Kirkland, WA February 2025 by City Lifestyle

Love

Serving the Eastside of Seattle isn’t just a career—it’s a true passion. This area, with its perfect balance of natural beauty, vibrant communities, and innovation, never ceases to inspire me. It’s an honor helping people discover their ideal homes here, whether it’s a young family looking for great schools, a professional drawn to the Eastside’s proximity to thriving tech hubs, or someone seeking the tranquility of lakeside views. The Eastside isn’t just where I work—it’s where I feel connected to the community that I love.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Arts & Makers

I always love working on this issue because I’m also an artist (@finchesart), and to quote one of my favorite books (The Artists Way), “Artists love other artists.” I couldn’t agree more! Even though all artists are different, there’s a special shared experience of creation and then putting your work “out there” for others to see. That feeling is scary and exciting all at once, and something every artist experiences at some point. It’s always fun hearing others artistic journeys and why they do what they do, and I’m grateful all participants in this issue were willing and wanting to put themselves “out there” so we can enjoy their work.

Artist and makers keep our community interesting, fun, and alive; don’t you agree? My hope is that our community continues to support the arts and artists featured in this issue, and also that you are inspired to pursue an artistic hobby or even try something entirely new. It is easy to let creative ideas fall to the wayside. All the more reason to be deliberate about allowing time to pour into yourself. And then when you do, watch as you grow and benefit, as well as everyone else around you!

What have you been creating lately? Share it with me at caitlin.agnew@ citylifestyle.com . Can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

CAITLIN AGNEW, PUBLISHER @KIRKLANDLIFESTYLE

February 2025

PUBLISHER

Caitlin Agnew | caitlin.agnew@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bree O’Brien, Caitln Agnew

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Life N Light, Aaron Sternke, Aaron Noble, Silas Chu, Steve Keller, Sung Park, Trey Senatore, Jonathan Steele, Asia S. Fasulo, Domenica Michelle

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Photo caption: With the owner of NYB gallery, my art hanging behind us.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Alair Industry Appreciation Night 1: Custom Home Builder, Alair Kirkland, celebrated fellow Industry partners with a festive happy hour social in November at Jocovine Bistro in Bellevue. 2: Alair signature truck outside of Jocovine. 3: Owner of Alair Kirkland, Stacy Eakman, with owner of Jocovine Bistro, Adrian Lopez. 4: Attendees were treated to the Samba inspired musical vibes of Monamor. 5: Owner, Stacy Eakman takes a moment to thank industry partners and his team at Alair Kirkland. 6: Architect Andres Villaveces from Métrica with Flavia Bautista from Upstaging Seattle. 7: Realogics Sotheby’s owner, Dean Jones.

business monthly

ROUNDUP

Valentine’s Day Celebration with Your Furry Friends at Kirkland Urban

Bring your love, bring the family, or bring your furry friends to Kirkland Urban for a paw-sitively fun Valentine’s Day celebration on Saturday, February 15th from 11AM1PM! Enjoy treats made for both pups and humans alike, stop by the dog lick art station for a one-of-a-kind creation, or create your own work of art at our card-making table! Rock out to live music and don’t forget to stop by our photo booth!

No Longer and Not Yet by Anna-Julia Geiger

Join us for a career retrospective of multi-media artist Anna-Julia Geiger, owner of Anna’s Art Lab. Dedicated to providing a creative space for young Eastsiders, Anna’s Art Lab inspires imagination and artistic expression. Experience Anna-Julia’s striking abstract works, featuring vibrant colors and clean line compositions. Visit her gallery at the Kirkland Art Center now through February 27, 2025.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with The Village at Totem Lake

To celebrate cultural diversity within our community, The Village at Totem Lake is hosting its fourth annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 1, as we welcome the Year of the Snake! This family-friendly event features a traditional lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, hands-on crafts, and more. Enjoy a variety of delicious Asian cuisine from Umigawa Sushi, Kati Vegan Thai, Silverlake Ramen, and Bok a Bok Fried Chicken. For more details, visit thevillageattotemlake.com .

Join the Kirkland Chamber's Ambassador Committee

The Kirkland Chamber's Ambassador Committee is seeking new members! Ambassadors play a vital role in men toring new members, supporting rib bon cuttings, and helping businesses thrive. If you would like to build strong relationships, expand your network, and make a difference in the community, email Kathryn Straub at kathryns@kirklandchamber.org or call 425-822-7066 for more details.

H E A D S H O T S

Valentine’s Day Dash 5K on February 8th

Don’t miss the 6th annual Alexander’s Hope Valentine’s Day Dash 5K Run/ Walk at our NEW location – Bellevue Downtown Park! All profits go to support lifesaving youth heart screenings in our community. This event offers t-shirts, medals, prizes, giveaways, a Free Kids Dash and more! Dogs & strollers are welcome! Sign up at alexandershope.org

CULTIVATING CULTURE

ARTICLE BY BREE O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON STERNKE, EXCEPT AS NOTED

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR THE KIRKLAND PERFORMANCE CENTER?

Laurel Canyon Legacy

Are you one of the 60,000 people who enjoyed a show at the Kirkland Performance Center last year? This local treasure in downtown Kirkland has a mission of “Connecting communities through culture,” and delivers on that by hosting artists, dance groups, films, comedians, and businesses in an intimate 400-seat auditorium. Countless local acts perform there, as well as national or even international artists - countries all over the world are represented.

The venue can be rented for all kinds of events. “KPC is a full-service boutique theater that offers ticketing, contracting, and everything else that’s needed to stage a performance, soup to nuts,” says Jeff Lockhart, Executive Director. According to the website, the KPC showcases “an array of diverse talent, from GRAMMY and Tony Award winners to local schoolchildren.”

Irish folk band Altan

Executive Director Jeff Lockhart. Photo credit: Aaron Noble

As the KPC opened over 25 years ago (with an inaugural performance by Broadway icon Bernadette Peters), it’s due for a refresh. An ongoing “Elevate KPC” capital campaign will fund a full interior renovation - the most significant milestone project since the theater was established. The funds will cover a new stage, lights, rigging, decor, sound and projection booth, lobby, and seats. Demolition work is scheduled for this summer, and the project is expected to conclude in early 2026. One part of the campaign is the “Take a Seat” fundraiser. It allows supporters to “buy” an auditorium seat and have a name or short phrase displayed on a plaque there.

KPC Studios is a related facility, located nearby on 7th Avenue in a former veterinary hospital. The studios offer: Audio production and recording; music and arts education; and video production and streaming. 500 people took classes at the studios last year, in areas like songwriting, music mixing, and harmony singing. Lockhart says the studios help demystify the recording process for local musical artists, serving as a community asset alongside the theater.

The new and improved KPC building will help the organization continue to serve as a cultural hub for the next 25 years. “I’ve been the Executive Director for 11 years,” says Lockhart, “What I’ve learned is that our job is to understand the pulse of our community and what’s important to them, provide artistic experiences that speak to them, and facilitate connections between artists and patrons.”

As an arts organization, the KPC continues to evolve to serve the community’s needs. In addition to the remodel funded by Elevate KPC, Lockhart mentions, “We would love to do an arts-focused Running Start program for high school students, and we’re doing the homework on that now.”

The Brothers Four

Challenges

The KPC has faced some difficulties during its first quarter century: During the pandemic, it shut down completely as a theater and became KPC Recording Studios. The organization received arts grants for bands to perform and livestream from the auditorium, which kept KPC afloat. After 2022, it transitioned back to a theater, but audiences were slow to come back, and artists didn’t want to tour due to uncertainty. Because of this, “The time right after the pandemic was harder than during the pandemic,” Lockhart says. “The fabric of the community has changed, and you can’t expect the community to react to a changing environment in a specific way - we have to be prepared to pivot.”

Heart by Heart, streamed live in 2021

KPC Studios control room

The KPC community choir

MEET THE MAKERS

Check Out Four Local Artists Enriching Our Community

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW

Artist Aziza Saliev,

Photo by Sung Park

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY.

My creative journey began in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where I grew up surrounded by diverse cultures and traditions. Art became my way to express myself, connect with others, and explore creative parts of life. Moving to the U.S. at 19 was challenging as I adapted to a new country, language, and culture, but it pushed me to find myself through art. Joining Parklane Gallery in Kirkland five years ago was a turning point, allowing me to connect with art collectors, artists, and the local community.

DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE.

My style blends whimsy, emotions, and storytelling. I’m known for whimsical girls with exaggerated features and hidden stories presented in colorful oil compositions. Recently, I’ve expanded into realistic portraits, landscapes, and watercolors to explore emotions through new tools and techniques.

WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

My creative process starts with a story or mood. I use palette knives and symbolic details to create layers and textures, making my whimsical paintings best experienced in person. Live painting sessions allow me to connect with the community and share the transformation from blank canvas to art.

Follow Aziza on Instagram @azizas.art

Photo by Steve Keller

Photo by Trey Senatore

Photo by Silas Chu

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I love finding a finely balanced line between precisely made and emergent from the forces of nature. I am influenced by the aesthetic concept Wabi Sabi that is found also in Japanese cuisine, architecture, and Haiku. My greatest effort is to make my work appear effortlessly found in a natural environment yet also work gracefully for an elevated cup of tea.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTIST JOURNEY.

I began making pottery in my college years while I was studying physics and trying to find my path in the sciences. I think of ceramics as a hands-on and aesthetically motivated material science, which fits with my goals and interests. I found tea a little later and began putting all my creative energy to making vessels for the finest tea I could find.

ANY EXCITING RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS?

I have just finished an artist residency at The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in Shigaraki, Japan. Earlier this year I had my first show in Brookyln, New York and I continue to build successful networks and connections in the communities in the Northwest.

Follow along at jonathansteele.studio or @jonathansteele.studio

Photo by Jonathan Steele

Artist Jonathan Steele

Photo by Jonathan Steele

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC PRODUCTION?

You could say I’m a late bloomer - I’ve always been interested in music production but didn’t get serious about it until I hit 40. I was looking to break into the Seattle DJ scene and quickly realized I needed to do something to set myself apart. Since I have a musical background, releasing my own tunes seemed like a good way to do that. I found a mentor by the name of Jimbo Cayzer (artist name: Jaytech) who helped me refine my style and bring the quality of my productions up to a higher standard. I went on to release an EP on his label, Positronic Digital, and performed a guest mix on his Podcast in the same month.

WHAT GENRES OF MUSIC DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?

I produce trance and progressive house, genres that were popular when I got into the rave scene in the late 90s. Both genres have stood the test of time and are played around the world today - a good way to check them out is at one of Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy Weekender events at The Gorge.

Find Matt’s music on all streaming platforms under his artist name, Maxeus. For his DJ mixes, head to soundcloud.com/maxeusmusic

Photo by Domenica Michelle

WHAT MEDIUM DO YOU USE?

I work primarily with acrylics and oils, often incorporating textures to bring depth and dimension to my art. Some of my pieces feature abstract compositions, while others focus on vibrant botanical elements with a surreal, metaphysical quality, both inviting viewers to explore beyond the surface.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTIST JOURNEY.

I was born and raised in Rome, Italy, surrounded by art and creativity, with my mother— an artist in the 1970s—passing down her love for painting. This early influence led me to study Art History in Rome and Renaissance painting techniques in Florence, where I discovered my deep passion for abstract art and the old Masters. Now in Kirkland, I create pieces that weave colors and textures, exploring the profound connections between human connection and universal energy.

WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION?

My art is deeply influenced by my Italian heritage, the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, and the complexities of human experience. I find inspiration in the interplay between nature, emotions, and personal narratives, transforming these elements into abstract landscapes, surreal florals, and richly textured compositions.

For more information visit alessiasersanti.com

Photo by Asia S. Fasulo | ANDOVAI, LLC

Rising STAR

Antwane Tyler Brings Local Charm to Country Music Scene

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW

Local singer and songwriter, Antwane Tyler, has captured the hearts of fans with his authentic storytelling and unique journey to country music. Growing up music was always a part of his life, but he didn’t discover his true passion for it until after he was adopted. “It was during some of my toughest moments that I turned to music as an outlet—a way to process everything I was going through. Writing and

creating songs became my way of dealing with emotions,” says Antwane. Even though music was always a personal passion, it wasn’t until 2023 that he began sharing his country music on social media, and fans quickly followed. Despite initially pursuing a career in hip hop, his roots eventually drew him back to the music that truly resonates with his experiences and upbringing. His ability to blend the lyrical depth of hip hop with the soulful, narrative-driven style of country has set him apart in the industry. “My musical style blends modern country, folk, and a little soul, with lyrics focused on themes like resilience, heartbreak, and freedom. I love telling stories in my songs, capturing the beauty in life’s imperfections,” says Antwane.

This natural ability to tell stories and capture an audience proved evident when his breakout hit, “Homesick,” went viral, paving the way for him as an independent artist. The song’s relatable lyrics and heartfelt

delivery have struck a chord with a wide audience, showcasing Antwane’s talent for capturing universal emotions through his music. “My songwriting process starts with an emotion or idea that I need to express. From there, I build lyrics that paint a picture, showing listeners rather than telling them,” says Antwane.

Antwane’s story and music have quickly gained significant attention and highlight his unique position in the country music landscape. “The most rewarding part of this journey has been connecting with fans—hearing how my songs resonate with their lives. It’s humbling and something I never take for granted,” says Antwane.

Although Antwane’s roots are in Washington, it’s clear this rising star is going places. Try to catch a show locally before he’s off on a big tour, and then we can all say “we knew him when…”.

For more information, visit antwanetyler.com.

A Handmade Date Night

A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.

Make

From-Scratch

Pasta

what you need

Yield: 1 pound

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 4 large eggs

what you do

1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight.

2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent.

3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com .

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 1ST

RockCreek Kirkland Weekend Brunch

RockCreek Kirkland | 10:00 AM

Kick off your weekend at RockCreek’s Brunch in Kirkland! Savor a mouthwatering selection of fresh, seasonal dishes, expertly crafted cocktails, and cozy ambiance. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, hearty brunch classics, or innovative flavors, RockCreek offers something for every palate. Gather your friends and enjoy a laid-back, delicious start to your day every weekend from 10 am-2 pm!

FEBRUARY 1ST

Lunar New Year Celebration

Peter Kirk Community Center | 2:00 PM

Discover exciting traditional festivities through crafts, food, lively dancing and engaging cultural experiences at the City of Kirkland’s Lunar New Year celebration. This exciting event offers a wonderful opportunity to learn and connect with the community. Join us on Saturday, February 1, from 2 to 4 PM at the Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave. For details, visit kirklandwa.gov/ CommunityBuildingEvents. Don’t miss this enriching experience!

FEBRUARY 4TH

Kirkland Teen Building Open House

Kirkland Teen Union Building | 6:30 PM

Join us for the KTUB Open House and learn about the exciting plans to transform utility boxes into vibrant works of art across Kirkland. This community event offers a chance to meet the artists, view designs, and share your ideas for enhancing our public spaces. Be part of this creative journey!

FEBRUARY 12TH

Co-working and Business Advising Day!

City Hall | 10:00 AM

Join us for Co-Working and Business Advising Day in Kirkland on February 12th from 10 am to 2 pm! Connect with local entrepreneurs, work alongside fellow professionals, and access free business advising sessions. Whether you’re starting a new venture or growing an existing business, this event offers valuable resources, expert advice, and a collaborative environment. Don’t miss the chance to network and boost your business!

FEBRUARY 22ND

Wheels & Reels

Juanita Beach Park | 6:00 PM

Experience the magic of winter cinema at Wheels & Reels Winter Drive-In Movies in Kirkland! Enjoy a cozy, family-friendly movie night from the comfort of your car. Grab your blankets, sip hot cocoa, and watch a classic film under the stars. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends and family. Don’t miss out! For movie lineup visit kirklandwa.gov.

FEBRUARY 23RD

Run or Wine 5k

Northshore Athletic Fields

Join us for the Run or Wine 5K in Woodinville this February! Enjoy a scenic run through beautiful vineyards, followed by a refreshing wine tasting at local wineries. Whether you're running for fun or savoring a glass of wine, this event offers a perfect blend of fitness and relaxation. To register, visit run2befit.com. Don’t miss this unique, spirited experience!