EVERETT — It’s time for people to start seeing Everett as an art town.
That’s the vision many artists and patrons shared on Saturday during the Everett Art Walk. The free, monthly event was started by local artists three years ago but remains a kind of a hidden gem.
About a dozen galleries and businesses, mostly downtown, are participating in an effort to bring the community together and revitalize downtown. The idea is for visitors to find more fun things to do in town and to patronize local businesses.
On the corner of Hewitt and Wetmore avenues, artists Janet Wold and Jane Steele-Meagher were chatting with visitors in the gallery they’ve shared since August. They ended up in the spacious bright studio because of a program through the Arts Council of Snohomish County, which lets artists move into downtown Everett spaces left vacant by previous businesses.
Wold mostly paints. Steele-Meagher, an arts teacher, makes sculptures from recycled materials.
“I like doing things where people from the community can participate,” Steele-Meagher said.
She is currently making a dog sculpture using real dog hair. Steele-Meagher is collecting the material for the project, so if you have a hairy dog, bring your donation to the studio.
For Ruth Richardson it was the first time at the art walk. Richardson said she lives not far from downtown and decided to explore her city more. She was glad she did.
“It’s a great way to get out and meet artists in Everett,” she said. “I’m looking forward to going to the other places.”
Like many visitors on Saturday, Richardson was surprised to learn the art walk has been around for three years.
Josey and Marc Wise of WiseDesignz across the street were among the people who got it started. Guests crowded their framing shop and gallery, talking art over wine and snacks. Claudia Postema, one of the artists featured in the art walk, answered questions about her paintings.
More and more people have been coming to the art walk this year, Josey Wise said. They are learning that the art community in Snohomish County is open and supportive.
“There is a lot of talent here. I’d love for people to know that Everett is an art town,” she said.
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
See art every third Saturday
The Everett Art Walk is the third Saturday of each month.
For more information and a printable map, go to www.everettartwalk.org
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