It’s Friday, which means it’s “Photo Friday” here at The B-Town Blog, and today we’re featuring Burien Photographer Rosemary Bannon Tyksinski, PhD, who goes by the Flickr name “Preconscious.”

A longtime Burien resident (36 years), Rosemary says she “loves the 3 P’s: Philosophy, Psychology, and Photography.”

She’s a Doctor of Psychology, and has been practicing in Bellevue since 1991 (more info on her practice here: www.rosemarys-office.com).

Rosemary shot the following wonderful, moody images at Seahurst Park Beach between 4:55pm – 5:30pm on Feb. 21st using a Canon EOS 5D Mark II with a 24-105mm lens set at 24mm at F/4 ISO 100:

Click to Play Preconscious’ Slideshow

(can also be viewed on Flickr by clicking here)

PREVIOUS PHOTO FRIDAYS:

• Michael Brunk Goes to the Woodland Park Zoo
• “Springtime In Burien” Nature Photos By Francis Zera
• SoundSlideshow Of Jason Smith’s Photos At Vino Bello
• Art Clock Sign Reflection, Cherry Blossoms & More…

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Photo Friday is a new weekly feature here at The B-Town Blog. Are you a local Photographer? Have some pics shot in Burien you think we should showcase? Or just some amazing photos worth sharing with our Readers? Please email us a link and explanation and we'll consider posting yours!]

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.

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:

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.

We’re huge fans of Photography here at The B-Town Blog, and while we are only rarely able to achieve it, we always appreciate it, honor it, and encourage others to experience it.

I mean, have you ever really thought about Photography? How it’s almost a kind of magic that can capture a moment in time and turn it into beautiful art? And how cool it is that in this nascent digital age that more and more magical moments are being captured by more people than ever before?

Nah…neither did we.

But seriously, that’s why we’re promoting a show opening Friday night, Feb. 12th, at Vino Bello, featuring Jason Smith, a Seattle-based photographic printer. This guy’s done tons of work for other artists, much of which has been exhibited internationally, and now it’s his turn to display his own hand-processed and hand-printed true black-and-white images right here in Burien.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Jason Smith Photographic Exhibit.

WHEN: Open reception is Friday night, Feb. 12th from 6pm – 9pm.

WHERE: Vino Bello, located at 636 SW 152nd in downtown Burien.

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.

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

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.

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:

Danielle Burton is an Artist who recently relocated to Burien from Bellingham, where she attained a degree in Illustration and Creative Writing from Western Washington University.

Danielle will be roaming around B-Town, creating illustrations, comics and stories for us (and oftentimes a combination of all three), and today we’re proud to introduce her first work, which is her take on how the Burien Interim Art Space’s “The Passage” sculpture will be leaving soon:

by Janet Grella

Everyone who knows me knows that I’m studying Italian and that I love all things Italian. So when I heard that native Italian artist Maria Grazia Repetto had moved to the area, I just had to meet her and hopefully talk a little Italiano with her.

My husband Michael joined us for dinner at Osteria da Primo, where Carlo and Lindsay made a fellow Italiana feel welcomed. Fortunately Michael was with us, as he served as translator part of the evening (my Italiano has barely made it past Buona Serra, Bongiorno Buona Notte and Ciao!).

Having just returned from two years of painting frescoes for homeowners and businesses in Arizona, Maria settled with a friend in Normandy Park. She joined us for dinner on a recent Tuesday night.

Her journey to our area began 12 years ago when she visited her college-aged son in Seattle. She loved the lushness, beauty and summer weather here.

“I could live here,” she thought.

So she went back to Milano, collected her 12-year old son, procured a visa and moved to Seattle. She spoke no English, and relied on connections with Italian speakers and her young sons to help her open a shop, begin a business and began working her art. Maria Grazia’s training is in the fine work of murals, frescoes, reliefs, stuccoes, oils on canvas, acrylics, watercolors, sketches and portraits. She quickly found herself accepting commissions in Seattle, and soon Boca Raton, and finally Arizona.

One of her fondest memories of a commissioned fresco was with Hedges Winery in Richland.

“I painted a beautiful view of the red mountains with vineyards and orchards and gold colored soft rounded hills of the desert,” she said. “It was painted in a private apartment above the chateau and can be seen by invitation only.”

She spent four months alone in the chateau, “creating, creating and creating.”

“It is sometimes very lonely when you paint frescoes,” Maria Grazia told BTB over prosciutto e melone and carcioffi fritti at Primo.

Another totally modern fresco (which she prefers over rennaisance style) was “The Tower” which includes partial view of Qwest Field in the background (see photo at left).

Here’s a video showing her in action, along with the progression of her work on “The Tower“:

“It looks completely weird, and I love it.”

She added that she was taught the art of fresco with a ‘modern’ take.

Maria Garcia proudly told us that every woman in her family is an artist, including her mother and sister who live in Italy, a sister in Brazil and another sister in France, plus two nieces. I guess you could call them the “Painting Repetto Women.”

Maria Grazia began the study of frescoes when she was 15.

“At the time I was studying, women were only expected to become secretaries, maids, shopworkers or wives and mothers” (can we infer, like many women of a certain age, Maria Grazia became a feminist?).

After our double espresso and sorbet de limone we did a passegiatta (walk about) of Burien and B/ IAS. Maria Grazia found our notorius ‘naked woman‘ sculpture “very beautiful and it looks like a real woman.” On the other hand, like many Burien-ites she is still trying to figure out ‘The Passage’ and the torn up grounds around it.

Her young sons are now grown into young men, aged 35 and 25 respectfully. Her oldest is with the FAA and his wife is a pilot for Horizon Airlines. Her youngest just graduated from the UW in Physics.

What’s next for our new resident italiana artist? She is shopping for a studio in the area.

“The medium I prefer is olio (oils). But I can’t do olio at home due to the smell.”

She’s currently working in acrylics in her Normandy Park home.

Here are some more videos that showcase her work:

To find out more about Maria Grazia Repetto and see her masterpieces click here.

Here at The B-Town Blog we’re excited to introduce our latest feature: “B-Town Breakdown with Amy Bouska,” a new, regular video interview segment.

For her inaugural production, Amy interviews Burien-based artist Rebecca Miller, who also happens to have been a model, as well as being associated with a certain rock drummer (you’ll have to watch the video to find out who…):

According to her MySpace page, Rebecca’s interests include:

Genera:l Creating beautiful things. Loving, Living, Painting!
Music: ALL…Without it what is there??????????
Movies: Hmmm, one’s that evoke emotion.
Television: BLAH… do love the Dexter!!
Books: Ahhh so many!! The stories of other interesting lives. Mark Twain, Robert Anton Wilson, Henry Miller, Anais Nin, Kurt Vonnegut, an on & on……….:)
Heroes: People who inspire others, Free spirits, Artists!

Here’s a slideshow of some of Rebecca’s art:

Click to View Photo Slideshow of Rebecca Miller’s Art

Do you know of someone Amy should interview for her next “B-Town Breakdown”?

If so, please email us ASAP at editor@b-townblog.com!

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Seattle-based dancer/choreographer Kelly Sullivan performed an interpretive dance piece entitled “Deer at Desk” at Burien’s Town Square on Thursday, July 23rd, and, as seen in the slideshow above, was “captured” by Photographer Michael Brunk.

The performance was commissioned by 4 Culture as part of their “Site Specific Performance Network” and performed as part of a series of meetings attended by members of local arts commissions.

Jim Hughes, longtime Burien businessman, is having an organizational meeting at Sal’s Deli on Tuesday, July 7th at 4pm regarding erecting a statue in honor of Dick “Mr. Burien” Dahlgard, who passed away in November 2008.

Hughes is looking for volunteers to help with this project (which we first reported on June 7th), and below is a photo of a prototype sculpture, designed by local artist Phillip Levine, which depicts Dahlgard as a whimsical 35mm camera with three human legs as a tripod. A large unraveling roll of film with be place at the lower region of the piece and may include the long list of civic involvements he selflessly dedicated so much of his time towards.

The sculpture will stand over six feet high and will be crafted from brass; the location for installation is still being discussed but is proposed for the new town square development:

“I’ve never done anything like this before so I’m hoping some kind-hearted Burienites will volunteer to help,” said Hughes. “I would invite anyone who would like to help to come on Tuesday.”

The meeting will be this Tuesday, July 7th at Sal’s Deli, which is located at 15212 6th Ave SW in downtown Burien. For more information, please call Jim Hughes at (206) 246-7181.

Burien’s recently-installed, controversial nude female sculpture has become a local media sensation (which we first covered on Monday), and Thursday (June 25th) our B-Town Blog video production crew of Mark Neuman and Bart Bryan dared to actually go near “Paradigm Shift,” the lifelike bronze Mike Magrath statue located at the Interim Art Space, where they shot this video:

If you haven’t yet read our original story, it’s worth a peek since the Comments are quite interesting – click here to read ‘em.

One of the many aspects of the new Burien Town Square (which will celebrate its grand opening June 13th) is “Helios Pavilion,” a new sculpture by James M. Harrison:

Helios Pavilion, Burien Town Square, 2009; painted steel, laminated Bullseye art glass, cast resin, copper; 30ft high x 16ft diameter. Photos by Steven D. Lenhart.

The sculpture is meant to harness the sun, native history and the energy of place, and provide a beacon and muse for the community.

“This project is dedicated to the indomitable and generous spirit of the Duwamish people,” Harrison said. “It marks the intersection of two populations and two migrations. The sculpture is meant to put color against a gray sky, and is for the enjoyment of all people who now call this place their home.”

The large outdoor sculptural installation was commissioned by the City of Burien to function as the centerpiece of the new Town Square. During the creation of the piece, James consulted both the history of the land on which the work permanently resides and the constantly evolving cosmos overhead. The artist’s statement says:

Framing the sun, the piece encourages an interactive public to muse on the heavens in the present as they are metaphorically surrounded by the woven cultural history of the past. In spirit, the sculpture is James’ gift to the Duwamish tribe, to honor and celebrate the people whose culture infused the land long before the development of Burien was envisioned.

On Saturday, June 13th, the grand opening celebration will begin at 10am with a ribbon cuttin ceremony featuring Burien Mayor Joan McGilton. Afterwards, James will talk about his work and present it to the community, alongside fellow artists who have contributed new public work to the site. Following the ceremony, the public can tour Burien Town Square, including the new Metro Transit Center, library and City Hall. Festivities will continue  until 2pm, and will feature refreshments, prizes, musical performances in the park, and play activities for children.

James M. Harrison is a Portland-based artist who has been inspiring communities with his public art for over a decade. Part philosopher, part mad-scientist, and complete poet, James shares his storytelling via the construct of site-specific work such as light beacons, towers and other repositories of myth. He explores the realm between sculpture and architecture, and plays with scale, utility, and the human body with the aim of enlivening civic space.

For more information on Harrison, visit his website: www.jamesmharrison.com

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Installation Of “Sun Pavilion” Sculpture Underway

“Girlfriend’s Clay Day,” a workshop where you can learn how to make a beautiful vase out of clay will be happening at Moshier Community Arts Center on three Saturdays beginning April 18th, and here are the details:

WHAT: “Girlfriend’s Clay Day” vase-making workshop for ages 17 and older

WHEN: 3 sessions:

• Saturday, April 18th, 10am-1pm
  
• Saturday, April 25th, 10-1pm
• Sunday, May 10th, 10-1pm

WHERE: Moshier Community Arts Center, located at 430 S 156th Street (map below)

COST: $40

INFO: Register by phone: 206-988-3700, or online at: www.burienparks.net, or by foot at the Burien Parks office at 425 SW 144th Street

Treat yourself by spending a day at Moshier learning how to make a beautiful vase out of clay! Right in time for Mother’s Day, but don’t worry, you don’t have to be a mom to take this class.

Bring your girlfriends and let Janet show you how to hand build and decorate your vase using texture, colorful slips and glazes.

On last day of the workshop, Mark, a professional florist, will demonstrate different types of arrangements and how you can create a unique and wonderful flower arrangement in your very own vase.

All supplies provided.

View Larger Map

Photo taken by Scott Schaefer, on a recent cold spring night in Olde Burien:

The Burien Art Gallery is holding a special closing reception for artist Steve Roumas this Sunday, March 29th, from 2pm-4pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Closing reception for Steve Roumas successful “Small Worlds” show at the Burien Art Gallery (sample art at left).

WHEN: Sunday, March 29th, from 2pm to 4pm

WHERE: Burien Art Gallery, located at 421 SW 146th Street in Burien (the little blue house in the woods at Dottie Harper Park).

COST: None

INFO: “Join us in celebrating Steve Roumas’ successful “Small Worlds” show at the Burien Art Gallery!

Burien Arts is hosting a closing reception for Steve Roumas this Sunday from 2-4 pm at the Burien Art Gallery: 421 SW 146th Street in Burien.

This is your opportunity to see Steve’s impressive work one last time, meet the artist, and share a cup of coffee with friends and neighbors at the gallery.”

More info on the Burien Art Gallery at their newly-revamped website.

Friday (Mar. 6th) on SW 152nd at Burien Town Square, construction workers started installing the steel framing for “Sun Pavilion” (aka “Helios Pavilion”), a 30-foot tall sculpture by Northwest artist James M. Harrison.

Harrison’s artwork is being built between the new City Hall and the Burien Town Square buildings, and is a giant steel “basket” that can be entered; a woven sculpture. He hopes the piece will look good against the skyline, the mountains, the existing buildings, and the long western sun.

One of the more interesting aspects of this sculpture are elements toward the top that denotes “a straight line from Mt. Rainier through Burien and continue it, it crosses through the site of the old Bering Land Bridge- the migration route to the Americas.”

According to Harrison’s website:

My work as an artist involves exploring the realm between sculpture and architecture.

I am fascinated by the seemingly simple act of how to build things – and I am an experimentalist at heart.

I like to make light beacons and towers and other repositories of myths.

My passion is building large strange things, and I consider making sculpture a way to study the world.

Here are some other photos of both the installation work as well a model of the sculpture:

The City of Normandy Park’s Annual Arts Festival is scheduled for June 6th and 7th, and they’re currently seeking help in the following areas:

• Artists
• Vendors
• Volunteers
• Park Board in the Walk-in-The-Park

The first deadline to apply is May 15th; others are listed below.

This is an opportunity for artists of all ages to take part in a juried arts show and to sell their handmade art and crafts. It is a wonderful time for everyone in the community to enjoy viewing the talent of local artists, participate in the annual Walk-In-The-Park, or to just kick back and listen to the sounds of live music.

Those interested in participating in 2009 should contact the Normandy Park Arts Commission at:

• artscomm@ci.normandy-park.wa.us
• Recreation and Community Services
  801 SW 174th
  Normandy Park, WA 98166
  Phone: (206)248-8258
  Fax: (206)439-8674

2009 Forms will be available March 10th.

ARTS FESTIVAL EVENTS:

• JURIED ART SHOW
  The juried show is open to amateurs and professionals. Awards are given in both categories. For those who are new to the art experience, the City offers art classes throughout the year. These classes can prepare you for our annual Art Show.
• ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
  An opportunity to sell or purchase original art work and crafts.
• ENTERTAINMENT
  Live music throughout the day. Performers include various local youth groups.
• WALK-IN-THE-PARK
  Hosted by the Park Board. Join us at City Hall for our annual walk-in-the-park.

2009 ARTS FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• Call for Artists and Volunteers:
  • Open now thru May 15
• Call for Art Market Vendors:
  • Open now thru May 15
• Accept Artwork:
  • Mon, June 1, noon-8pm
• Set-up juried art show:
  • Tue, June 2, 4-8pm
• Judging of juried show:
  • Wed, June 3, TBA
• Artists Receptions and Award Announcements:
  • Fri, June 5, 7-8:30pm
• Vendor Setup:
  • Fri, June 5, 4-8pm
  • Sat, June 6, 8am-9am
• Vendor Booth Time:
  • Sat & Sun 10am-4pm
• Arts Festival and Craft Fair:
  • Sat/Sun June 6 & 7th 10am-4pm
• Entertainment:
  • TBA
• Vendor Breakdown
  • Sun, June 7, 4pm-6pm
• Pickup art work:
  • Sun, June 7, 4pm-6pm
  • Mon, June 8, 8am-noon
  • Tues, June 9, 8am-3pm

For more information, visit the City’s Recreation, Arts, and Community Services website.

by Julia Wight

I was totally blown away by the work of Steve Roumas in the Main Gallery at the Burien Art Gallery.

Most artists show you the world through their eyes but Roumas lets you enter his world. Surrounded by his work, evokes the same sensation as standing among ancient ruins or some holy site. One visitor told me it was very “Zen.” I could wax lyrical about his pictures but like a great book or movie I don’t want to give away the details. Come and see for yourself. I predict a great future for this artist.

In the Upper Gallery, you will find a delightful array of paintings courtesy of Artists United, a vibrant organization of artists who contribute their time and talent to the Burien Art Gallery. The three mediums of oil, acrylic and water color are very well represented by Carol Huddleston, Judy Eckhardt and Carolyn Dorratcague respectively. Carol’s eye popping still life of a can of sardines is the work of a virtuoso and her self portrait holds with you with liquid eyes as I am tempted to reach over and stroke an eye brow. Judy’s uses soft shades of peach and lavender to illuminate seaside and pastoral scenes. Nearby in stark contrast, two paintings of lilies and daisies with dark backgrounds show another side of this artist’s talent. Carolyn’s watercolors display a great sense of color and variety of subject matter. She seems equally at ease painting docks and boats or a red barn in the snow. Her crows and urban chickens would make a wonderful edition to anyone’s art collection.

The Education Annex houses an exhibition of fanciful skateboard art and some very good wood cuts executed by talented students from local High Schools, including Evergreen High School Technical Campus in White Center.

I urge you not to miss this show – I guarantee it is worth the effort.

The Burien Art Gallery is located at 421 SW 146th in Burien (map below), and is open from 12-5 Wednesday through Friday, 11-5 Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday.

For further information about this exhibit or Burien Arts, please contact Erin Williamson at (206) 244-7808 or via e-mail at erin@burienarts.org.

PREVIOUSLY:

• Friday Reception At Burien Art Gallery For Graphite Art

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Burien Arts (formerly the Burien Arts Association) is presenting an exhibition of graphite on paper works by Seattle artist Steve Roumas (sample above) at the Burien Art Gallery, located at 421 SW 146th in Burien (map below), with an opening reception Friday night Feb. 6th from 7-9pm

The exhibition opened Thursday, Feb. 5th (sorry – somehow we overlooked this!), and Friday’s reception is free and open to the public.  In addition to the work of Mr. Roumas, the Burien Art Gallery will also present paintings by Artist United painters Carol Huddleston, Judy Eckhardt and Carolyn Dorratcague and decorated skateboard decks and woodblock prints by Evergreen High School Technical Campus students.

Steve Roumas was born in St. Joseph, Missouri but spent his formative years in Kansas City. His father is an architect, so he grew up in a household that nurtured the slightest inclination toward visual art. As a result, he’s been creating art since early childhood. Close inspection of Steve’s current work reveals homage to the architectural elevations and renderings he watched being constructed as a youth.   In 1988, he enrolled in The University of Kansas to study graphic design. Six-and-a-half years later he graduated with a degree in painting. Needless to say, he is well versed in the differences between the Fine and Applied Arts.

Steve moved to Seattle in 1995 where he adjusted to life in the real world. He no longer had room for a painting studio, at least not one that allowed the kind of mess necessary to his process, nor did he have the forced structure that comes with academia. So, for several years he worked sporadically with acrylic paint and canvas.  Five years ago he moved into a house that provided an appropriate space for an art studio. Shortly thereafter, and as a result of being financially strapped, he was urged to pick up a pencil and paper and start drawing. This proved to be a turning point. For the past five years he has worked almost exclusively with graphite on paper. The work has evolved profoundly in size, technique and content as a result.

Steve has shown in galleries and restaurants in the Seattle area since early 2003. Currently, his work can be seen in Tacoma at Robert-Daniel Gallery.

The Burien Art Gallery is open from 12-5 Wednesday through Friday, 11-5 Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday.

For further information about this exhibit or Burien Arts, please contact Erin Williamson at (206) 244-7808 or via e-mail at erin@burienarts.org.

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The Seattle Weekly has an interesting story on how Normandy Park resident Eddie Rodriguez and his band, Los Volcanes, ended up recording the song “Red, Red Wine” for pop legend Neil Diamond.

And this Friday (Feb. 6th), Eddie and his band will be playing it at a tribute to Diamond in LA. Other bands on the bill include Coldplay, Foo Fighters, and Tim McGraw, among others

Read the full story here.

Here’s a video we found of Los Volcanes on MySpace:

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=41547935

Kathy Justin and Dane Johnson, the driving forces behind the innovative Burien Interim Art Space, sent us this email about an upcoming planning meeting for the site on Monday, Feb. 9th at 6:30pm at the Moshier Art Center (map below):

Hello Everyone,

We are having our first planning meeting for the B/ IAS site next Monday the 9th at Moshier Art center at 6:30pm. Its a potluck so bring some nosh or beverages

We are looking for input, volunteers, fund raising ideas and energy. Please help us keep this momentum happening!

thanks,
Kathy Justin and Dane Johnson

check out www.interim-art-space.com

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Hot Art Heats Up A Cool Burien On Saturday
• VIDEO: Time Lapse Of Thursday’s “The Passage” Installation
• Sculptures Installed At Interim Art Space For Sat. Unveiling
• PHOTOS: “The Passage” Makes Safe Passage To Burien
• Ground Broken For Town Square Sculpture “The Passage”
• UPDATE:”The Passage” Installation Postponed To Jan. 24th

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We volunteered during the lunch session of Friday’s annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank, and just couldn’t resist shooting the following video:

If it’s before 8pm Friday Jan. 30th, you still have time to get a dang fine soup meal for just $10, which includes an original artist-made bowl you get to pick out yourself – just get up to the Moshier Art Center ASAP and help your hungry neighbors!

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“The Passage,” the unusual Mother/Daughter sculpture made of recycled and scrap metal, made safe passage to Burien from California Tuesday night on a semi-truck to the Interim Art Space at the Town Square. The Grand Opening Party is this Saturday, Jan. 24th at 3pm, starting at the Burien Town Square office.

As you can see in this closeup, the “Mother” figure of the sculpture has “heavy metal” dreadlock hair made of re-used metal chains.

Evidence of artwork is already visible at the B/ IAS site, as all the light poles have colorful art on them.

Proof that artists have already been active on the site is seen in the photo above.

Be sure to make it to the grand opening party this Saturday, Jan. 24th at 3pm.

Here’s more info on B/ IAS from their website:

The Burien/ Interim Art Space (B/ IAS) is a year–long experiment, combining and transforming the concepts of art, temporary green spaces, and community gathering.

The Interim Art Space at Burien’s Town Square will be kicked off by displaying Burien’s first major temporary art piece, “The Passage,” a sculpture depicting a mother and child walking together to share and explore life. This artwork was first created by Dan Das Mann and Karen Cusolito for the 2005 Burning Man Arts Festival. The figures stand a dramatic 30′ and 20′ tall and are fabricated out of recycled and scrap metal.

Previous coverage here:

• UPDATE: ”The Passage” Installation Postponed To Jan. 24th
• VIDEO: Impressive Sculpture Coming To Burien Town Square

More info on B/ IAS here, including ways you can donate!

Last Monday (Jan. 12th), the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce posted a glowing story about Burien’s creative use of unused land at the new Town Square – turning it into an Interim Art Space.

The full story is here, and since it requires a subscription, here are some pertinent snippets:

What do you do when part of your project is stalled due to a lousy economy but you don’t want the empty space to be a blight on what you have already built?

You could fill the space with art.

When demand for condos slowed, Urban Partners decided to delay the second phase of condos for at least a year. That would have left a barren one-acre parcel. To avoid that, the developer teamed up with Ignition Northwest, the Burien Arts Commission and GGLO to create an interim space for art.

Several large-scale sculptures will be installed by crane late next week on the parcel, which is being called the Burien/Interim Arts Space. The first piece will be a 30-foot-tall mother and daughter sculpture called “The Passage” by artists Dan Das Mann and Karen Cusolito. It was first displayed in 2005 at the Burning Man festival in Nevada.

(Kathy) Justin said the space will be somewhat like a P-patch for artists.

Amy Hoffman, development associate at Urban Partners, said Burien/Interim Arts Space has a one-year lease for the parcel, after which it will become a month-to-month lease. Justin said the lease was donated by Urban Partners.

Hoffman said Urban Partners may start the second batch of 169 condos after the arts lease expires, depending on market conditions. The second phase also would include 25,000 square feet of retail.

Thanks for Kathy Justin for sending us this video (produced by Steven Bradford), which shows “de-construction of the site” where Dan Das Mann’s impressive Burning Man-created sculpture “The Passage” will be installed at Burien’s Interim Art Space (B/ IAS) at the new Town Square on Jan. 24th:

Be sure to mark your calendars for the grand opening party at 3pm on Saturday, Jan. 24th, and stay tuned to The B-Town Blog for more exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and photos as we get closer to the official unveiling party.

Previous coverage here:

• UPDATE: ”The Passage” Installation Postponed To Jan. 24th
• VIDEO: Impressive Sculpture Coming To Burien Town Square

More info on B/ IAS here, including ways you can donate!

Our friends at the Burien Arts Gallery sent us a reminder that their juried show continues through Sunday, Jan. 18th:

Be prepared to be dazzled and delighted with the show at the Burien Art Gallery.

In a juried show, a professional artist judges the works that are submitted. He or she decides which ones to hang and which will be awarded a winning rosette. The artists on display represent a wide spectrum of local talent from Artists United. This active organization was founded in 1949 and now works closely with the Burien Art Gallery.

This year Pam Ingalls, a professional and very talented artist from Vashon Island served as juror with the daunting task of deciding what to include among a field of outstanding pieces. Come and see for yourselves and decide which ones you love and then vote for your favorites or favorite for the separate “Peoples’ Choice Award.” They range from delicate watercolors, to scintillating acrylics, bold oils and edgy mixed media.

As you enter the gallery you are greeted by a pastel portrait, a watercolor of pink flowers and a large oil still life. The smaller gallery to your left has some whimsical paintings exuding a sense of joy. The larger gallery on the same floor has some riveting watercolors and other media which include landscapes, still life and people staring out at the viewer or absorbed in some activity. “Once upon a time” stands out as a very satisfying non-objective piece.

The upper galleries unveil more treasures. The juxtaposition of an eye popping still life of glass vases and another with the serene and nostalgic quality of an Edith Wharton novel is quite astounding. I was amazed at an artist’s ability to take a mundane subject like a fire hydrant or some red-striped mints and turn it into a work of art that transcends time and place.

Throughout the show the preponderance of landscapes is a fine example of the diversity of styles and endless variations that appeal so much to artists and viewers alike.

As an added bonus, anther installation of small square pictures is housed in the lower gallery. These were part of a fund raising event held in November by the Burien Arts Association. These works represent many fine artists working in Seattle and sell for $40.

Come and be part of the Burien art scene and support your local artists.

The Burien Arts Gallery is located at 421 SW 146th Street, near the Burien branch of the King County Library, nestled within the tall trees of Dottie Harper Park:

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From Flickr Photog Dougerino comes this great Burien-related pic, which he describes as:

Those golden arches were the place to hang out in ‘74, during the short-lived streaking fad.

Have a Burien-related photo you’d like to share with our BTB Readers?

From our friends at Burien Parks comes this video and information on a very impressive sculpture coming soon to Burien Town Square:

Here’s more info on this project:

The Burien/ Interim Art Space is a year-long experiment, combining and transforming the concepts of art, temporary green spaces, and community gathering. The Interim Art Space at Burien’s Town Square will be kicked off by displaying Buriens first major temporary art piece, The Passage, a sculpture depicting a mother and child walking together to share and explore life.

This artwork was first created by Dan Das Mann and Karen Cusolito for the 2005 Burning Man Arts Festival in the Nevada desert. The figures stand a dramatic 30 and 20 feet tall and are fabricated out of recycled and scrap metal. The interim art space will occupy a temporarily vacant one-acre parcel of Buriens Town Square project. This exciting space will not only showcase art but will be an energetic gathering place for Buriens citizens.

B/IAS will be a working canvas that will be transformed by the efforts of both artists and the community throughout the year. The art space will celebrate its opening in December of 2008 with the installation of The Passage. The project will conclude when the sculpture is removed and construction begins at the site on a future phase of Town Square.

B/IAS is a collaboration between the City of Burien Arts Commission, Urban Partners, GGLO and Ignition NW. For more information please contact Gina Kallman, City of Burien Cultural Arts Supervisor, (206) 988-3713, ginak@burienwa.gov.

So…whaddaya think of this sculpture?

And do you have any ideas for what else should go in the “Interim Art Space” at Burien Town Square?

Email us or post a Comment below…

Burien’s Moshier Community Art Center is holding its annual Holiday Pottery Sale on Saturday, Dec. 6th from 10am to 3pm at 430 South 156th Street (see map below).

This is the fourth holiday show at Moshier, and we’re told it will be full of great one-of-a-kind art at affordable prices, so mark your calendar and get set to do some serious shopping and support your local artists.

Here’s a photo slideshow of last year’s holiday pottery sale to warm you up for this one:

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

And here’s a video tour of Moshier for those unfamiliar with it:

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We just created a new “Group” on Flickr, the photo sharing site, and invite all our Readers to join and contribute to it.

You can find it by clicking here.

Once at the Group page, either Sign In if you’ve already regsitered or Sign Up as a new User. Once you’re all logged in, you can upload your general Burien-related photos to the Group, look at the ones we have up there, make slideshows and share them with others.

We then hope to feature photos from our Group Pool on this here blog, with prominent credit given to each Photographer, as well as respect for all copyrights.