless, we just had to stop and take these pics:

Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow

We also sent an email query to Kathy Justin, who served along with Dane Johnson as Co-Curator for Burien’s innovative temporary art space, which will be taken apart over the next three weeks.

Kathy had this to say after we asked her what caused the mural to break:

It is from the wind.  We are de-installing it tomorrow.

Kathy

So, the mural will be de-installed on Saturday, Dec. 5th, and we’re sure that if you’re up for helping, they could use some volunteer labor.

In the meantime, we’re going to sit in our cars nearby and cry…

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Mural Created At Last Year’s Strawberry Festival Installed At B/ IAS
• Photos of the Mural Being Painted at the 2008 Strawberry Festival

by Ralph Nichols

Organized just six years ago by a group of Latino parents concerned about the education their children were receiving, Burien-based Para Los Niños today operates three programs in seven Highline schools.

And in January, Para Los Niños – “For the Children” – will begin yet another program “to add arts and culture in an education environment,” says executive director Sharonne Navas.

Funding for the new program comes from a $1,500 Latino Led Arts and Media Grant, which was presented to the group at last month’s Latino Community Fund Summit and Awards Ceremony at Bellevue Community College.

Para Los Niños received the grant “for their work to enhance art projects through Aprendamos Juntos (“Let’s Learn Together”), which integrates child and parent learning to boost academic success, build children’s emotional development, and support parenting.”

Aprendos Juntos is one of the three programs already conducted in the schools by Para Los Niños.

The new arts program will focus on Latino art and culture so students from 24 different countries don’t lose their cultural heritage. Participating students will work on perfecting their bilingual skills, Navas says.

“We encourage (Latino students) to be bilingual and bi-cultural,” Navas added. “Studies show that bilingual students do better academically, with life skills, and in standard testing if they don’t avoid their primary language while learning a secondary language.”

Activities in the art program will include dance, ceramics, and literature that takes stories from Latino cultural history and transfers them to painted art.

“We’ll try for about 100 kids and build from this, including more children as they get more funding for this program,” she adds.

One of the ideas behind this program is that it’s easier “to bring the similarities of both cultures to non-Latino kids if Latino kids do this and make it for others to see and experience.”

Para Los Niños’ other programs already underway are Descubrlendo Nuestra Cultura – “Discovering Our Culture” – and the New Immigrant Literacy Program.

Two programs are in grades K-6 and the third is for high school students. And student participation is growing.

“Last year we had about 1,200 students in the primary program in elementary schools,” Navas notes. “This year we have about 1,600.”

There is also an ESL (English as a Second Language) component for the parents of these children. As many as 98 percent of them speak only Spanish.

“The parents have a harder time learning to be bi-cultural and we teach biculturalism to them too.”

Navas says Para Los Niños, a local community based organization, started in 2003 “when a group of Latino parents got together about concerns they had about the education system and their children.” The organization incorporated in 2006.

Their objective is “fostering academic success for every Latino student through parent and community involvement.” And it’s working.

Today, she says, children participating in programs through Para Los Niños “are excelling in their classrooms.”

Burien’s Moshier Community Art Center is holding its annual Holiday Pottery Sale on Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10am to 3pm, so be sure to mark your holiday shopping calendar.

Here are the details

WHAT: Moshier Community Art Center’s Holiday Pottery Sale

WHEN: Saturday, December 5th 10AM-3PM

WHERE: Moshier Art Center, located at 430 S 156th, Burien

INFO: Twice a year the potters at the Moshier Art Center gather to sell their handmade wares. Come to this amazing sale to find hundreds of items such as mugs, bowls, serving dishes, casseroles, garden art, jewelry, holiday items, and more! Come early for the best selection. Cash or checks accepted.

South Park Arts’ 5th Annual “Art Under $100” sale will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5th at the Old Fire Station at 8201 10th Ave South, in South Park (of course).

Here are the details:

WHAT: South Park Arts’ 5th Annual “Art Under $100″ Event

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 5th from 4pm – 10pm

WHERE: South Park’s Old Fire Station, located at 8201 10th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108

INFO: According to their press release:

“South Park is not a cartoon or a gritty industrial neighborhood–South Park is where artists live and art gets made.”

COST: FREE Entry. Art Raffle every 30 minutes.

Here’s a photo from last year’s event:

For more information, visit: http://www.southparkarts.org

Follow South Parks Arts on Facebook here.

“Christmas with the Crawfords,” Burien Little Theatre’s holiday production, begins Nov. 27th, and it sounds hilarious – imagine actress Joan Crawford and other assorted (yet highly dysfunctional) Hollywood celebrity guests stuck at Crawford’s home on Christmas Eve doing a radio show.

Now throw in men in drag, funny original music, a great cast and the fact that it’s local and you’ve got this show.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Christmas With The Crawfords” musical comedy

WHEN: Begins Nov. 27th and continues through Dec. 20th; 12 shows total so you’d better order tickets soon!

• November 27 at 8:00 p.m.     Friday
• November 28 at 8:00 p.m.     Saturday
• November 29 at 2:00 p.m.     Sunday Matinee -  $7 Sunday
• December 4 at 8:00 p.m.        Friday
• December 5 at 8:00 p.m.        Saturday
• December 6 at 2:00 p.m.        Sunday Matinee
• December 11 at 8:00 p.m.      Friday
• December 12 at 8:00 p.m.      Saturday
• December 13 at 2:00 p.m.      Sunday Matinee
• December 18 at 8:00 p.m.      Friday
• December 19 at 8:00 p.m.      Saturday
• December 20 at 2:00 p.m.     Sunday Matinee

WHERE: Burien Little Theatre, located at the Burien Community Center at the intersection of 4th SW and SW 146th.

INFO: Here’s copy from the BLT press release:

Featuring Hollywood’s most famous dysfunctional family, this musical comedy pays tribute to and parodies Tinseltown’s “Golden Age.”

To revive her ailing career, Joan Crawford arranges a live radio broadcast in her home on Christmas Eve, 1944, but uninvited celebrity guests hog the spotlight to sing their Holiday favorites.

Ticket prices are $20 general admission and $17 for students and seniors.

Click here to order tickets, which are priced better online.

On Sunday, Nov. 29th all tickets are just $7 – but hurry, these tickets sell out fast!

On a personal note, this show was created by Richard Winchester and written by Mark Sargent.

Waaay back in the ’80s, Sargent was lead singer in a campy Seattle band called Mondo Vita. We were big fans of ‘em, and once we saw his name attached to this show we just had to re-live those days – here’s the only video from them we could find, and while Sargent doesn’t sing the lead, he’s the shorter backup singer:

It appears that Sargent continues to do camp, as between writing plays, he’s also the lead singer for The Ethel Merman Experience in San Francisco.

Burien Arts’ Second Annual 20/20 Vision Fundraiser and Art Sale, featuring 400 pieces of affordable art, will be Saturday, Nov. 21st at the Karuna Arts Yoga Studio.

The event will feature the work of 20 artists who each created 20 works of art in a variety of styles and media. All 400 pieces will be sold for just $40 per piece, and proceeds from the event will benefit Burien Arts.

In addition to the art sale, the event will offer food, an art vacation raffle and live music.

Here are the full details:

WHAT: Burien Arts’ 2nd Annual 20/20 Vision Fundraiser and Art Sale featuring 400 pieces of affordable art

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 21st, from 6:45pm to 10pm

WHERE: Karuna Arts Yoga Studio, located at 819 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien

COST: $5 suggested donation; for an extra $40 donation to Burien Arts, those with preview tickets will be allowed in at 5:45 pm to mingle with the artists and purchase two pieces of art ahead of the crowd.

INFO: From their press release:

On Saturday, Nov. 21st, Burien Arts will hold its second annual 20/20 Vision fundraiser and art sale at the Karuna Arts Yoga Studio in Burien from 6:45-10 pm.  20/20 Vision features the work of twenty artists who created twenty works of art in a variety of styles and media.  All 400 pieces will be sold for $40 and proceeds from the event will benefit Burien Arts.  In addition to the art sale, the event will offer food, an art vacation raffle and live music.

Featured artists will include:

• Kelda Martensen
• Rachel Loy
• Rachel Dory
• Judy Dore
• Kelly Neidig
• Mandy Cufley
• Ellen Van Wyck
• Gina Kallman
• Margie Lee
• Michael Matrese
• Kimisha Turner
• John Unbehend
• Margaret Davidson
• Ellen Werner
• Kim McCarthy
• Pete Rhodes
• Luke Dolkas
• Elissa Eng
• Zeb Andrews
• Andi Williamson
• Roxanne Fawcett

Burien Arts is a local non-profit dedicated to providing affordable and innovative arts opportunities to all generations and communities in the Burien/Highline region. Burien Arts manages the Burien Art Gallery, produces the Highline Vintage Jazz Festival, manages a summer performing arts series and offers educational resources to high school students.

Entrance to 20/20 Vision is by $5 suggested donation. Doors open at 6:45 pm and art buying begins promptly at 7:00 pm. Preview tickets are available. For an extra $40 donation to Burien Arts, those with preview tickets will be allowed in at 5:45 pm to mingle with the artists and purchase two pieces of art ahead of the crowd.

The Karuna Arts Yoga Studio is located at 819 SW 152nd Street in Burien.

For additional information, please contact the Burien Arts Association at 206-244-7808 or info@burienarts.org.

Along with Burien Arts, BTB Advertiser Burien Press is holding a unique “Sing & Sketch” party this Saturday, Nov. 7th from 6pm to 8pm at their coffeeshop at 423 SW 152nd.

Here are the details:

WHAT: SING & SKETCH At BURIEN PRESS

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 7th from 6pm – 8pm

WHERE: Burien Press, located at 423 SW 152nd in Burien (across from Town Square)

INFO: There is no cover charge; from their poster:

Come enjoy a song and art circle!

For the Musicians: Share you latest songwriting creation or just play an old favorite while others join in.

For the Visual Artists: Enjoy the chance to do some figural drawing or painting while listening to live music.

For Everyone, art and music appreciators alike: Relax at the Burien Press while enjoying a terrific cup of joe & delectable pastries, pies and sandwiches.

For More Information contact: info@burienarts.org

Poster Art by John Unbehend

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURIEN ARTS & Burien Press

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 40,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Please welcome the latest addition to The B-Town Blog – our newest intern, Bryan Charles, of Big Picture High School!

Bryan is a budding artist, and has a passion for comics, cartoons and even creating his own Flash animations.

We’re very happy to have him on board, so be sure to look for more of his work soon.

In the meantime, here’s his debut comic “3 Frog Bros.,“, perfect for this Election Day:

This is our second year serving as mentors to a student from Big Picture High School, part of the Highline School District, and described as such on their website:

At Big Picture, we believe we are doing our best work when each student is an active participant in his or her education, when his or her course of study is personalized by teachers, parents and mentors who know him or her well, and when school-based learning is blended with outside experiences that heighten the student’s interest.

By these means we help students take responsibility for their own learning and prepare for success in college and beyond.

Sunday, Nov. 1st was a Day of the Dead for more than one way in Burien – it was also the last big event to be held at the Interim Art Space, which hosted “Night of 1,000 Pumpkins” as well as a Dia de las Muertes celebration.

Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture both audio and photos of the day, which he’s combined into the following “SoundSlideshow”:

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s SoundSlideshow

Ala one of our favorite blogs – Boingboing.net – this posting is intended to serve as a “chaser” to the previous, horrific child abuse story.

Here is original artwork from our new artist Danielle Burton, a nice fall scene of downtown Burien that may help clear your mental palate if you stare at it long enough:

According to representatives from Highline Community College, scam artists are apparently posing around Burien as Highline art students and soliciting donations.

The scam artists claim they are painting addresses on street curbs for donations that will benefit the college and HCC’s Art department.

Highline received information about the scam from residents in Seattle, Burien and Renton.

“The college is unable to prevent people from misrepresenting themselves as college solicitors,” said Larry Yok, Vice President for Administration. “If people are suspicious, they should ask for the contact information of the person who sponsors the solicitation and obtain confirmation of the legitimacy of the request.”

He added, “If people want to donate to the college, they can safely do so through the HCC Foundation.”

Residents who want confirm the legitimacy of a fundraiser should call (206) 870-3705.

For more information about protection against scams, visit the Washington state Office of Attorney General’s Website at www.atg.wa.gov.

If you’d like to make a real donation through the HCC Foundation, call (206) 870-3774 or visit www.funds4highline.org.

The much-anticipated, cliffhanger season finale of the Burien Farmers Market is this Thursday, Oct. 15th from 11am to 6pm, and despite a 60% chance of rain (ha…what do meteorologists know anyways?), we encourage all Readers to at least drop in, say hi and grab some last-minute goodies.

We’ll be there, safely ensconced in our tent (we’ll save room for you), wearing our B-Town Blog-branded clothing and risking our lives by using live electricity to showcase and demonstrate our website right there on an LCD monitor.

The market won’t start up again until Spring of 2010, so we hope to see y’all there!

To inspire you to attend, here’s some original artwork by our own Danielle Burton, called “$2 a bunch”: