As 2018 approaches, galleries in Pioneer Square are inviting art enthusiasts to stop by for the First Thursday Art Walk.
It’s a decades-long and widely popular tradition in Seattle’s oldest neighborhood. Dozens of galleries are showcasing new work by visual artists.
First Thursday parking is free from 5 – 10 p.m. at Frye Garage (117 Third Ave. S.) and Butler Garage (114 James St.). To redeem, pick up a voucher at participating Pioneer Square stores, restaurants or galleries.
Here are a few shows you may want to check out.
“Resolution” at Foster/White gallery
"Resolution" is a group show centering on the annual tradition of resolving to exercise more, spend less or take on a new challenge. Works in the show range in medium and subject matter. They all address the theme of resolution.
From the gallery: “In putting together January's group show, we asked our gallery artists to contribute a work, new or old, that rang true to the theme of Resolution. For some, that represents a decision firmly made, a change of course or direction. But there are a myriad of ways to interpret the call. A resolution is a problem solved. It is a symptom cured, a reduction of the whole into parts, a conversion of one form to another, a discordant sound corralled into harmony.”
Artists in the show: Cara Barer, David Burdeny, Carol Inez Charney, Allison Collins, John de Wit, Eva Isaksen, Joshua Jensen-Nagle, Chase Langford, Guy Laramée, Sarah McRae Morton, Steven Nederveen, Andre Petterson, Mark Rediske and Will Robinson.
WHAT: “Resolution”
WHEN: Runs until Feb. 17; First Thursday, Jan. 4, 6 – 8 p.m.
WHERE: Foster/White Gallery, 220 Third Avenue S., Seattle
“Luminous: Marcio Díaz and Elaine Hanowell” at ArtXchange
Through painting and sculpture Marcio Díaz and Elaine Hanowell bring light to the winter darkness. The exhibition showcases new work by Diaz, who is known for his signature Bubblism painting style. If you’ve visited Dahlia Lounge, then you’re familiar with Hanowell’s lighted fish. For “Luminous” she’s created a school of lighted fish that swim throughout the space.
From the gallery: “Blending both his interest in classical art history with his investigations into modern physics, Diaz developed his Bubblism style as a visual manifestation of the fundamental interconnectedness of the world. In Luminous, Díaz presents new paintings that show the abstract potential of Bubblism, as clouds of color shift and dance across his canvases. Elaine Hanowell presents an installation of lighted artworks that provide sculptural counterpoint to the paintings of Diaz. A Pacific Northwest native, Hanowell has experimented with the interaction between paper and light for over three decades. Incorporating handmade papers, gold leaf, carved wood stamps and materials from around the world, she creates her lighted sculptures layer by layer on complex molds and casts.”
WHAT: “Luminous: Marcio Díaz and Elaine Hanowell”
WHEN: Runs until Jan. 20; First Thursday, Jan. 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
WHERE: ArtXchange Gallery, 512 First Ave S., Seattle
“Zhi Lin: Confronting History | Retrieving Memory” at Prographica/KDR
If you haven’t been able to see Zhi Lin’s show, “In Search of the Lost History of Chinese Migrants and the Transcontinental Railroads,” at the Tacoma Art Museum you can see the continuation of his work at Prographica/KDR.
From the gallery: “Lin’s works are shaped by the political strife he witnessed in China during his training and his experiences as an immigrant in the U.S. (he currently lives and works in Seattle). His widely-known works based on historical events depict the racism and injustice faced by immigrant workers. His latest series focuses on the construction of the Transcontinental Railroads and the memories lost and the sacrifices made by Chinese laborers. The lasting message of this work parallels the ongoing struggles and histories of immigrants from all backgrounds.”
WHAT: “Zhi Lin: Confronting History | Retrieving Memory”
WHEN: Runs until Jan. 27; First Thursday, Jan. 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
WHERE: Prographica/KDR, 313 Occidental Avenue S., Seattle
Lisa Edge is a Staff Reporter covering arts, culture and equity. Have a story idea? She can be reached at lisae (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @NewsfromtheEdge, Facebook
RELATED ARTICLES:
Breaking Boundaries: The many faces of artist Barry Johnson
Bellevue Arts Museum celebrates Pratt Fine Arts Center instructors
Detailed Depiction: Seattle Art Museum celebrates Andrew Wyeth with retrospective exhibition
Wait, there's more. Check out the full December 27 issue.