Waterfront visitors will like Fresh Paint’s palette

The art scene in Snohomish County is alive with color, texture and sound — and artists from around the area are ready to share their talent. The rest of us shouldn’t hestitate to soak it all in at Sunday’s Fresh Paint Festival of Artists at Work along Everett’s waterfront.

It’s nice to know we don’t have to get in our cars and brave the traffic to Seattle to enjoy such events. In fact, let our neighbors to the south come up here for a day of inspiration by the vibrant art scene and the chance to see the dynamic transformation underway along Everett’s waterfront.

The Everett Marina, which has undergone a remarkable renovation the past 18 years, is the perfect host for the event. Gone are the smokestacks, taking with them decades of belching black smoke and pungent odor. Remember the old driving instructions to Everett? "Travel north on I-5 and turn left when it starts to stink." You’d be hard pressed to find your way into Everett today based on those directions.

Even if you don’t need your sense of smell to find Everett, bring it along with your other four senses and they’re sure to be stimulated by the experience — as nature and humans compete for attention.

Chattering seagulls and the lapping tide will spar with steel drum music and a vibrant open market. Fresh seafood sold from boats will be complemented by baked pastries and pies or newly harvested fruits sold by vendors at the weekly Sunday marketplace.

The rough feel of creosote soaked pilings won’t be nearly as inviting as the touch of weathered and woven textures and textiles brought to life by an artist’s hand.

Perhaps the sense of sight will be the most blessed with vivid color taking center stage. Each Sunday during the summer, the market is alive with natural color in the form of spectacular hand-gathered flower bouquets, fresh vegetables and fruits arranged against a backdrop of white tents, blue water and sky. The competition heats up this weekend with the addition of artists at work in a variety of mixed media including paint, woodwork, sculpture, fused-glass and photography. Organizers have even planned a fun art project for the kids hosted by the Children’s Museum.

So, don’t worry about planning your weekend around the traffic. Why spend your time watching the back of someone’s SUV when you can sit, stroll or stride on Everett’s waterfront?

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