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Lectures and Events

Artist Lecture: Gabrielle Bakker A contemporary painter working in techniques reminiscent of early Renaissance religious painters gives a lecture on her art and influences. 7 p.m. Fri. Oct. 8. Seattle Academy of Fine Art, 1501 Tenth Ave. E., free, 206-526-2787.

Arts Gumbo: Vietnam The second in a series of ethnic art celebrations at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center, this event features films, speakers, an arts and crafts bazaar, and performance by the Huong Viet Performing Arts Group. Arts Bazaar: 10 a.m. Sat. Oct. 9. Performances, speakers: 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Sat. Oct. 9. Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 3515 S. Alaska St., $5, 206-760-4285.

Bellevue Art Museum Community Forums Hear from the new executive of the Bellevue Art Museum and express your opinion about BAM’s planned shift from a contemporary art center to a Northwest crafts museum. 7 p.m. Wed. Oct. 6, King County Library Administration Offices Community Room, 960 Newport Way N.W. (Issaquah); 7 p.m. Tues. Oct. 12, Crossroads Shopping Center Community Room, 156th and N.E. Eighth (Bellevue).

Benefit Art Auction for Haiti A benefit auction of original artwork by Haitian artists, to raise money for medicines and relief supplies for the hurricane-stricken nation. 3-7 p.m. Sun. Oct. 10. Seattle University LeRoux Conference Center, free, 206-409-8105.

Back to Its Roots A weekend of hip-hop-inspired performing and visual arts, including city of Seattle Approved Graffiti-Inspired Art (“it’s OK as long as it stays in the gallery”) by Christophe Roberts and Iosefat Sua. Fri. Oct. 8-Sun. Oct. 9. (Talks on urban art at noon and 1 p.m.) Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S., $5-$12, 206-684-4757.

Lecture: Collecting in the 21st Century Art collectors Barney Ebsworth and Irving Blum talk about approaches to building an art collection. 11 a.m.-noon Sat. Oct. 9. Winston Wächter, 203 Dexter Ave. N., free, 206-652-5855.

Northwest Jewelry/Metals Symposium A day of lectures on the art of jewelry and metals sponsored by the Seattle Metals Guild will feature talks by Norman Cherry and Robert Ebendorf (jewelry), Sheila Klein (sculpture), and June Schwarcz (hollowware). Sat. Oct. 9. Seattle Asian Art Museum, Volunteer Park, 1400 E. Prospect Ave., $75, 206-523-3427.

Potters’ Sale Work by more than 80 local potters and ceramic artists. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs. Oct. 7-Fri. Oct. 8, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. Oct. 9. Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W. (Issaquah), free, 425-868-3989.

First Thursday

Davidson Possessed of a sharp social conscience, Robert Marx doesn’t wear his political concerns on his sleeve. In this collection of new paintings and sculpture, the figurative artist continues to takes a subtle approach to alienation, war, and other modernist concerns. Reception: 6-8 p.m. 313 Occidental Ave. S., 206-624-7684. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

Facèré “Exempli Gratia” displays art jewelry from the University of Central England’s renowned program, and includes work by Norm Cherry, Jivan Astfalck, Eimear Conyard, and Terry Hunt. Reception: 5-7 p.m. Opening night lecture (RSVP required): 4-5 p.m. 1420 Fifth Ave. (USBank/City Centre), Suite 108, 206-624-6768.

Forgotten Works “Politics Askew.” Yes, Virginia, it’s another group show of political art (you ARE going to vote, aren’t you?). No word on who or what will be on display other than art that deals with patriotism, choosing the lesser of two evils, and all that fun stuff. Reception: 6-10 p.m. 300 S. Washington St., 206-343-7212. noon-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

Foster/White Richly colored glass vessels by Merrilee Moore. Reception: 6-8 p.m. 123 S. Jackson, 206-622-2833. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon- 5 p.m. Sun.

Gallery 110 “Sada: Voices of Women” brings together work by four women with roots in the Muslim world: Pakistani artist Ayesha Khan’s expressionist canvases, Guita Monfaredi’s abstract paintings influenced by calligraphy and her Iranian heritage, Lebanese artist Randa Hilal’s fusion of feminism and oriental rug motifs, and Umber Kazmi’s realistic depictions of Pakistani women. Reception: 6-8 p.m. 110 S. Washington St., 206-624-9336. Noon-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat.

Gallery 4 Culture Seattle artist Buddy Bunting had an inspiration to paint and document the interior Northwest’s “most interesting prisons” as well as the region’s flora, fauna, and geology. Turns out the wardens wouldn’t let him in, so he was content to document the region’s penitentiaries from the outside. The result is this not-so-scenic travelogue, “Scablands,” a collection of sketches and ink wash paintings. Reception: 6-8 p.m. 506 Second Ave., Suite 200 (Smith Tower), 206-296-7580. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Garde Rail Paintings and assemblages by Toronto-based outsider artist Casey McGlynn, whose work is populated with rough-hewn animal and human figures. Reception: 5-8 p.m. 110 Third Ave., 206-621-1055. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.

Grover/Thurston Ceramicist Akio Takamori’s figurines blur the line between cute and menacing—and this ambivalence has its most potent effect in a series of karako—Japanese-style, bad-ass bambinos crawling on all fours. Reception: 6-8 p.m. 309 Occidental St., 206-223-0816. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

Linda Hodges Nature paintings inspired by locales throughout the state by Seattle artist Gayle Bard. Reception: 6-8 p.m. 316 First Ave. S., 206-624-3034. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

Lisa Harris Like an odd fusion of Audubon and Dalí, Thomas Wood paints allegorical canvases stocked with a menagerie of creatures and flora. Some are a little heavy-handed (a woodsman chopping down a tree laden with endangered animals, get it?) but most offer up a lush world with a detailed, personal iconography. Reception: 6-8 p.m. 1922 Pike Pl., 206-443-3315. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.

Nico “Urban Arcadia:” paintings of life below the viaducts by local artist Kristina Hagman. Reception: 6-9 p.m. 619 Western, Suite 22, 206-229-4593, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.

Open Artists’ Studios The OK Hotel artists’ studios open their doors to the public, so you can take a peek at works by Soli Grace, Ronald Hall, and many others. Trombone music provided by Kellyn Haley. Reception: 6-9 p.m. OK Hotel, 212 Alaskan Way S., free.

Patricia Cameron Fine Art New abstract paintings by Seattle artist Alicia Berger. Reception: 6-8 p.m. 108 S. Jackson, second floor, 206-343-9647.

William Traver A group exhibition of new glass from Denmark, including work by Marianne Buus, Micha Karlslund and Steffan Dam. Reception: 5-8 p.m. 110 Union St., second floor, 206-587-6501. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; noon- 5 p.m. Sun.

Zeitgeist Thuy-Van Vu’s drawings and paintings of everyday objects ranging from chairs to construction equipment. Reception: 6-8 p.m. 171 S. Jackson St., 206-583-0497. 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

Other Openings

Artemis Work by two Cornish alums: watercolor papers straddling the boundary between abstraction and representation by Celeste Marble plus Liz Tran’s quirky buildings and cityscapes. Reception: 6-9 p.m. Sat. Oct. 9. 3107 S. Day St., 206-323-0562. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

Atelier 31 In Judith Kindler’s slapstick feminist art, she positions a doll (standing in as the artist’s alter ego) in incongruous high-art settings. Yep, that’s her sitting in the middle of Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” with a bottle of mineral water while all the disciples are sipping high-carb Cokes with little regard for their figures. Also on display: Molly Norris Curtis’ short film about her obsession with a 20th century cabaret star. Reception: 6-9 p.m. Wed. Oct. 6. 2500 First Ave., 206-448-5250. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Tues.; 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.

Bluebottle Ah, for the days when “Pacific Northwest” meant caulk boots, chain saws, geoducks, and flapjacks as thick as mules’ blankets. Amanda Kindregan shares my same nostalgia, and her new series of woodsy woodcuts situates spunky young women amid the loggers and beavers of yesteryear. Reception: 7-10 p.m. Sat. Oct. 9. 415 E. Pine St., 206-325-1592. 1-7 p.m. Tues.-Fri., noon- 6 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

CoCA CoCA’s “Northwest Annual,” juried by Ken Lum, will give gallery time to scores of artists from around the world. Reception: 8 p.m.-midnight Sat. Oct. 9. 410 Dexter Avenue N., 206-728-1980. 2-8 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., noon-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

Francine Seders Philip Govedare observes changes in weather and light above Seattle’s polluted Duwamish River—with results that range from nearly abstract cloud studies to somewhat more conventional industrial landscapes. Reception: 2-4 p.m. Sun. Oct. 10. 6701 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-782-0355. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.- Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun.

Gulassa & Co. “Bur(id)den: An Entomology of Memories,” offers new work by local artist and architect Christine Chaney. Reception: 6-10 p.m. Fri. Oct. 8. 10 Dravus St., 206-283-181. Noon-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Lipstick Traces A five-year anniversary celebration (and moving party) for this Capitol Hill gift boutique and gallery will feature musical entertainment by DJ Dann Gallucci and art by Kevin Willis, John Atkins, Ryan Iverson, and Alan Hurley. Reception: 8 p.m.-midnight Sat. Oct. 8. 303 East Pine St., 206-329-2813.

Martin-Zambito Paintings and prints by members of the mid-20th century “Prairie Printmakers” movement, which included Doel Reed, Birger Sandzen, Arthur Hall, Levon West, Charles Capps, and Stow Wengenroth. Opens Thurs. Oct. 7. 721 E. Pike St., 206-726-9509. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

South Seattle Community College Art Gallery “Material/Ethereal” showcases abstract works by Ellen Ziegler and Gordon Wood. Opens Thurs. Oct. 7. 6000 16th S.W., 206-764-5337. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Winston Wächter The gallery on Dexter moves a couple blocks—into more spacious digs (and that much closer to the heart of art scene). They’re celebrating with a show of gallery favorites, including Victoria Adams, Bo Bartlett, Eric Fischl, Caio Fonseca, and Hiro Yokose. Reception: 7-11 p.m. Fri. Oct. 8. 203 Dexter Ave. N., 206-652-5855, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

Last Chance

Bryan Ohno Larry Bemm’s open, casual abstractions in pastel-colored oils are painted directly on wood panels. 155 S. Main St., 206-667-9572. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Ends Sat. Oct. 9.

Greg Kucera Minimalist sculptor Peter Millett has been living and working in Seattle for more than 30 years, and this exhibit of new work showcases his modernist (and expensive) forms. 212 Third Ave., 206-624-0770. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Ends Sat. Oct. 9.

Henry Art Gallery “Selections From the Collection of William and Ruth True” offers a sampling from the collection of these two keen-eyed art collectors and longtime patrons of the Henry, while Alex Morrison’s photographs and video installation explore the nature of youth revolt and its eternal co-opting by media-saturated culture. UW campus, 206-543-2280. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun.; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs. Ends Thurs. Oct. 7.

James Harris Shaun O’Dell’s color drawings are filled with an intricate, well- balanced tangle of pilgrim heads, wildlife, and networked tree branches that add up to a sort of spiritual map of the clash between human economy and nature. 309A Third Ave., 206-903-6220. 10:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Ends Sat. Oct. 9.

Kirkland Arts Center “Material Witness” is a group show of abstract painting and sculpture from Drake Deknatel, Patricia Hagen-Kerr, Eva Isaksen, Rian Berry, Yuki Nakamura, and many others. 620 Market St. 425-822-7161. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Ends Fri. Oct. 8.

Platform Platform Gallery, a new artist-owned artspace in the Tashiro-Kaplan complex, celebrates its debut with “Still Lives”: work by two artists obsessed with fusing human and natural worlds—Keith Yurdana’s drawings and sculptures of human-animal metamorphosis and Carlee Fernandez’s taxidermy. 114 Third Ave. S., 206-323-2808. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends Sat. Oct. 9.

Roq La Rue At first, Ray Caesar’s digital images of blank-faced children in fantastic settings seem a lot like the work of other technically dazzling, predictably creepy practitioners of “pop surrealism” that this gallery has made fashionable. And it is disturbing—and not a fun, hipster kind of disturbing to learn that Caesar draws inspiration from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, where he worked for 17 years. Is he making a fetish of childhood suffering? A closer look reveals a guarded tenderness for his imaginary subjects, who seem to have gained, through the artist’s grace, a placid command of their nightmarish surroundings. 2316 Second Ave., 206-374-8977. 2-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. Ends Thurs. Oct. 7.

SAM Rental/Sales Gallery A sampler of painting and drawing from Cornish College instructors Patrick LoCicero, Kathleen Rabel, and Mark Takamichi Miller, among others. 1220 Third Ave., 206-654-3158. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Ends Sat. Oct. 9.

Western Bridge Western Bridge’s kickoff show, “Possessed,” is a superb collection of video and mixed-media pieces that make a veritable fetish of anxiety. Aïda Ruilova’s quick-cut video of nervousness has a garage-punk edge to it, while Zoe Leonard’s room full of used dolls is an unnerving formalist study in female identity. The title of this group show derives from Shirin Neshat’s stunning 10-minute film featuring Iranian-born actress Shohreh Aghashloo as a madwoman wandering into the village square. 3412 Fourth Ave. S. 206-838-7444. Noon-6 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Ends Sat. Oct. 9.

Galleries

1506 Projects “Moving Digital,” a collection of video-based art, film loops, and TV-show inspired prints from artists Iole Alessandrini, Brad Ewing, Sean Frego, and others. 1506 E. Olive, 206-920-8618. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

Ballard Fetherston Pleasant, scratchy abstractions in oil and wax by Kirsten Stolle and pleasant, spacey abstractions in acrylic and graphite by Chris Metze. 818 E. Pike St., 206-322-9440. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun.

G. Gibson “Homage to Aperture,” a collection of work celebrating the 50th anniversary of the influential photography publisher, includes shots by the great ones: Imogen Cunningham, Ansel Adams, Sally Mann, Edward Weston, et al. 514 E. Pike St., 206-587-4033. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sat.

Howard House (See visual arts pick). 604 Second Ave., 206-256-6399. 10:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

Hugo House Prints and light boxes by Mary Simpson and Valerie McEvoy (from Alaska and Ireland, respectively) that explore the theme “Another Country.” 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., noon-5 p.m. Sat.

Jack Straw New Media Gallery Seattle’s Iole Alessandrini installs interactive lasers and other optical gizmos in this multimedia experience intended to explore “the distributed body, multiple-self and transmigration of presence.” 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-634-0919. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

National Parks Conservation Association Mary Peck’s stunning photos of the Olympic Peninsula’s Elwha Valley. 313-A First Ave., 206-903-1444, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., noon-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

Photographic Center Northwest “Photography Past/Forward: Aperture at 50” features prints that originally appeared in the legendary photography periodical founded in 1952 by Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, and Minor White. 900 12th Ave. 206-720-7222. Noon-9:30 p.m. Mon., 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.

Priceless Works A potpourri of assorted works: heaps of stuff from Pilchuck Glass School artists in residence; collaborative prints by the glass art team of Dick Wiess and Bob Carlson; and a smattering of art by gallery favorites Jesse Paul Miller, Francesca Berrini, and others. 619 N. 35th St., Suite 100, 206-349-9943. Noon-6 p.m. Thurs.-Sun.

SOIL Samantha Scherer’s pen-and-watercolor paintings of celebrity body parts are very funny—in the past she’s done portraits of Tony Curtis’ belly and Condoleezza Rice’s scowl. As hilarious as Brad Pitt’s nipple might be, Scherer’s art actually delves into all sorts of deeper issues: How does the brain recognize faces? Why our fetish for celebrity? And what exactly are Angelina Jolie’s lips made of? 1317 E. Pine St., 206-264-8061. Noon- 5 p.m. Thurs.-Sun.

Solomon Fine Art Wood panels that have been painted, drawn on, and gouged in an expressionistic manner by Page Davis. 1215 First Ave., 206-297-1400. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Suyama Space Brian Murphy returns with more of his watercolor self-portraits of the sort that wowed the crowds at the old Esther-Claypool space a couple years back. Once again facial features float off at odd angles, like unmoored islands of utter corruption, but this time the paintings are freakin’ HUGE. They’re, like, as tall as you standing on your own shoulders. 2324 Second Ave. 206-256-0809. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

ToST New, simple-but-cool paintings of furniture, tricycles, flowers and other nice stuff by Todd Karam. 513 N. 36th St., 206-547-0240. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Tues.-Sat., 5 p.m.-midnight Sun.-Mon.

Wingnut Galleries Metal sculpture by Portland artist Mark Diamond and gothic photographs by Rik Garrett at this new Capitol Hill gallery. Opening reception will include music by Krysztof and Traci Nemeth of Sinforosa. 1205 E. Pike, 206-328-2978. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-6 p.m. Sun.

Wright Exhibition Space Decorative eye candy for corporate lobbies or sincere experiments in color and texture? The color field painters were the aesthetic descendents of Pollock and Rothko, in a period when Warhol, pop art, and installation art were replacing high-minded abstraction. This show, curated by Virginia Wright, hopes to revive interest in color field painters Jule Olitski, Morris Louis, Helen Frankenthaler, and Kenneth Noland. Some of the pieces are magnificent in their lush disregard for anything but their own colors: Noland’s vast “Vista” surrounds the viewer with a bath of mauve, while Louis’ “Mem” is a subtle veil of browns. 407 Dexter Ave. N., 206-622-1896. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thurs.

Museums

Frye Art Museum In “Figuring the Forces,” contemporary realist painter Scott Goodwillie brings a baroque sensibility to contemporary anxieties and conflicts. “Eloquent Vistas” collects American landscape photography from the second half of the 19th century by Eadweard Muybridge, William Henry Jackson, and many others. 704 Terry Ave., 206-622-9250. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.

Henry Art Gallery Emmet Gowin’s “Changing the Earth,” features more than 10 years’ worth of aerial photographs of human-altered landscapes across the American West, while “Santiago Calatrava: The Architect’s Studio” showcases the work of the ultramodern Spanish architect with a fondness for organic swoops. UW campus, 206-543-2280. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun.; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.

Museum of Glass Motorized, kinetic sculptures by Museum of Glass favorite Gregory Barsamian, and “Murano,” a showcase of more than 200 pieces of 20th century Venetian glass from the Olnick Spanu Collection. Plus, Chihuly’s gargantuan versions of Japanese glass fishing net floats invade the museum’s mezzanine reflecting pool. 1801 E. Dock St. Tacoma, 253-396-1768. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat. (third Thurs. of the month until 8 p.m.), noon-5 p.m. Sun.

Museum of Northwest Art “600 Moons: Fifty Years of Philip McCracken’s Art” presents a retrospective of the Northwest sculptor known for combining exquisite craftsmanship with a deep respect for the natural world. 121 South First St. (La Conner), 360-466-4446. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Nordic Heritage Museum “Contemporary Marine Totems,” highly personal totems created by William McKee from salvaged wooden molds used to cast metal parts for the Northwest maritime industry. 104 N.W. 67th St., 206-789-5707. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-4 p.m. Sun.

Seattle Art Museum The video “Shadow Procession,” a recent SAM acquisition by South African artist William Kentridge, is a low-tech shadow parable; “The View From Here,” offers selections of Pacific Northwest art from 1870 to 1940; while “Modern in America,” explores the interaction between photography and the paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe, Jasper Johns, and other 20th century artists. “Song, Story and Speech” is a multimedia installation exploring how oral tradition is crucial to Native Coast Salish culture. 100 University St., 206-654-3100. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tues.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs.

Tacoma Art Museum “A Sense of Place,” a selection of big names from the permanent collection, including Camille Corot, Edward Hopper, and Jacob Lawrence. Plus, the late UW professor and ceramics maven Howard Kottler is celebrated in “Look Alikes,” a selection of kitschy and witty commemorative plates from the 1960s to the 1980s. 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-4258. Every third Thursday free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.

Tacoma Art Museum It might be a stretch to say that the Hudson River painters—Thomas Cole, Frederic Church, and Alfred Bierstadt among them—invented the American wilderness. But even so, these early 19th century painters, influenced by Thoreau and Emerson, shifted the popular view of nature from something to be feared and fought to something sublime and worthy of reverence. This collection of 50 important landscapes from Connecticut’s Wadsworth Antheneum will feature work by Cole, Church, Bierstadt, and several others. Opens Sat. Oct. 2. 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-4258. Every third Thursday free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.

Wing Luke Asian Museum The juried exhibit “Beyond Talk: Redrawing Race” attempts to break open the lockbox of dialogue on race. 407 Seventh S., 206-623-5124. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; noon- 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun.