The artwork of more than two dozen Path with Art (PWA) students will be on display at the Aug. 4 First Thursday Art Walk, a decades long tradition in Seattle. Visitors can expect to see paintings, printmaking, three-dimensional sculptural work, and much more at the free Summer Exhibition.
The showcase is being held at the organization’s new office in Pioneer Square. It’s the first time the organization is hosting an event in its own space, rather than a rented one.
“A lot of the folks that we serve spend time in this neighborhood,” PWA Program Director Jennifer Lobsenz said. “A lot of the issues that are affecting Seattle at large are highlighted in this neighborhood and I think a lot of the work in this show speaks to how Seattle is changing. And how it’s important that all of us are a part of the next chapter for Seattle.”
PWA’s new office further solidifies its place in the art community. The space housed art businesses in the past, is within walking distance of other First Thursday Art Walk venues and and close to its “We Are All Here” banner project in Occidental Park.
Lobsenz is looking forward to the event: “It feels really lovely to be at a stage where we’re welcoming people. Both the folks that take our classes, and their friends and family, and also the general public.”
PWA offers free classes to low-income people that include writing, painting and ceramics.
“Path with Art is not just providing classes,” Lobsenz said. “It’s providing a space where people can connect with other people, connect with themselves, connect with the greater arts community. It really is such a supportive place where you can be yourself, in a world that does not often invite that.”
The artwork on display on First Thursday comes from students who completed a visual art class in the last six months. Lucy Marshall created “Woman with Hound” in a printmaking class. PWA chose the piece as the title image for the exhibition.
“A lot of the work that came out of that class is really strong and really interesting and really diverse. People took that class and what they learned in it and went a lot of different ways,” said Lobsenz.
PWA’s new office further solidifies their place in the art community. The space they’re in housed art businesses in the past, is within walking distance of other First Thursday Art Walk venues,. “Path with Art is not just providing classes. It’s providing a space where people can connect with other people, connect with themselves, connect with the greater arts community. It really is such a supportive place where you can be yourself, in a world that does not often invite that,” said Lobsenz.
What: Path With Art Summer Exhibition
When: Aug. 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: 312 2nd Ave. S