Brackenwood shows Michel Tsouris’ work
Michel Tsouris is a painter, poet, musician and composer. Her show, “This is Where I Live,” opens at Brackenwood Gallery on Saturday, Sept. 4, with an artist’s reception from
5 to 7 p.m. during Langley’s first Saturday of the month art walk.
This exhibit features Tsouris’ eclectic painting techniques, including encaustics, photographic transfers of collaged paintings onto aluminum or copper, and paintings on paper surfaces that incorporate tar, wax and pigments. Sometimes images are etched onto a surface whether it’s paper, wood or metal. As she works, Tsouris often jots down lines of poetry, and they become part of the landscape of the painting.
With a background in psychology, each of her paintings tells a personal story. Sometimes it is obvious, but often it’s just a tiny image that suddenly appears as you step closer. A small girl crouched under a bed, or a tiny chair perched on a tight wire. You may not know exactly what lies beneath an image, but you build your own narrative as you contemplate the painting.
For this show, the artist has created a short multimedia presentation incorporating her own music, poetry and images to accompany the exhibit of her paintings. This journey allows you a more intimate access to Tsouris’ world. You find yourself going back to a painting, trying to find the place that floated by on the computer screen that you didn’t notice on first glance.
“‘This is Where I Live,’” Tsouris wrote, “is a collection of paintings about coming in and going out/ being present and being absent/ passivity and activity/ asking questions and watching things transform right before our eyes/ things we expected to change/ and things we never expected to change.”
The show continues through Sept. 27.

Raven Rocks Gallery presents Trimbath
Raven Rocks Gallery presents “Twelve Months at Admiralty Head,” by photo essayist Tom Trimbath. The show runs from Sept. 3 through
Oct. 1, with an opening reception to meet the artists from 5 to 8 p.m. during “First Fridays at the Farm” Wine and Art Walk on Sept. 3.
For the past few years, Trimbath has been documenting the large and small wonders to be found on Whidbey Island as seen through the artist’s lens. His previous series on Cultus Bay and Deception Pass treated us with visions of everyday beauty and unexpected wonder that uplifted our hearts and minds. As before, this new series of images from Admiralty Head inspires us to look again for the hidden treasure on the beaches and back roads we know so well.
“Whidbey’s center is Admiralty Head, a pivotal point of land that witnesses the passages of ferries, the ships, the tides and migrating birds,” Trimbath said.
“Admiralty Head anchors an intriguing mix of people and nature. The point of land is innocuous but pivotal to all around it.”
Enjoy a fresh look at familiar places seen through the eyes of a passionate seeker of beauty.
Also in the gallery this month are the latest paintings, tapestry, jewelry and fine artisan crafts by owners Mary Jo Oxrieder and Windwalker Taibi, as well as all of the other gallery artists.
Raven Rocks Gallery is at Greenbank Farm. For information and gallery hours, call 222-0102, or visit the Web site at www.ravenrocksstudio.com.

Whidbey Pies Café features Kris Wiltse
Whidbey Pies Café at Greenbank Farm welcomes the paintings of Kris Wiltse through September.
Wiltse’s light-filled watercolors and expressive sketches of local life are inspired by people, animals, plants and environments.
With a penchant for working on location, she imbues her art with spontaneity and the character of her subjects.
Wiltse is a Whidbey Island artist and illustrator who teaches painting and drawing for the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District. She is best known for her interpretive signs of marine life, birds, flora and history. The pedestal-mounted signs are on display at some 20 state parks, county parks, cities, port district facilities and waysides on Whidbey and Camano islands.

Schouten welcomes Govedare and Belov
“Letters from a Potter, New Raku Pottery” by Joan Govedare and the paintings of Anne Belov will be shown from
Sept. 3 through Sept. 29 at Rob Schouten Gallery at Greenbank Farm.
An opening reception will be from 5 to 8 p.m during First Fridays at the Farm.
Come and meet the artists, have some free refreshments and hear the swinging jazz sounds of Trio Nouveau.
“We are thrilled to be able to present this gorgeous exhibition by two of the Northwest’s most highly regarded artists, Joan Govedare and Anne Belov,” said gallery manager Faith Wilder. “Anne’s oil paintings and monoprints are lush and luminous, and Joan’s new raku vessels, which she calls “Letters from a Potter” are just exquisite.”
Both artists have been honing their techniques for more than 30 years, and this dedication is clearly reflected in the high quality of their respective artwork.
“Making paintings is how I reflect on my life events,” Belov said.
“My paintings are not about reporting. The goal is to create a believable fiction, which tells a story, and engages the viewer.”
Belov’s landscapes and still lifes are known and respected for her inspired use of light, structure and color.
Speaking about her show, “Letters from a Potter,” Govedare said, “This series of pots, 26 in total, contains a pot for each letter of the alphabet. I began early this
year by exploring every page of the dictionary, hunting five letter words
I thought would be fun to depict in clay. Once I had all 26, I began throwing and carving. A-Z Alate to Zamia, with everything in between. Each purchase will be accompanied with a real ‘letter from the potter,’ explaining why that word was chosen,” she said.
First Fridays at the Farm will be in full swing, with a Wine and Art Walk sponsored by all the shops and galleries which will be open late. Whidbey Pies Café will serve a special dinner menu.
The Rob Schouten Gallery is located on Whidbey at Greenbank Farm. For more information, call the gallery at 222-3070 or e-mail info@robschoutengallery.com.

MUSEO features painter and glass art
September’s exhibit will spotlight two dynamic MUSEO artists.
Kathe Fraga’s paintings are inspired by the beauty and romance of old. Fraga’s “French Wallpaper Series” evokes the hand-painted, timeworn walls of a grand old Parisian mansion. Her paintings resemble aged, decorative fresco panels adorned with birds, flowers, vines and leaves in a modern Chinoiserie style. She paints with acrylics and graphite on canvas finishing with a lacquered coating.
Kait Rhoads’ glass work reflects a great admiration of the structure and design of underwater plants and animals. Many of Rhoads’ sculptures in this series are inspired by the life forms of the ocean. Her color and pattern combinations also produce natural imagery such as feathers, seaweed and cherry blossoms. Complex glass patterning techniques of cane, murrine and zanfirico can be seen throughout Rhoads’ work.
An opening reception will be during Langley’s “First Saturday Art Walk,” from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4. The exhibit runs through Sept. 27.

Artworks Gallery features John Olsen
Artworks Gallery’s featured artist this month is photographer John Olsen.
A First Fridays at the Farm Wine and Art Walk reception is from 5 to
8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3.
Olsen’s current exhibit features photographs from his new collection, “Whidbey in Color.”
“I have noticed the Whidbey maritime environment has stripped off much of the colorful spirit of certain historic structures, leaving a false impression of lifelessness,” Olsen said.
“Therefore, I set out with several battery-powered flashes, flashlights and color gels to try a different approach. I even broke down and used a digital camera so that
I could adjust the lighting during those few minutes while the sunset light might be perfect,” he added.

Hello Drifters,
Remember me? Probably not.
This reporter, drowned in the weeds of the South Whidbey Record’s fertile field of features, artists and events, has neglected her Spindrift Pages. Wo is me.
I am afraid, dear reader, I am as lax a blogger as Hamlet was a decision maker. Though, Hamlet, it can be said, was not as busy as I was organizing the schedule of interviews, phone calls and emails required to glean the very heart of South Whidbey’s most talented onto the page. Meanwhile I’m also helping my intrepid editor and two fellow reporters to write, layout, read, proof, correct and proof and correct again, the pages of the twice weekly Record all while making deadlines. In short, I wish we all had more time, as poor tormented Hamlet seemed to, for turbulent soliloquies and message-laden dramas.
Anyway, here I am. The summer art season is in full swing with art groups preparing to open shows up and down the island.
“On Golden Pond” is closing this weekend at WICA, while “Robinhood,” and “As You Like It” are in the throes of it for Whidbey Children’s Theater.
Speaking of “As You Like It,” I was talking to director Rosie Woods the other day who was telling me the story of how she mentioned wanting to do Shakespeare outside on the island and before you could say, “But, soft, who goes there?” Fritz Hull of the Whidbey Institute at Chinook practically had an outdoor theater built for just that purpose. How’s that for support of theater arts? Rosie and I agreed, only happens on Whidbey Island. Anyway, I predict that show is going to be one of the most enchanting ever, so be sure and catch it, dear Drifters.
Meanwhile, I’ll be starting my foray into Bob Fosse’s world of “Chicago” as Mona, one of the dancers, at the Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor. K. Sandy O’Brien is directing and choreographing and I’m preparing myself to be “whupped” readily into shape by the September opening. I need a good musical to get my butt into shape. Gail Liston of Vino Amore wine shop in Freeland plays “Roxie,” and my instincts say she’ll be fantabulous!
I’m a tad concerned about the smallish size of the WP stage, however, as I’ve never performed on it before. I will try my best, dear Drifter, not to fall off into one of your laps!
Adieu!

‘Gone to the Dogs’ canine portraits
Raven Rocks Gallery at Greenbank Farm presents local artist Deon Matzen and her most recent series of portraits titled “Gone to the Dogs,” through July 1.
Whidbey Island is a place where dogs are loved and welcomed, whether it’s at off-leash parks or the local art gallery. Matzen embraces that love of man’s best friend in her latest warm and whimsical series of oil paintings.
Ten percent of all June sales of Matzen’s dog portraits, Windwalker Taibi’s original raven paintings and prints, and Mary Jo Oxrieder’s prints and cards, will also be donated to WAIF. For information and gallery hours, call 360-222-0102 or visit www.ravenrocksstudio.com.

Island Framery welcomes Picco
Patty Picco’s monoprints, encaustics and hybrid encaustic-monoprints are now showing at Island Framery through June.
Included in the show, is Picco’s monoprint “Toward the Light,” similar to the one featured on this past year’s cover of the Whidbey Telecom phone book.
Picco is drawn to the process of layering and discovery as the finished work develops.
Picco has exhibited her prints, mixed-media and encaustic paintings in galleries and museums throughout the United States. She is an award- winning and internationally collected artist. She has more than 25 years of teaching experience and currently teaches at the Pacific Northwest Art School on Whidbey Island.
An artist’s reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 12.
Call 341-1418, or visit www.islandframery.com for details.

Artworks Gallery celebrates fifth
Artworks Gallery at Greenbank Farm celebrates its fifth anniversary with featured artist Dan Freeman through June.
Freeman is a sculptor who describes himself as a “maker of objects.”
He likes to use materials to convey a sense of now using “markers”, “stiles”, talismans” and “big splices.”
Freeman seeks an answer to the basic need for connection.
Other artists of Artworks Gallery co-op will be on hand to share in this special evening.
Their work includes oil paintings, watercolors and acrylic, hand-crafted jewelry, color and black-and- white photography, fiber art, sculpture, pottery, hand-made books and vessel-gourd art.
For more information, visit artworkswhidbey.com or call 360-222-3010.

CAbi Trunk Show is at Open Door Gallery
Carol Anderson is a nationally recognized fashion designer. For
25 years her designs were sold in the finest stores throughout the country. Her designs are now sold exclusively through CAbi Fashion Consultants.
Susie Kanewske, a CAbi fashion consultant, brings a spring-and-summer Anderson trunk show to the Island on Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 at the Open Door Gallery in the Bayview Cash Store.
The spring/summer line is inspired by the explosion of new life with bursts of color, prints that excite, silhouettes that surprise and proportions that are fresh and new. Denim is hardly new, but is stronger than ever and here it is patched, printed and distressed and even used like linen.
Come and enjoy this great shopping experience with Kanewske helping shoppers to find those special pieces that fit well and reflect a personal style.
Customers will also be able to enjoy a glass of champagne, and some cheese while shopping for fashions.
The trunk show at the gallery will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Visit www.opendoorwhidbey.com for more info.

‘Celebrating Realism’ is shown at MUSEO
The show at MUSEO in Langley this month features some of the most talented artists in the Northwest.
The show explores the many aspects of realism emphasizing classical forms and themes.
“Celebrating Realism” includes both paintings and sculpture with a variety of subject matter such as landscapes, wildlife, figurative work, still lifes and seascapes.
Curated by Cary Jurriaans of the Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio, this show presents an exciting group of artists, all exploring the many aspects of realism.
An artist’s reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 5. “Celebrating Realism” will run through June 28.
MUSEO is at 215 First St. Call 221-7737 for info, or visit www.museo.cc.

Brackenwood Gallery welcomes a family
Brackenwood Gallery in Langley presents “A Family Affair” featuring Buffy Cribbs, Bruce Morrow and Briony Morrow-Cribbs. It runs through July 1.
This creative family always comes up with interesting and exciting art, and this show is no exception.
Cribbs is a self-taught artist working in a multitude of medias. The work for this show highlights her paintings and her multi-media pieces.
Her paintings seek to provide a visual picture, an animation, of the effervescent experience of creating; the sense of being in the moment.
Morrow, Cribbs’ husband, is an incurable romantic who loves the outdoors. Morrow’s paintings, dominated by quick strokes and strong color, convey an awe and appreciation of simple things. He delights in painting figurative pieces and objects reminiscent of places and people he’s met on his extensive travels in the Western U.S. and at home.
The couple’s daughter, Morrow-Cribbs, is a print and etching artist who tries to create an accessible space between the world of science and the abstract; the mutable world of her imagination.
Morrow-Cribbs’ work is often a hybrid of monsters and chimera that retain elements that are familiar.
“With a tiny needle, I etch images into a metal plate, creating an alternative or suspended reality,” she said.
Her illustrations create a narrative that comments on complex issues around the environment and recent advances in genetics. They have recently been published in “Wicked Plants.” Her next book, “Wicked Bugs,” will be published in 2011.
Visit www.brackenwoodgallery.com for more info.

‘The Stillness of Things’ is shown in paint
Rob Schouten Gallery at Greenbank Farm presents Cary Jurriaans’ oil paintings in “The Stillness of Things,” along with the new, hand-blown glass of Rob Adamson and Janis Swalwell.
The show through June 30.
Netherlands-born painter Jurriaans studied painting at the Seattle Academy of Fine Art and the Florence Academy of Art. Her work is in several private collections in the U.S. and Europe.
“There is magic that happens in the space of stillness that simply cannot happen in the space of continual movement,” Jurriaans said.
“There is a purity and serenity that simply cannot be found anywhere else. I love painting this stillness.”
Whidbey glass artist Adamson has pursued a love of hand-blown glass for more than 40 years, turning his vision of glass-making into a highly successful career. He is continually engaged in creating art glass and exploring sculptural directions in contemporary art glass.
Swalwell, who shares a Whidbey Island glass blowing facility with Adamson, has worked with handblown glass design for nearly 30 years. She is at work on a line of contemporary art glass, and does experimental work with pate de verre technique and casting glass.
For more information, call 222-3070 or e-mail info@robschoutengallery.com.

Art in the Café has Ursillo paintings
Art in the Café welcomes John Ursillo to Island Angel Chocolates in Langley during June.
As a colorist, Ursillo makes paintings that have been critically noted for their ability to render light.
That light gives them an almost palpable sense of time, realism, depth and volume.
With 30 years of experience as an artist, his works reside in many private collections and have been included in numerous open and juried shows.
The cafe is at 138 Second St. on Langley.

Marianne Brabanski’s “Dakota” is just one of the many faces to be seen in MUSEO’s new show “ABOUT FACE.” The show runs through May.

MUSEO presents a variety of faces
The May exhibit at MUSEO will feature four portrait artists: Marianne Brabanski, Lane Gwinn, Peggy Juve and Cheryl Zahniser.
Brabanski presents striking contemporary pieces.
Gwinn explores new depths through the movement of form.
Juve surprises with whimsical works.
Zahniser showcases new works on glass.
Each artist has such a distinct style that MUSEO’s curators said this show is sure to turn some heads.
Also on view are new works by ceramicist Beth Wyatt.
Wyatt’s newest collection of vessels combine ceramic and mixed-media elements with an unexpected twist.
“ABOUT FACE’ will run through May 31.
MUSEO is at 215 First St. in Langley. Call 221-7737 or visit www.museo.cc.

Art in the Café for May shows Carter
Art in the Café welcomes Diana Carter to Island Angel Chocolates in Langley through May.
Carter began by holding a crayon and was very good at staying within the lines. But that was no fun, so she took up painting on the walls. (She got a spanking for that one.)
Watching her uncle paint in his studio was her inspiration. So she eventually went to art school at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. She spent eight years working in the publishing industry, finally as an art director. But she still wanted to do her own thing.
She painted for herself in her spare time and took an occasional class.
After retiring, she moved to Whidbey Island to begin to live her dream.
“How could one not paint with so much inspiration? Whidbey is truly a painter’s paradise,” she said.
She still paints on walls, — she painted a mural at her branch library — but her love is watercolor landscapes. Most of all, she loves interpreting her vision and sharing it with the world.
If you are an artist and would like to participate in Art in the Café, contact Mona Newbauer at
221-2728 or e-mail her at monalynn@whidbey.com for more information.

Brackenwood Gallery shows “Oh Spring!”
Brackenwood Gallery in Langley will show “Oh Spring!” through May. The show joyfully welcomes in the season with featured artists Sharon Spencer and Nola Allen.
Spencer, a stone and bronze sculptor for 35 years, is “jumping into the unknown” with a new path, creating nests and vessels from paper, clay, bamboo and other “things” of interest.
“This new direction, this freedom, gives me a sense of flying…a great liberation,” Spencer said. Spencer has also created one-of-a-kind bronze pieces for this show.
Allen’s watercolor roses, irises, rhododendrons and other flora will grace the walls of the gallery welcoming spring as only flowers can. Allen’s fondness for the beauty of nature shines through in these larger-than-life paintings.
Joining the featured artists are Janie Cribbs and Sara Saltee.
Cribbs gets enormous pleasure out of painting birds.
“Larger than life in various surroundings, birds seem to be looking through a window into our earthbound lives inviting us to fly,” Cribbs said.
Saltee is an assemblage artist.
“Arranging seemingly random and disparate pieces into harmonious and meaningful little worlds is, for me, the whole enchilada; a deeply satisfying and joyful process,” Saltee said.
Sara’s delightful mixed media shrines and shadow-boxes will add to the celebration and poetry of spring at Brackenwood.
The show runs through until June 1 with an artist’s reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 8.
Visit the Web site at www.brackenwoodgallery.com for more info.

Artworks Gallery features Plakos photos
Marie Plakos will be the featured artist at Artworks Galley at Greenbank Farm through May.
Plakos’ love of photography began many years ago when she first purchased a 35mm camera and began developing and printing her own black and white film. When digital cameras came onto the market Marie became interested in the new technique and equipment used in creating photos. Today she uses Canon SLR cameras and processes her photographs in Adobe Camera Raw.
Marie’s extensive travels have taken her to over 25 countries photographing people, animals, unusual landscapes and flaura. She says, “I am constantly amazed with Mother Earth and her inhabitants and strive to capture glimpses of that beauty through the medium of photography.” Her outstanding collection of floral photos will be a featured exhibit in Artworks gallery during the month of May.
Artworks Gallery, a co-operative of 15 artists, also features paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic, handcrafted jewelry, color and black and white photography, fiber arts, sculpture, pottery, wood turning, and handmade books.
For more information, visit artworkswhidbey.com or call 222-3010.

Gallery thinks outside the box
Raven Rocks Gallery presents “Outside the Box: New Directions from Mary Jo Oxrieder and Windwalker Taibi,” May 7 through June 3 at Greenbank Farm.
Spring has artists Oxrieder and Taibi antsy for change and wanting to shake up the way they’ve been “arting” in the last year. Watching the freshness of spring, and considering what new media are calling, has them hearing new songs in their hearts.
What yearnings have they put off in favor of what comes easily? From Oxrieder, a new collection of inspirational clay wall-plaques, a school of fabric Lucky Fish, Scrumble Monsters, acrylic paintings tiny and large, as well as newly issued prints from her Fantasy Series.
Taibi has made decoupage Patron bottles, Faces and Places mirrors, an “In Mall We Trust” flag, Beach Moments tapestry and Crystal Rain. These are but a sample of what’s to come.
Also featured this month is sculptor Ed Bennett whose love and respect for wild birds is expressed in his refined and descriptive carvings. His detailed creatures include exquisitely carved textures of each feather. Completed works are painted using thin layers of acrylic to create a complex, lifelike color scheme. Each work is an heirloom treasure.
Join these and other gallery artists for an opening reception during the First Fridays at the Farm artwalk and wine tasting on from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 7.
For information, call 222-0102, or visit www.ravenrocksstudio.com.

Greenbank gallery has oil and jewels
Rob Schouten Gallery proudly presents new oil paintings by Pete Jordan and new silver and pearl jewelry by Barbara Mundell, May 7 through June 2.
An opening night reception is during First Fridays at the Farm from 5 to 8 p.m.
Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments while enjoying the music of Trio Nouveau and browsing the gallery.
Jordan¹s new landscapes have a quiet drama with a compelling and familiar accessibility; a country road, old homes in a small beach town, a sweep of beach, and useful objects of daily living come to life with the strength, confidence, and originality of this well known Whidbey painter.
With thirty years of experience, Barbara Mundell’s handmade silver jewelry features freshwater pearls and semi precious stones. Depicting the beauty of nature she creates delicate flowers, vines, branches, and seashells in pleasing and original ways.
“First Fridays at the Farm” will be in full swing with the Whidbey Pie Cafe and Greenbank Cheese Shop and all three of the Galleries at Greenbank collaborating with the Greenbank Wine Shop for the for the delightful wine and artwalk.
For more information call 222-3070 or e-mail info@robschoutengallery.com.

Book art is at the Open Door in Langley
The Book Art Show at the Open Door Gallery in Bayview Corner opens May 15 and runs through May 25. An opening reception is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15 in a fundraiser for the Whidbey Island Writers Conference.
The conference will receive one third of the gross sales from the show, the artist receives one third, and the gallery receives one third. It is the Open Door Gallery’s goal to generate sales, raise funds for this nonprofit and to make this show a community event.
Open Door Gallery + Coffee is in the Bayview Cash Store in Langley. For info visit www.opendoorwhidbey.com.

Father/Son art exhibit at UUCWI Gallery of Art
A Father/Son art show is on display at the UUCWI Gallery of Art throughout the months of May and June.
Featured art is that of local bronze sculptor Ron Ward and his son Johnathan Ward, who designs and creates fine art pieces as well as functional art for the garden & home, and local teacher/photographer Leonard Jacob Good and his well known artist father Leonard Phelps Good, who died in 2000. More information about Ron Ward’s and Johnathan Ward’ s art may be found on their websites – http://www.artparts.org/wardj/index.html and http://www.classicroadart.com/
An artist’s reception will be held from 11:15am to 12:30pm on Sunday May 2nd in the UUCWI Art Gallery. UUCWI (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island) is located at 20103 Hwy 525 just a mile north of Freeland on the west side of the highway.

"Contemplation" by Lois Mason is on display at Island Framery in Clinton.

Hello Drifters, Here’s the April sights for art on the  South End. Gaze in good health! 

Island Framery presents Lois Mason’s “Luminous Earth” series.
“Luminous Earth” is a body of infrared photography work — an ontological study, which is an unusual task to undertake in the medium of photography. Unusual, and challenging, because the ubiquity of the photographic image is largely responsible for Western culture’s default attitudes and assumptions about what is real and what is imaginary, Mason said.
This Whidbey Island artist’s work seems to propose that the mind’s tendency is to build false constructs of reality built on lazy observations of the world. Her work challenges the viewer to become more engaged in understanding what is real.
“We live in a world of activity”, Mason said, “and rarely do we see through the illusion of our daily lives to glimpse the true nature of the present moment.”
Photography is usually associated with a captured still moment in time. Thinking in these terms would lead to quick and false assumptions about Mason’s work. The passage of time is an elemental part of the infrared images she creates, some of which require exposures of 15 minutes or more. With this in mind, the viewer is drawn into an understanding that linear time is deeply woven into the world as we know it. The capturing of infrared light, invisible to the human eye, proposes that there could still more to our existence beyond our current technological powers of observation.
Mason said her work is meant to evoke a sense of recognition, a familiarity, or a coming home and to create an opening for the viewer to ask, “What is real?”
Mason holds a first place award in the Environmental Division for Women in Photography International. Visit www.loismasonphotography.com.
“Luminous Earth” will be on display at Island Framery through the month of April. A reception for the artist will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 10. Attend the reception to be entered into a drawing for $50 for a custom-framing credit.
Call 341-1418, or visit islandframery.com for info.

“There/Not There” at Brackenwood Gallery
Brackenwood Gallery in Langley proudly presents Gail Gwinn’s “There/Not There,” a solo watercolor show featuring a series of intricate black and white paintings. “There/Not There” runs through April 26.
The exhibit also includes a few of Gwinn’s newest etchings from this series.
“Thoughts, memories, dreams, ghosts, time; all things that are there/not there,” the artist said. “Things that affect me, and yet I can’t hold them or keep them. So are they really there, these things?”
This series examines a paradox — the presence of that which lies between what can be kept and what is lost.
Gwinn is an artist who pays great attention to detail. She combines textures and patterns to create paintings with a dreamlike essence. A talented painter and printmaker,her expertise shines through in the quality she achieves in each piece. The combination of the abstract and the real draws one in to look closely at her work.
For info, visit www.brackenwoodgallery.com or call 221-2978.

April Art In The Café
Art in the Café welcomes painter Gayle Watkins.
Watkins paints because it challenges her artistic abilities. She started painting in 1980, while living in Kenai, Alaska, just on a whim to see how well she could do. She was amazed to find how easy and how much fun it was using oils, how flexible they are and how easy it is to change a look. Her favorite paintings are landscapes and seascapes of places that hold personal meaning for her. Her goal is to capture light, create depth and to invite the viewer into her world. She combines the use of brushstrokes and the palette knife to give her paintings a richer look.
Watkins has exhibited at the Island County Fair, at the Artists of South Whidbey Annual Show and at the Bayview Senior Center.
Watkins and Island Angel Chocolates invite you to an artist’s reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 3 at 138 2nd St. in Langley. The artist’s reception is in conjunction with the Langley Art Walk held the first Saturday of each month. Enjoy strolling Langley and visiting all the participants of the Langley Art Walk while enjoying chocolate, of course.
The Langley Art Walk is free and open to all those interested in all types of creative works. If you are an artist and would like to participate in Art in the Cafe, call Mona Newbauer at 360-221-2728 or e-mail her at monalynn@Whidbey.com for more information.

Raven Rocks Gallery presents“Capturing Nature’s Beauty in Oil and Clay”
The Art of Stan Gabelein and Denise Krueger
Raven Rocks Gallery is pleased to feature the vibrant landscape oil paintings of Stan Gabelein for the month of April.
Gabelein’s life-long love of the outdoors is captured vividly in his paintings of his most beloved places from Alaska to Wyoming, Canada, Washington and Montana. His love of nature has given Stan an eye for detail and leaves one feeling that they are actually standing in the places he paints. This show will focus on a collection of Stan’s most dramatic landscapes and seascapes from around Washington State, including “Banks Lake Reflection”, “Skagit Old Growth” and “North Cascades.”
Also featured in April will be the delightfully whimsical “Pod Jars” of Denise Krueger, a ceramicist from Portland, Ore.
Krueger is enchanted by the natural forms of seedpods from all varieties of plants, which she incorporates into her miniature jars, with her own personal interpretations added in. The lid handles imitate sprouts, blossoms and more, and the inside of each jar bring its own special surprise. These functional works of art are perfect for storing your little treasures, or just placing on a shelf as décor.
For information, and gallery hours, call 360-222-0102, or visit the Web site atwww.ravenrocksstudio.com.

Artworks Gallery presents “April Breezes.”
The handpainted silks of artist Maggie Lancaster are at Artworks Gallery in Greenbank Farm.
For centuries people have used different forms of art to embellish fabrics. One of these, the art of dying silk has held Lancaster’s interest for the past several years. Lancaster has chosen the traditional Japanese method of silk painting using wax resist — or Rozome. She blends vibrant hues and melted wax to paint her delicate floral and landscape designs to create one of a kind banners and scarves. Maggie’s original designs on silk will be on display at Artworks Gallery throughout the month of April.
Artworks Gallery, a co-operative of 15 artists, also features paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic, handcrafted jewelry, color and black and white photography, fiber arts, sculpture, pottery, wood turning, and handmade books.
For more information visit artworkswhidbey.com or call 360-222-3010.

Local photos at 1504 Coffee
Photographer Karen Leeds will be the featured artist in April at 1504 Coffee in Freeland. Her travels in the past few years, as well as living in the beautiful Northwest, have provided inspiration that has taken her craft to a higher level and more artistic aspect of the medium. Many of her images are abstract and display textures and patterns, as well as the ways in which shapes work with or against each other.

MUSEO features “The Artful Garden”
During the month of April, MUSEO gallery welcomes the spring season with an
exhibit of works inspired by the garden.
The show, entitled ‘The Artful Garden’, will present botanical-themed
paintings by Lisa Snow Lady. Sculptural garden pieces by featured artists
will also fill the gallery, all in celebration of the amazing gardens of the
Pacific Northwest and Whidbey Island.
Also be introducing jewelry by local Whidbey artist Jongae Swanson.
Architectural yet often organic in nature, we will be showcasing her
sterling silver necklaces and earrings.
You are cordially invited to attend the show opening at the artist’
reception on Saturday, April 3rd from 5-7pm. The exhibit will run through
April 26.

Fire House Studio Gallery blows glass for the garden
Callahan McVay’s Fire House Studio Gallery is excited to announce its new garden art section. Spring is here and your garden needs something special. Artist Todd Eugene will be showing large scale metal sculpture and playful glass flower sets with whimsical dancing grass. The gallery will also be featuring metal interior design works such as tables, lighting and wall decor.
Visit the studio to sign up for Callahan’s popular “Blow your own glass experience”. Any age or experience can create a sea float, tumbler or paper weight. Soon to come, “Forge your own metal experience”, blacksmithing with Todd Eugene.
First Saturday gallery walk will feature live glass blowing and black smithing. Inquiries for Fire House Gallery can be directed to cedarhillfoundry.wordpress.com.

Open Door Gallery has sculptures and paintings
New works by Whidbey Island artists, Dan Freeman and Mark Skullerud at the Open Door Gallery, Bayview Corner April 7 through May 1. An artists’ reception is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 7 in conjunction with the Bayview Corner’s Annual Open House.
Dan Freeman’s mixed-media sculptures are a combination of wood, metal and stone. His work ranges is size from quite small to over 9 feet in height. They are quite imaginative and thought provoking, often with an interesting “twist” to them. Mark Skullerud’s abstract drawings and oil paintings reflect over 30 years of experience in the study of drawing and painting.
“Art that is planned has its roots in thinking. My compositions are not planned. I prefer to say they come from the heart. They can’t teach, instruct or demonstrate because there is no forethought. I’m really trying to set something loose. If purely representational art tries to capture real life, my work is about letting it go – letting go of expectations and conventions, the baggage we’ve picked up in the first half of life.”
The combination of Freeman’s sculptures shown with Skullerud’s paintings is a unique visual experience.
The Open Door Gallery also has on ongoing exhibit of work by Pacific Northwest artists. There is a wide range of arts and crafts represented, including ceramics, jewelry, glass, handmade books, sculpture, and paintings.

Musicians Seth Sobottka, Tera Applegate, Wyatt Homola and Gloria Ferry-Brennan hang at Greenbank Farm.

Hello Drifters,
I was reminded yesterday of the value of art when I sat and listened to the Young Artists Concert, a conjunction of four teenaged musicians who played with the Saratoga Chamber Orchestra. The high school auditorium was not full, but the energy exuded by each of the musicians and by the orchestra managed to fill the room to an electrifying capacity.
When 14-year-old Wyatt Homola played a flute concerto by Quantz I was intrigued. I had never heard of the composer, but I was crying by the end of the performance. OK, so I’m a big mush, but I couldn’t help it.
I couldn’t help feeling equally as moved by 12-year-old Tera Applegate’s performance of a violin concerto by Mozart, either. By this point, I didn’t care that my face was wet and that perhaps I was getting a bit carried away by the feelings the music had stirred up in me.
To be honest, it wasn’t just the music. Seeing someone such as Seth Sobottka up there, blowing out a difficult Franz Strauss solo on the French horn goes beyond what the music inspires. It’s seeing this 16-year-old kid, who also managed to wail to great effect on his horn at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival recently, reaches a part of my brain that provides me with some hope in a world that so often seems to be going to the dogs.
By the time that violinist Glory Ferry-Brennan, at the ripe old age of 13, stepped onto the stage ( a faery like vision in a radically original green dress) I knew I would be slayed for good. Ferry-Brennan is a musician of the highest order, despite her age, tackling a very difficult “Chaconne” by Vitali. It was all I could do to keep from crying out loud so desperate was I with love of what this young girl could do with her violin. The music just streamed from every inch of her being and out through her instrument. I think I can speak for the majority of the audience when I say we were ravished.
Beyond the beauty of the gift of music given us, was the quiet but easily-detected delight of orchestra conductor Legh Burns for the young artists whom he gave each a thoughtful introduction. To witness his pride in being able to showcase such talent was sweet indeed.
Thank you, musicians.
patricia

Part of the large cast who play multiple roles in “The Kentucky Cycle,” which opens Friday, April 9 at WICA, are Jennifer Zisette, Jameson Cook, Tom Churchill, Ethan Berkley (in back), Jim Scullin and Daniela Rose.

Hello Drifters, This month in Langley you might feel the urge to hear some fine Appalachian bluegrass music, or attend a downhome, foot-stompin play party, or find out if you have any ancestors that came out of Kentucky or maybe even have a rollin’- in-the-mud good fight with one of your cousins over who owns the land.
Blame it on the Kentucky Project.
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts presents an all-encompassing cultural event with the Kentucky Project, a series of events which kicks off with “Simple Gifts: The Music of America,” a WICA Conservatory Choir concert on March 14; entertains the family with “Play Party: Songs and Stories of Appalachia,” on March 19; and builds to a crescendo with the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “The Kentucky Cycle,” opening April 9.
The project also features partnerships with community events such as the WICA lobby exhibit of the Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island’s “Ties that Bind: The Biggs, Rowen, and Talbert Families.” This visual exploration of the ancestry and relationship of the fictional families of “The Kentucky Cycle,” hones in on the real events that shaped the lives of the people of Appalachia.
Another community-partner event is “Our Lives, Our Land: The Kentucky Cycle Stories in the Good Cheer Garden,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17. This event includes prologues (30-minute educational programs with audience participation), a community discussion led by AmeriCorps volunteers, a sampling of food from Good Cheer’s garden, and a performance by the WICA Chamber Singers, an advanced group of local vocalists.
The arts center has stepped out of its singular theater season role and extended the reach of its next theatrical production to include history, genealogy, food, music and stories along with all the drama. It welcomes the community to explore the conversation that a play such as “The Kentucky Cycle” can spark.

The Kentucky Stories
“Play Party: Songs and Stories of Appalachia” celebrates the fine art of storytelling with Jill Johnson and musical guests at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 19.
Share a rollicking good time with storyteller Johnson and her special guests Steve Showell, Judy Magidson, Bruce Rowland and the Shape Note Singers.
Together, they will evoke an older, simpler time and invite the audience to participate in some “old-timey” fun.
Johnson will work her storytelling magic and spin the yarns while the musicians add the songs of America’s first frontier. Bring the whole family for this “play party” to listen, sing, stomp, clap and play.
“Play Party: Songs and Stories of Appalachia” is a WICA Family Series presentation.
Tickets range from $12 to $15 and are available at www.WICAonline.com or call 221-8268.

The Kentucky Chorus
The WICA Conservatory Choir will sing it’s Kentucky-influenced heart out with “Simple Gifts: The Music of America” at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 14.
With director Robert Prosch leading them, the voices of this ensemble will take audiences on a historical harmonic ride through the great American West, celebrating the nation’s musical traditions through classics such as Aaron Copland’s “Old American Songs,” “Down by the Riverside,” “Water is Wide,” “Shenandoah,” and “Amazing Grace.”
Tickets are $10 and available at www.WICAonline.com or call 221-8268.

The play schedule
What: “The Kentucky Cycle.”
Where: Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.
When:
Part One — 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 9 and Saturday, April 10; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 11.
Part Two — 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April, 17; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 18.
Part One — 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 23.
Part Two — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24.
Tickets:
Part One or Part Two single performance — adult $16, senior/military $14, youth $12.
Cycle Pass (both Part One and Part Two) — adult $28, senior/military $24, youth $20.
Get tickets at www.WICAonline.com or call 221-8268.

Cee Cee James and her band at Cozy's Roadhouse in Clinton in January.

Hello Drifters,
Langley blues singer has done it again and managed to get her classic blues voice noticed by the Washington Blues Society. (James and her band recently traveled to Memphis, Tenn. where they were sent to represent the society at the annual International Blues Competition Contest. The band played their hearts out there, but James said the judges never cracked a smile.
But now, James is nominated again. This time it’s for Best Female Vocalist by the Washington Blues Society.
James has sent the word out that she needs your vote in order to stand on the podium at the awards show Sunday, May 16 at the Triple Door in Seattle.
You must be a member of the Washington Blues Society to vote. Become a member and vote for James at www.wablues.org/About/joinWBS.html.
So c’mon blues fans and local artist supporters, vote for Cee Cee!
The next show for Cee Cee James and her blues band is Wednesday, March 10 at Engels Pub in Edmonds.
Visit James’ Web site at www.ceeceejames.com.

Denise La Rue's "Peep Show" textile art is at MUSEO in Langley.

Art in the Café features Barbara Mearing
Art in the Café welcomes Barbara Mearing as the featured artist for February at Island Angel Chocolates in Langley.
Mearing paints for the simple pleasure of it, and her subjects are ordinary things: simple objects, flowers, local scenes – anything that appeals to her. Mearing, a mostly self-taught, artist, works in acrylics.
For more information about Art in the Cafe, contact Mona Newbauer at 221-2728 or e-mail her monalynn@Whidbey.com.

‘From Here to There’is at Brackenwood
Brackenwood Gallery proudly presents “From Here to There” through March 1.
The show features artists Anna Mastronardi, Jeff Day, Rich Frishman and Faye Castle.
Mastronardi’s work captures the colorful beauty of Italy, as well as local glorious sunflowers. Encaustics with photos of Venice and intricate seaweed collages draw you into other worlds.
Day’s travels to Istanbul inspired paintings and sculptures that bring to life the daily lives of ordinary Turkish people. His paintings and multi-media pieces from his recent move to Nanjing celebrate the art of Chinese kites.
Castle’s “plein aire” sketches from her journeys around Whidbey and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico are finished as delightful and lovely watercolors.
Frishman joins the show with a photo-montage of a beloved landmark the Doghouse Tavern. He wove together more than 217 separate photographs taken over an 18-month period to create this image. Photographs were shot from various perspectives and at different times of year to produce this great monumental work.
The gallery is at 302 First St. in Langley. Call 221-2978 or visit www.brackenwoodgallery.com for more information.

Fine-art print show on tap in Bayview
More than two dozen local artists and photographers will exhibit work in a unique show at Bayview Corner in Langley, hosted by Fine Balance Imaging Studios.
The Fourth Annual Gratitude Art Show will run through Feb. 28 in the Hub, as well as Feb. 19 – 28 in the Open Door + Coffee Gallery in the Bayview Cash Store.
A catered artists’ reception will be in the gallery from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20. Call 221-2707 for information or e-mail info@fbistudios.com.
Most of the work will relate in some way to tools, houses, construction and, of course, heart, hearth and home.

Island Framery begins with painter Dave Pauls
The Island Framery is dedicating two of its walls solo exhibitions by local artists. The space will give preference to original pieces and artist-made prints. Joy and Chris Dennis, the new owners of Island Framery, say they strive to continue the same personal care to the Whidbey Island creative community for which former owner Lynae Slinden is renowned.
Kicking things off is the recent work of painter Dave Pauls. The work is richly layered with color, pattern, and philosophy.
In high school, Pauls and Chris Dennis participated in a volunteer muraling project in the pediatric department of Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, Calif.
“At that age, I was petrified and afraid of making mistakes,” Dennis said. “I was content with playing things safe by projecting tried and true storybook images up on the wall to copy. Dave took risks, and painted his own images of anthropomorphic sunflowers freehand, with total confidence, and everybody loved them. I really looked up to him as an artist back then, and am totally blown away by what he’s producing now.”
Pauls lives in Shoreline, where he works by day planning package design for Nintendo. Pauls has an affinity for patterns, or rather, a deceptive mimicry of pattern, which could be described as chaos in sheep’s clothing.
See a preview of the show at www.islandframery.com.

The third annual “Artists in Love” show at Raven Rocks
The owners of Raven Rocks Gallery, Mary Jo Oxrieder and Windwalker Taibi, consider February — a time focused on love — to be their month, and so are the featured artists this month. In celebration of their love and passion for each other and their art, they are filling their spaces with hearts of all kinds from February to April 4.
Oxrieder will present her latest handmade greeting cards, whimsical “Love Tree” paintings, mixed- media beaded hearts, love poetry plaques and plush fabric hearts. Taibi’s latest “Ravens in Love” paintings will be debuted alongside his new series of mixed-media works entitled “For the Love of Ravens” and his new line of necklaces.
Joining the party will be new heart-themed bookmarks by Larkin Van Horn and the exquisite ceramic “pod” jars of the gallery’s newest artist Denise Krueger.
The gallery will also be extending its January showing of the paintings of Deon Matzen, Stan Gabelein and Richard Engstrom through this month, and as always, featuring the latest and favorite works of all the resident artists.
For information, call 360-222-0102, or visit www.ravenrocksstudio.com.

‘Five Sumi-e Artists’ show in Greenbank
Whidbey Pies Café, Greenbank FarmFive Sumi-e Artists continues its show of Asian ink-and-brush paintings.
Sumi technique is an ancient Asian art form, using brush strokes that are simple, elegant and serene. Paintings feature nature scenes and calligraphy. Jo Finley, Chizue Rudd, Irene Ruiz, Yvonne Palka and Joann Peterson will have their work on display until the end of February.

Rob Schouten Gallery presents: ‘The Body Electric by Ken Hassrick — A Retrospective’
This fundraising exhibition will benefit Whidbey Island Arts Council and opens Friday, Feb. 5 and runs through March 3.
Hassrick’s drawings and paintings reveal the classic subject of the female body, with its neverending variations of form and interpretation.
Whidbey painter, Ken Hassrick (1921-2004) spent more than 30 years exploring this evocative subject. This retrospective of his work will feature figurative compositions that range from realism to the abstract.
In keeping with Hassrick’s wish to have his work benefit the artists of Whidbey Island, his son Matt Hassrick and Matt’s wife Vicky have generously donated a large body of Hassrick’s paintings to the Whidbey Island Arts Council to which proceeds from the show will go and be used for many fine programs including scholarships and the development of arts education in island schools.
For more information call 222-3070 or e-mail info@robschoutengallery.com or visit www.robschoutengallery.com.

MUSEO’s greatest show has arrived
“The Greatest Show” has arrived in Langley, as MUSEO presents a show made of entirely circus-themed artwork.
Witness side-show spectacles, big top performers, fiercely-tamed creatures all wrapped up in amazing feats of art.
Ringmaster Jarvis and her assistant lead audiences through a kaleidoscope of color and imagery revealing extraordinary worlds of fantasy that celebrate the spirit of the circus.
The Greatest Show will run through March 1. For more information, call 221-7737 or visit www.museo.cc.

1504 Coffee Bar has photos
Throughout the month of February 1504 Coffee Bar in Freeland will
show photographs by Goss Lake resident Tanya Schubert.
In her pictures, ranging
from small objects of the natural world, such as flowers and birds, to human structures and landscapes, the artist tries to capture the mystery of the light that illuminates the world.
1504 Coffee is located next to Gay 90’s in Freeland.

Artworks Gallery Presents ‘Hearts & Flowers’
Artworks Gallery highlights the Valentine month with new heart-themed jewelry by Deborah Hulsey and Maren Metcalf, and larger than life floral photography by the gallery’s newest member, Marie Plakos.
If you are looking for a unique gift, Artworks Gallery features original artwork of 17 local artists in a variety of mediums.
February features John Olsen’s black and white photographs of old cars; Valerie Moore’s creatively enhanced coastal photographs; Mark Lucero’s hand-carved acrylic on wood paintings; Dan Freeman’s woodcuts and elemental statues; northwest scenic paintings by Judith Burns, acrylic, Rainy Lindell, oil, and Gaylen Whiteman, watercolor; Maggie Lancaster’s hand-painted silk scarves, banners and braided rugs; Marcy Johnson’s hand woven scarves, rugs and hammered jewelry; and Zia Gipson’s mixed media, fiber and jewelry art.
The newest member Plakos, is a native of California who came to love the Northwest and particularly Whidbey Island by coming to the Coupeville Arts Center in the 90s.
She is a member of the Whidbey Island Surface Design group, Pacific Northwest Art School, and the Photographic Society of America. Plakos and her husband travel to photograph interesting places and cultures around the world. For local photography, she looks for wonderful gardens and colorful flowers.
For hours and other info, call 360-222-3010, or visit artworkswhidbey.com.

Creative Moves has variety in Langley
Enjoy Creative Moves Gallery’s framed and unframed photos by Les Dunner, who brings in new work weekly.
Also featured is the work of Sheila Mohn and her student Tianna Brennan, who have Northwest landscapes at affordable prices, framed and unframed.
Creative Moves is at 107A First St. Call 221-5989 for more info.

A great time was had by all at the 2nd Annual Arts, Hearts & Hammers Benefit Auction at Open Door Gallery in Langley.

The folks at Open Door Gallery + Coffee in the Bayview Cash Store in Langley would like to thank everyone who joined in at the 2nd Annual Arts, Hearts & Hammers Benefit Auction.
A total of 40 artists contributed more than 70 pieces for the auction.
There was much laughter, bidding and, best of all, money raised for Hearts & Hammers.
The Open Door Gallery wants to thank the following volunteers who donated their time, energy and food for the event:

Barbara Phillips
Anne Smidt
Debbie Torget
Mary Tauscher
Chris Whitney
Mary Willis
Ginger Miller
Molly Shoup
Nikki Coyote
Linda Schwarz
Ronni Levin
Special thanks also goes out to Taste 4 Wines, Swede Hill Cellars, and Blooms Winery for their donation of wine.
Finally, thank you to everyone who attended and contributed throughout the evening. Each one of you played a role in allowing us to have such a great event.
Bidding on the remaining pieces will be open until Sunday, Feb.14. Stop by the Open Door Gallery + Coffee, place your bid and show your support.
Hearts & Hammers receives one third of the gross sales, the artist receives one third, and the gallery receives one third. At the close of this year’s auction we expect to have raised over $3,000 for Hearts & Hammers.
Visit www.opendoorwhidbey.com or the blog at www.opendoorgallery.blogspot.com.

Hello Drifters,
Get ready to pencil a little murder into your schedule with “Deathtrap,” opening Feb. 12 at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley.
Deathtrap has found its cast
Ira Levin’s wickedly funny who’ll-do-it “Deathtrap” is directed by Chris Fisher and features Ed Cornachio as washed-up playwright Sidney Bruhl, Shelley Hartle as his wife Myra with Sean Brennan (Clifford), Phil Jordan (Porter Milgrim) and Katie Woodzick (Helga Ten Dorp) filling out the ensemble.
Comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a dry spell that has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. To make Sidney’s slump all the more painful, Clifford, a student of one of Sidney’s writing seminars, has recently sent his mentor a copy of his first attempt at playwriting for Sidney’s review and advice. The play, “Deathtrap,” is a five character, two-act thriller so perfect in its construction that, as Sidney says, “A gifted director couldn’t even hurt it.”
Using his penchant for plot, and out of his desperate desire to be the toast of Broadway, Sidney, along with Myra, cook up an almost unthinkable scheme: They’ll lure the would-be playwright to the Bruhl home, kill him, and market the script as Sidney’s own.
But shortly after Clifford arrives, it’s clear that things are not what they seem. Indeed, even Helga Ten Dorp, a nosey psychic from next door, and Porter Milgrim, Sidney’s observant attorney, can only speculate where the line between truth and deception lies.
Go to www.WICAonline.com for tickets.

Hope everyone is having a happy winter solstice season. And if you are into poetry — particularly Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” — which happens to be one of my all time favorite tomes, check out the sunset to sunset straight-through reading of every poem in the collection at Woodland Hall on Maxwelton Road starting today, Dec. 28 at sunset (4:23 p.m.) and ending tomorrow, Dec. 29 at sunset (4:24 p.m.)

Here is a homage to Walt. What better way to end one year and ring in another? Come in to listen to Whitman’s sensorial and rhapsodic songs, or join in to read one or two, or thirteen. Everyone is welcome. Woodland Hall is located at 3631 E. Woodland Hall Lane off Maxwelton Road just south of Campbell Road. 

On another note, here’s a story I enjoyed writing for the Record’s print edition.

I’ve always had a place in my heart for the dance world, having dabbled in dance myself.  Certainly, “The Nutcracker” is one of those holiday traditions that remain a part of the canon of Christmas events, no matter what your age or where you live. After 17 years of producing the famous ballet, the Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s production is on par with the larger, professional shows and the dancers who come back to revisit a part of their youth, give it their stamp of approval.

Here’s the story:

The thing about traditions is that their significance becomes deeper with years. 

Considering that the Whidbey Island Dance Theatre has just completed its 17th annual run of the famous Christmas ballet, it makes sense that many of the dancers who grew up on Whidbey Island and who were an instrumental part of creating the island’s “Nutcracker” are now returning as young adults to see the show that has had some part in shaping who they’ve become.

Former company dancer Chelsea Matthews-Jensen even came home to help choreograph a piece of this year’s production, and several alums have been spotted after performances with their arms around ballerinas, showering them with congratulatory hugs.

“All of these girls were inspirational in some way to the girls you see onstage now,” co-director and company co-founder Charlene Brown said.

“Chelsea’s coming onboard as a choreographer, being an alum, is a great testimony to her love for dance and for the organization. She did an amazing job.”

The word tradition comes from the Latin “traditio” meaning handing over; passing on. The word is actually a perfect way to describe how dances are kept alive in the ballet tradition. It is most likely a rare thing, for instance, that a ballet mistress or choreographer who is teaching a Faerie Queen, Snow Queen or Clara her steps in “The Nutcracker” hasn’t danced those steps onstage at some point in her own life.

Brown recalled the year Karla Gilbert played the Rat King.

“After that all the girls in the company wanted to dance that role because she made it a role worth dancing,” Brown said.

For the young dancers onstage each year, the dancers of Christmases past act as an inspiration. 

Juliana Nolen, 14, played Clara this year and was thrilled to have former company members congratulate her on her performance.

She was visited after the show by several former “Nutcracker” stars, several of them having danced the role of “Clara,” too. Some of those seen included Brittany Falso, Michela Mattens, Amy Berto, Jacquie Cerra, Andrea Burr, Amanda Burr, Jamee Brown Pitts, Katelyn Candelario, Hailey Way and Alexis Daly.

“Everybody was telling me what a beautiful Clara I was and that was nice,” Nolen said.

They also had a new perspective on the production.

“We talked about how much the show has changed and progressed. Some told me they thought the dancers have become stronger all around and in their relationships with each other onstage, which is a big plus in performance,” Nolen said.

Just as Brown (who helped start the island’s “Nutcracker” tradition) and co-director and choreographer Susan Sandri noted before the performances began, it is an emotional feeling when the dancers take the stage each year on opening night. “The Nutcracker” represents, not only their passion for dance, but their love for a community who embraces such passion.

“There is a story behind all of the dancers,” Brown said. “And what is sure is that they loved their experience and always come back to share that with us.

For both the current and the former dancers and choreographers of Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker,” the passing on of this Christmas ballet continues and the 17-year-old tradition is one year deeper.

I’ve been out of town for awhile, but am glad to be back in time for the merry, jolly, happy season of giving and celebration on Whidbey. What better place to come home to for the holidays? 

Speaking of the holidays, the SWHS Choir entered the “High School Stars of Christmas” competition through KAFE radio (104.3 FM) and have been selected as a finalist. The choir needs votes in order to win the $1000 to be used for the music program. Go to the KAFE Web site and click on the Christmas ornament in the scrolling “Sounds of Christmas” box on the top left and cast a vote. You can listen to their Christmas recording of “Holly Jolly Christmas,” as well.

Remember, shop local and support all the excellent merchants and artisans on the island. Happy Holiday shopping!

Cee Cee James belts out the blues at Choochokam Arts in 2008

 Hello Drifters,

Local blues singer Cee Cee James made the top 10 list of the “Bluesville Picks to Click”  for the week of Nov. 7.
Bill Wax, Proprietor of Sirius/XM Satelite Radio’s Low-Fi’s Bar/Pool Room in the heart of B. B. King’s Bluesville on channel 74, lists top 10.

1.   Tommy Castro, Hard Believer – Alligator Records

2.   The California Honeydrops, Soul Tub – Tub Tone Records

3.   Robert Cray Band, This Time” – Nozzle Records

4.   Honey Island Swamp Band, Wishing Well – ORYX

5.   Johnny Bassett, The Gentleman Is Back – Mack Avenue Records

6.   Walter Trout, Unspoiled By Progress – Provogue

7.   The Wiyos, Broken Land Bell – Self Produced

8.   Eddie and Vaan Shaw, Naked – North Atlantic Blues Records

9.   Carl Weathersby, I’m Still Standing Here – Magnolia Records

10. Cee Cee James, Lowdown Where The Snakes Crawl – FWG Records

James said it’s important to keep the requests coming. ”Your requests have helped get me into this position,” she said.
To make a request call 866-484-BLUE (2583) or  at  www.xmfan.com and link to “request a song.” Type in Cee Cee James, one of her songs and the rest is easy. 
Two James’ songs that have been spinning a lot are “Love Makes Change” and “I’ll Ask The Questions. ”To find out more about James’ music visit her Web site, www.ceeceejames.com.
“My thing is, in all my writing, singing and performance, is to make the songs come alive for people,” James said.  
“To open up the mind, heart and soul with the fire of an intense gut wrenching performance full of vulnerability, honesty and truth.  What else am I up on that stage for?”

Sometimes the Artists of South Whidbey invite guest artists to its meetings. Accomplished artists such as Deon Matzen, who currently has a show at Whidbey Pies Cafe in Greenbank, reveal the techniques of the trade at ASW meetings. Don’t miss your chance to explore the painting opportunities open to artists of all levels of skill and media at the first meeting of the season. Artists of South Whidbey meets at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the Brookhaven meeting room in Langley. The group begins with a sack lunch at 11:30 a.m. The meeting will begin at noon; bring artwork to share or for a gentle critique. For more information, call Wendy Lambeth at 321-2150.

Deon Matzen's "Self Portrait of the Artist Painting a Sliverstreak."

Hello Drifters,

That veritable font of acting and singing talent and Whidbey native, Amy Walker, will perform LIVE! on the internet  at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. This global event  that the whole family can enjoy features selections from Walker’s solo stage show “Amy Walker: Inside Out,” and will include songs, dramatic pieces, and random fun for all ages. Viewers will even be able to interact through a message board and win prizes.  

 

Visit http://www.AmyWalkerLive.com for more info and to register a question for the Q&A following the performance.

 

Amy Walker

 

 

 

If you want to brighten up your weekend then run down to the South Whidbey High School auditorium with the whole family and take in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” You won’t be disappointed. This show has everything from the funny, doesn’t-take-itself-too-seriously-script to the bright period costumes, well-sung playful songs, showstopper tap-along choreography and the cast of 40 teenagers who deliver the goods. This show deserves to be seen and, in this age of bad flus, bad wars and bad money, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is one show that reminds you that — in a world where we still get to see a bunch of people up onstage having the time of their lives dancing and singing — it ain’t all that bad. Go see this one.

Some of the cast of "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

JP and Jess Dowdell pulled out all the stops again this year for their annual Black Cat Ball. A goodly number of costumed Halloweeners showed up to mingle and dance at the Freeland Hall on Saturday night in what was a parade of creativity and hobgoblin cheeriness. The Western Heroes kept the various fortune tellers, one-night-stands, gangstas, scissorhanded, flappers, masked exotics and the evenings endearing “sweeping guy,” moving their feet all night long on the dance floor. DJ, “the Kettle” Denis Zimmermann  helped keep up the pulse in between the band’s sets. A decidedly Happy Halloween it was for everybody!

Amy Whitcomb photo

JP and Jess Dowdell as Ancient Scots Warrior and Delectable Cat at their annual Black Cat Ball, Halloween night at Freeland Hall.

Photo by Jimmy and Deana Katz

Maureen Girard said she will join this Saturday’s concert at 88 Keys Piano Studio as a special guest performer.
The headliner, of course, is jazz great Jessica Williams.
Williams is a two-time Grammy nominee, and, to quote Rolling Stone, “a vibrant force on the contemporary music scene.” She has recorded more than 70 CDs and has performed with Tony Williams, Airto and Flora Purim, Stan Getz, Eddie Harris, Big Nick Nicholaus, Charlie Rouse, John Abercrombie and others. Reservations are $35 are available by calling 221-0362 or by visiting www.maureengirard.com.

Artists are needed for a theater gallery show and women are called to a first read of “The Vagina Monologues.”
WICA seeks art inspired by sci-fi
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts has issued a call to island artists for art that can be displayed in an exhibition entitled “Planet-Schmanet.”
The show will be held during the run of “The Rocky Horror Show.” The production will be presented Friday, Oct. 30 through Saturday, Nov. 14.
WICA is looking for artists who are fans of sci-fi, fantasy, animé, kaiju, pop culture or technology and have created an original piece of art that can be displayed. Both flat and 3-D artwork will be accepted.
Artists should submit digital images of their work — or work in progress — to WICA by Friday, Oct. 16.
For more information, visit www.WICAonline.com or call 221-8262.

Women needed for monologues
The directors of the Whidbey Island community production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” are looking for local women who want to participate to join them at a first reading.
There will be no audience, just a circle of women reading. The group will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 in the activities room at Maple Ridge in Freeland.
For details, call Beverly Rose at 331-1110 or Allan Ament at 331-7971.

Norman Walker became the new Mr. South Whidbey last Saturday night at Freeland Hall. “Upon being the recipient of the most prestigious award of Mr. South Whidbey, I am elated and feel very privileged to accept this honor. I am willing to participate in any events related to my title,” Walker said. The contest is held each year in a benefit for Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund. Check the print edition of the Record next week for more on the benefit.

Norm Walker accepts the crown of Mr. South Whidbey.

Do you know who will be the next Mr. South Whidbey and raise the most money for the Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund? To cast your vote and lay down some cash online for your favorite candidate, go here. You can also buy your ticket for the pageant at any of the locations listed on that site for the 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 event at Freeland Hall. Have fun!!!

And the hunky candidates are:

Tom Harris

Scott Mauk

Rob Mattern

Norm Walker

Dick Guise

Dan Lennon

This poem by the Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, never fails to reach the deepest part of my heart. If you only scratch the surface of Whidbey Island, you will find a collection of poets who are writing daily. Find them at poetry slams, readings and festivals. Listening to good poetry revives the spirit. Enjoy.

“In My Craft or Sullen Art” 

by Dylan Thomas

In my craft or sullen art

Exercised in the still night

When only the moon rages

And the lovers lie abed

With all their griefs in their arms,

I labor by singing light

Not for ambition or bread

Or the strut and trade of charms

On the ivory stages

But for the common wages

Of their most secret heart.

Not for the proud man apart

From the raging moon I write

On these spindrift pages

Nor for the towering dead

With their nightingales and psalms

But for the lovers, their arms

Round the griefs of the ages,

Who pay no praise or wages

Nor heed my craft or art.

For all you dance lovers out there, here’s a bit of ballet brouhaha for you. Juliana Brielle Nolen just found out that she will play Clara in this year’s Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s production of “Nutcracker.” Her proud mom
L Bennet Nolen said of her daughter’s coup, “It’s sort of like being elected homecoming queen on the local dance scene!” The “Nutcracker” plays the first two weekends of December. Congrats Jules!

Juliana Nolen has been cast as Clara in Whidbey Island Dance Theatre's production of "Nutcracker."

Gypsy jazz island favorite Billet-Deux returns to DjangoFest Northwest at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sep 27 at Langley Middle School.

Hello Drifters,

DjangoFest Northwest kicks off Wednesday with it’s mad lineup of jazz musicians from all over the place. Langley will be djamming, singing and dancing its head off, so get ready. Everything starts at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23 at WICA and wraps up on Sunday, Sept. 27 with the final
7 p.m. show. Check www.WICAonline.com for the schedule and ticket info.

The Whidbey Open Studio Tour gets under way at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. Choose from the studios of 92 artists island-wide to visit, chat and pick up a fine new piece of art. The tour ends at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Go to the Open Door Gallery + Coffee in the Bayview Cash Store in Langley for tickets and info or visit www.whidbeyopenstudiotour.org.

Gather the little ones and head over to South Whidbey Community Park for Children’s Day for free, free, free activities, music and food for the whole family. It all happens 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Don’t miss the Kite Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27 at Fort Casey in Coupeville. The free festival will feature two days of sport kite competitions, single-line kites and activities, a raffle tent, a kids’ kite-making tent, beginning sport kite lessons, food and coffee stands and parachuting teddy bears for kids 10 and younger. The Whidbey Island Kite Festival is presented by the Whidbey Island Kite Festival Association and the Whidbey Island Kite Fliers. For more information  visit www.whidbeykites.org.

Have fun!

Theater

“The Wind in the Willows” opens tonight (Friday, Sept. 18) at 7:30 p.m. at the Whidbey Children’s Theater in Langley.

Art

The preview exhibits for the Whidbey Open Studio Tour open tomorrow (Sept. 19) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Open Door Gallery + Coffee in the Bayview Cash Store and at the Crockett Barn in Coupeville. 

Chickens!

Learn about raising chickens at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market. Rufus Rose will describe his own chicken-raising experiences and answer questions. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is located on Highway 525 at Thompson Road in Langley.

Director Jason Dittmer is busy with rehearsals for the opening production of Whidbey Island Center for the Arts 2009/10 theater season with “The Rocky Horror Show.”  But, who will play Rocky? Find out on opening night Friday, Oct. 30. “Damn it, Janet!”

"The Rocky Horror Show" rock musical is coming to WICA.

Got a tip this week that Whidbey’s own fashion design genius, Lynn Mizono, had one of her pieces spotted by the iconic Bill Cunningham of the New York Times. Check out Mizono’s “origami vest” that turned Cunningham’s head in his “On the Street” column:  http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/08/14/style/1247464011974/on-the-street-boiling-point.html.

Max Cole-Takanikos as Toad and Katie Woodzick, the thief, battle it out in the Whidbey Children's Theater production of "The Wind in the Willows."

Catch Toad and his friends on stage!

The Whidbey Children’s Theater adult troupe, Stories on Stage, will treat audiences to a musical production of “The Wind in the Willows” from Friday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 4 on the theater’s Martha Murphy Mainstage. Don’t miss this sure-to-be-a-crowd-pleaser that brings one of the best loved children’s stories to life.

Feel like singing? 

The Open Circle Community Choir starts its fifth fall season on Monday, September 21 with Steve Motenko joining Peggy Taylor as co-director. Open Circle is a non-audition choir open to everyone regardless of singing experience. Rehearsals are Monday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Langley Methodist Church at the corner of Anthes Avenue and 3rd Street in downtown Langley. Also looking for singers is the Conservatory Choir at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley. Led by Robert W. Prosch, this choir will start its second year and will begin Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. The Choir will meet Tuesday evenings through Dec. 1. The choir is open to all ages regardless of experience or training.

Artists, get cracking!

Artists, have your work immortalized as a permanent part of the public art installation at the new Coupeville Library. There are two ways to submit. The first is 3D sculptures in a durable medium (metal, glass, wood or other) that are appropriate for outdoors to be incorporated into the overhead signage for the library entrance. The second is artwork of a suitable medium for the entranceway to the children’s section in the interior of the library. Visit the Sno-Isle Libraries Web site at www.sno-isle.org/page/?ID=3657 (see “Call to Artists”) for submission instructions and timeline, and to view the architect’s drawings of both the outside entry arch of the library and the interior. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. For more information, contact Becky Bolte bbolte@sno-isle.org or at 360-651-7080.

That’s a little skinny for today. Bye!

Likewise, Whidbey Children’s Theater, which teams up with South Whidbey High School this year for the school’s mainstage production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” has finished casting for the musical which opens Oct. 30.

Stay-tuned to the Island Life page of The Record for more stories about theater in Langley.

Art lovers are anticipating the upcoming 13th Annual Whidbey Open Studio Tour which happens Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27 and features more than 90 island artists. Don’t miss the preview exhibits starting Saturday, Sept. 19  at Open Door Gallery + Coffee in the Bayview Cash Store and at the Crockett Barn in Coupeville. Patrons can pick up their $10 ticket and 15-month art wall calendar at these locations before the tour.

Look for my yearly Whidbey Open Studio Tour series featuring some of the artists in several Record editions before the start of the tour.