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ARTBEAT MAGAZINE
THE COMET 19AUGUST 2022ARTBEAT MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NCW ARTS ALLIANCE AUGUST 2022 FREE
ON THE COVER: “Salish Sea” by Terry Valdez Artist Reception, First Friday, Aug. 5, 5-7 p.m. at Pybus Art Alley
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SO WHAT IS THIS NCW ARTS ALLIANCE ALL ABOUT ANYWAY?
By Jamie Howell
The North Central Washington Arts Alliance (NCW ARTS, for short) is a brandnew 501c-3 non-profi t dedicated to establishing and maintaining a regional infrastructure that connects artists of all stripes to each other and to the communities of North Central Washington. That’s a long way of saying we want everybody here to know everything they can all the time about what’s going on with the Arts across our region (or at least know where to look to fi nd out). When we talk about goals, we talk about heightening awareness around Arts events and initiatives; supporting working artists; increasing access to art education and opportunities; and, in the process, strengthening the regional economy and enhancing public wellness on behalf of all who call North Central Washington home. Right now, this young organization is taking its fi rst baby steps. A new website hit the internet this past month – check it out at ncwarts.org. Of course, we’ve established both a digital and print versions of this monthly ARTBeat publication. (Many thanks to Ron Evans and The Comet!) We’re working hard to become a primary support mechanism for the First Friday Art Walk, and we’re beginning to build the fundraising mechanisms, membership and partnership structures that will help sustain this organization into the future. But that’s all just the start. Ultimately, NCW Arts hopes to provide a centralized hub of information and access for all things Arts in our area – a catalog of artists, a calendar of events, listings of Arts opportunities (grant deadlines, classes, calls for artists, etc.), for example. In addition, we want to become an active advocate and supportive resource for all our artists. The “we” of the NCW Arts Alliance at present is simply a small and committed group of local citizens, artists, educators and business owners who believe in the power of the Arts to transform community. The time has come now for us to begin expanding that group with more board members, more volunteers, more artists and more believers in the transformative powers of the Arts. This is where you come in! Want to fi nd out more about the NCW Arts Alliance?
Contact us at arts@ncwarts.org
MUSE WORTHY by Lindsay Breidenthal
“Who is more to be pitied, a writer bound and gagged by policemen or one living in perfect freedom who has nothing more to say?” ~Slaughterhouse Five, Kurt Vonnegut
I’d like to hand it to the masterful marketeers who are so carefully branding the current forms of censorship. A tool in chameleon’s clothing, the censor acts on the fears of the
community by claiming concern over safety, sanctity, and security. The problem with silencing what we don’t agree with is that pretty soon, as Vonnegut points out, there is nothing left to say. Is this what we want instead of risking an off ense, a cancellation, or lost revenue? Art has been the canary in the soul mine for as long as the powerful have relied on control. A real master of subversion uses beauty and humor as they draw a line around our vulnerabilities. I can’t think of anything more frightening to a regime with something Lindsay Breidenthal to hide than an outspoken citizen. Dave Chappelle summed it up when he said, “The only way you can know where the line is, is if you cross it.”
FEATURED VENUE OF THE MONTH THE OLD BARN DRINKERY
If you’ve never encountered this delightful little venue amidst the orchards, wind your way along the road toward Monitor any Thursday evening in August to the Old Barn Drinkery at Sunshine Ranch and take in a show. Founded by local musical couple, Brad and Lisa Petit (formerly of the band Lynus and Lucy, and later, Gideon’s Daughter), they’ve transformed their 1900s wooden barn into a charming, relaxed and well-stocked event center. On Aug. 18th, for example, they’ll happily bring you a charcuterie board and a wine slushie while you kick back to the sounds of Bay Area bluegrass marvels, Fog Holler. They’ve also chosen to completely ignore infl ation at the Old Barn Drinkery, with concert ticket prices ranging from $0 to $10. Check out all their events at thesunshineranch.wedding/events.
AND THAT’S JUST ONE OF YOUR OPTIONS! CHECK OUT THE FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT NCWARTS.ORG
ARTTRIP: UNINCORPORATED THORP, WA
Population 200 (give or take), 90-minute drive from Wenatchee. Follow your nose to Thorp and find yourself at PUNCH Projects this August. This lil’ hamlet holds host to Punch Projects, a dedicated group of artists who are pushing artsy glee onto the sleepy streets of unincorporated Thorp. If you haven’t already day-tripped yourself over to the old fire station on the curve of Thorp Highway to Punch Projects, I do suggest you get yourself there one of these Saturdays.
Each Month Punch Projects hosts new and inspiring shows complete with cool art, visiting artists from all over the country, and the Hidden Snacks bar that serves Iron Horse beer for a great deal.
This August don’t miss cross-disciplinary Edison artist, Ries Niemi. He’ll be showing his work titled “The Mute Project,” paying homage to musicians that have died from Coronavirus through December 2021. He has over 100 portraits including Le Thu, Cy Tucker, Calypso Joe and Ellis Marsalis Jr. to name a few that caught my eye. Each work embroidered on paper is lovingly detailed; en masse, the series paints a sobering picture to the cost of life during this current pandemic. Niemi remarks, “They are all equally important, are all Royalty, and are all being Muted by the virus before their time.” Niemi will be there Saturday August 6 from noon-4 pm, spinning yarns about music, art and craft you won’t want to miss it. Seriously, this man should have a podcast!
Take the day Saturday and wind your way over the hill for art, community and inspiration. Mostly go because you will get a great heart squeeze from this welcoming bunch of artsy entrepreneurs.
They will have visiting artist Neville Barbour, a Washington, DC artist, on the premise and Ellensburg-based reggae and hip-hop DJ outfit Black Grenade playing on the PUNCH Stage out back. Don’t mind the weeds and be sure to wave as you roll into town. Natalie Dotzauer
Natalie Dotzauer is a working artist and professor of art at Wenatchee Valley College.
PUNCH Projects (formerly PUNCH Gallery) was founded in 2006, has worked to promote visual art made form artists outside of the urban centers. They strive to promote artwork that is thoughtful, fresh and contemporary combined with a desire to further bridge urban-rural connections. PUNCH Projects seeks to support the cultural vibrancy of rural art scenes by spurring creative awareness, cross-cultural engagement and economic vitality
Ries Niemi - Cristina Ries Niemi - LaCerda Ries Niemi - Le Thu
SCAN FOR DIGITAL INTERACTIVE FIRST FRIDAY
MAP!
Online map courtesy of the Wenatchee Downtown Association wendowntown.org
FEATURED OPPORTUNITY OF THE MONTH MAC ARTIST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
You’ve got until midnight, August 10, to get your pitch in for either a $10,000 or a $5,000 award from the Robert B. McMillen Foundation’s MAC Artist Fellowship Program. This one’s for the visual artists out there, especially you emerging or mid-career creatives. What could you do with an extra $10,000 in art supplies? Find out at mcmillenfoundation.org.
FIND MORE OPPORTUNITIES AT NCWARTS.ORG
FIRST FRIDAY ART MAP
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1. MAC Gallery
Lead Pencil Studio: Shadow Aperture, 5-7 p.m.
2. Wenatchee Chamber Tasting Room
David Morris, metal sculpture; wines by C.R. Sandidge Winery, 5-7 p.m.
3. Numerica PAC
Pippin, musical theater, 7:30 p.m 4. Lemolo Cafe & Deli
Hans Joseph Hessburg, live music, 6-8 p.m.
5. Two Rivers Art Gallery
Albert Kissler, artist reception; Pat Thompson and Glenn Isaacson, live music, 5-8 p.m.
6. Tumbleweed
Kealani Clay Jewelry, 5-7
7. Gilded Lily
Amy Wall, paintings; 1-6 p.m.
8. Ye Olde Bookshoppe
Jessemyn Cackova, watercolorist; C.G. Dahlin, eclectic travel collection; Tarot by Sage, 4-7 p.m.
9. Museum And Cultural Center
Free museum admission and outdoor beer garden, 4-8 p.m.
10. Collapse Gallery
Layers of Meaning”, Susan Steinhaus Kimmel & Jim Huber, 4-7 pm
11. Pybus Market
