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Lectures and Events

Artist Talk: Ginny Rufner The local glass artist gives a slide show and talks about her work. 2 p.m. Sun. July 17. Museum of Glass, 1801 E. Dock St. Tacoma, free with admission, 253-396-1768.

Equine Art Show Here’s your chance to see a stable-ful of horse art—no, not paintings by horses, but of horses—at Emerald Downs. 4:30-9:30 p.m. Thurs. July 14-Fri. July 15; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. July 16-Sun. July 17. Emerald Downs, track level, 2300 Emerald Downs Dr., Auburn, free with admission ($4), 253-288-7000.

Lecture: Theory as Color as Theory Seattle Academy of Fine Arts instructor Michael Howard talks about the perception of color in relation to deconstruction, feminism, and all that cool postmod theoretical stuff. 7 p.m. Sun. July 17. Seattle Academy of Fine Art, 1501 10th Ave. E., free, 206-526-2787.

Magic Lantern Lecture Local film critic Robert Horton explores the parallels between the 3-D collage sculptures of Oliver Herring (now on display at the Frye) and the fragmentary films of director Wong Kar-wai. 2 p.m. Sun. July 17. Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave., free, 206-622-9250.

Trimpin Open Studio Trimpin, the Seattle-based sound artist, kinetic sculptor, and electronic wizard, performs on and answers questions about his interactive sound sculpture, Phffft!6-8 p.m. Thurs. July 14; 2-4 p.m. Sun. July 17. Henry Art Gallery, UW campus, free with admission, 206-543-2280.

Openings

Ballard/Fetherston “Summer Salon,” a sampler of this gallery’s artists, will feature regulars Deborah Bell, Gary Komarin, Michael Schultheis, plus introduce new additions Carolyn Cole, Melissa Furness, and others. Reception: 5-7 p.m. Fri. July 15. 818 E. Pike St., 206-322-9440. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

Crawl Space University of Washington MFA graduate Jason Wood’s new photographs explore the origins of everyday objects we take for granted. Reception: 6-8 p.m. Sat. July 16. 504 E. Denny Way #1 (near Olive), 206-240-6015. Noon-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

Francine Seders For the past several years, local photographer Spike Mafford has been trying to figure out how to bring the aesthetic experience of visual art to both the blind and sighted. The results of his experiments will be on display in a new show, “Braille.” Mafford has incorporated tactile elements, including Braille lettering and raised forms, into his printed photos with the goal of discovering how a printed photograph changes after being touched by “viewers.” Reception: 2-4 p.m. Sun. July 17. 6701 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-782-0355. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.- Sat.; 1-5 p.m. Sun.

Jack Straw New Media Gallery Rene Yung’s installation “Four Dignities” uses fabric screens and quiet audio to encourage viewers to experience the Buddhist concept of mindfulness in four states: sitting, walking, standing, and lying down. Reception: 7 p.m. Fri. July 15; artist talk: 11:30 a.m. Sat. July 16. 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-634-0919. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Harrison St. Gallery “Eye to Eye on the Ave” is the result of the one year Michael Matisse spent photographing local homeless youth living on University Way Northeast. Opens Wed. July 13. Seattle Center House, Third Floor, 305 Harrison St., 206-587-0112. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Photographic Center Northwest “Focused” presents the results of PCNW’s 10th annual photo contest, this year judged by Mary Virginia Swanson. Reception: 8-9:30 p.m. Fri. July 15. 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.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.

Satellite Lounge “Tattooing A to Z,” a collection of photos of notable body art from around the world. Reception: 9 p.m. Sat. July 16. 1118 E. Pike St., 206-324-4019. Noon-2 a.m. daily.

Last Chance

Consolidated Works “Commissions: The Artist-Client Process” showcases commissioned textiles designed by UW art students, then woven by Nepali artisans according to fair-trade practices. 800 Boren Ave. N., 4-8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri.; 1-8 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 206-860-5245. Ends Sun. July 17.

Howard House Fourteen artists explore the shifting terrain of landscape painting in the early 21st century. No gorgeous vistas or Ansel Adams glamorous nature shots here; instead, New York’s Cameron Martin portrays Mount St. Helens in super-flat studies of gray, while Seattle painters Victoria Haven and Robert Yoder create near-abstract compositions suggestive of mountains and aerial views. 604 Second Ave., 206-256-6399. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Ends Sat. July 16.

Galleries

All City Coffee “Red Grass and Other Distortions of Nature” features digitally altered photos of the natural world by local shooter Malcolm Smith. 125 Prefontaine Pl. S., 206-652-8331. 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat.; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun.

Artists’ Gallery of Seattle The first annual Northwest African American Fine Art Show features work by Conswella, Robert L. Horton, Robin Jordan, Roosevelt Lewis, and others. 902 First, 206-340-0830. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.

Carolyn Staley Eleven prints depicting nude, frolicking, self-confident Buddhist goddesses, all by late-20th-century Japanese artist Mayumi Oda. 314 Occidental Ave., 206-621-1888. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

CoCA Tokyo-based architect and artist Yumi Kori’s two-part installation “Infinitation” attempts to suggest the infinite through the manipulation of sound and light. 410 Dexter Ave. N., 206-728-1980. 2-8 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; noon-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

G. Gibson Eight artists taking a peek at nature are part of “You Can’t See the Forest,” a group show of photographs, collage, and mixed-media constructions. Includes new work by Seattle photographer Paul Berger and long-exposure shots by Scotland’s Iain Stewart. 300 S. Washington St., 206-587-4033. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.

Garde Rail “Four X Northwest” brings together four self-taught, outsider artists from these parts. Anne Grgich’s richly painted panels, Ree Brown’s watercolors of birds and people (“no one in particular,” he admits), Tim Fowler’s cartoony figures in wood, and Gregory Blackstock’s meticulous and addictive “list” paintings. 110 Third Ave. S., 206-621-1055. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.

Greg Kucera New work by Montana artist Deborah Butterfield, who does clever, life-sized sculptures of horses from bronze, wood, and scrap metal. 212 Third Ave., 206-624-0770. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

James Harris Claude Zervas’ new work “The County” obliquely approaches the nature and landscape of the Northwest via technologically sophisticated sculpture. Rivers, forests, and the environment are alluded to through fluorescent lights, cascading wire, LEDs, and video projection. 309A Third Ave., 206-903-6220. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat.

Jeffrey Moose “Yilpinji, Love Magic and Ceremony” collects dot-painting prints by top Australian Aboriginal artists. 1333 Fifth Ave., Rainier Square, second level, 206-467-6951. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; noon-5 p.m. Sat.

Joe Bar “Images of the Floating World” features Maija Fiejbig’s peacefully trippy paintings inspired by Japanese decorative art. 810 E. Roy St., 206-324-0407. 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

Kirkland Arts Center Iowa-based artist Tim Dooley’s car-crash of graphic design, cartoon- influenced prints, fake campfire, and appropriated media images. 620 Market St., 425-822-7161. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Every third Thurs. open until 8 p.m.

Platform New paintings by five artists: Jaq Chartier (Seattle), James Gudat (Portland), Patte Loper (New York), Daniel Rushton (New York), and Kim Squaglia (Sacramento). (See spotlight, p. 78). 114 Third Ave. S., 206-323-2808. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.

Roq La Rue This month’s show takes a satiric look at the stereotypes and folk art of the rural South and West in “Big Rock Candy Mountain.” Featured will be paintings and drawings by Gary Monroe, Thomas Huck, Jon Langford, Fred Stonehouse, Daniel Martin Diaz, and Ryan Greis. 2316 Second Ave., 206-374-8977. 2-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-4 p.m. Sun.

Seattle Art Museum Rental/Sales Gallery This month’s featured local gallery is Greg Kucera. On the walls you’ll see gallery favorites Mark Calderon, Jack Daws, Claudia Fitch, Sherry Markovitz, Tim Roda, Katy Stone, and others. 1220 Third Ave., 206-343-1101. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

SOIL “History and Prophecy: A Bestiary for the 21st Century” is a group show of off-kilter drawings and sculpture inspired by the odd creatures of the earth. Includes work by Jessica Balsam, Howard Barlow, Shannon Eakins, and Justin Gibbens. Also on display: modified Polaroids of typewriters and antiquated technology by Robin Dupuy. 112 Third Ave. S., 206-264-8061. Noon-5 p.m. Thurs.-Sun.

Solomon Fine Art Jeffrey Sarmiento’s “In a Matter of Speaking” offers glass art that’s a refreshing antidote to the decorative banalities of Seattle’s glut of glass. In his first solo show, the work ranges from small to over 5 feet high, and incorporates a dense network of halftone screens and text. It’s a cultural mélange, including text in Danish, which Sarmiento attempted to master during a recent Fulbright residency in Denmark, and images and text alluding to the artist’s Filipino-American heritage. 215 First Ave., 206-297-1400. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Suyama Space In Utah-based artist Paul Stout’s oddly compelling installation “Second Nature,” huge blades of “grass” grow up from assorted Victorian coffee tables. Don’t miss Stout’s virtuoso mechanical bugs under glass in the adjacent space. 2324 Second Ave., 206-256-0809. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Vain “Soles in the Mist,” new paintings on screen prints by local artist Iosufatu Sua. Sua’s bold, ironic graphic designs draw on influences as disparate as Polynesian iconography, Japanese woodcuts, and urban street art. 2018 First Ave., 206-441-3441. Noon-7 p.m. Sun.-Tues.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wed.-Thurs.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

Western Bridge German artist Daniel Roth’s strange and subtle installation River Styx presents “evidence”—in drawings, sculpture, and photography—of an underground river running west from Seattle, below the Olympic Peninsula, and out to a burial island off the coast. Also on display is Rodney Graham’s clever second look at an old oak tree, Roni Horn’s obsessive 100-photo installation You Are the Weather, and a justly famous series of portraits of four sisters taken over a span of 30 years by Nicholas Nixon. And speaking of the River Styx, you’ll feel like you’ve been to hell and back after experiencing Gary Hill’s numbing video Wall Piece, a study in frustration, artistic struggle, and the failure of language. 3412 Fourth Ave. S., 206-838-7444. Noon-6 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.

Winston Wächter New work by eight abstract painters, including locals Jaq Chartier (whose paintings are the results of meticulous tests of materials) and Susan Dory. 203 Dexter Ave. N., 206-652-5855. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

Museums

Bellevue Arts Museum BAM is back with a re-tooled mission as an accessible (read: noncontroversial) place for art, craft, and design. Executive Director Michael Monroe launches the resurrection with “The Artful Teapot,” an impressive but safe collection of 250 teapots as sculpture. Albert Paley’s new–Art Nouveau iron work is nice and intricate, kind of like a Chihuly is nice and intricate (fans of the Tacoma glassmeister can see one of his newly commissioned works in BAM’s lobby). And for those who just can’t get enough glass, there’s an exhibit of art and posters from the early days of the Pilchuck Glass School. 510 Bellevue Way N.E., 425-519-0770. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat. (until 9 p.m. Thurs); 11 a.m-5:30 p.m. Sun.

Burke Museum Subhankar Banerjee’s magnificent photos of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are the result of a two-year expedition on the tundra. Savor these images, before ExxonMobil and BP bring their “low-impact” drilling apparatus to ANWR. Also on display: traditional and contemporary Native American art depicting arctic animals. UW campus, Northeast 45th Street and 17th Avenue Northeast, 206-543-5590. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (until 8 p.m. Thurs.).

Frye Art Museum “The Retrofuturistic World of NSK” collects 20 years’ worth of painting, prints, and other media by Slovenia’s Neue Slowenische Kunst art movement. Challenging the whole idea of authorship, nationality, and avant-garde, the artists in NSK create theater, music, and visual art that appropriates Communist and capitalist kitsch in an effort to subvert authority. “Taking and Making” features recent work by Oliver Herring, the German-born artist whose experiments in photography, video, and sculpture take novel turns, including a life-sized self-portrait sculpture made from snapshots. 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 Seattle artist Trimpin’s wonderfully titled installation Phfftt! involves some 200 electronically controlled woodwind instruments that viewers can play with a series of two dials—or they can simply listen to one of 12 manic, lighthearted, or sinister works by the composer. The installation has an amazing ability to give space to sound. Also on display: Do not miss the magnificent Francis Bacon painting Study for a Pope IV on display in its own room. Seattle is lucky to have this picture, on loan from an anonymous West Coast patron. The 1961 work is a late piece in Bacon’s startling series of popes; this one conveys a haunting combination of authority and impotence. The skull-like head seems to shift and shimmer before your eyes, and the feeble hands make the pontiff seem very fallible indeed. UW campus, 206-543-2280. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.

Seattle Art Museum “Isamu Noguchi—Sculptural Design” is an unorthodox and splashy exploration of the eclectic 20th-century sculptor-designer. The exhibit is a visual and sonic extravaganza designed by theater experimentalist Robert Wilson. Various rooms evoke different themes in Noguchi’s long career: His work in the theater with the likes of Martha Graham takes the shape of a brooding theatrical space; intensely material sculptural works are set in a Zen rock garden complete with several tons of raked gravel. Other rooms suggest Noguchi’s mission to popularize art through mass-produced design. There are moments when the whole project goes over the top—the canned thunder and lightning accompanying a model of a monument to Benjamin Franklin is just a bit much. Still, this is a fascinating look at an artist who managed to span divides between cultures and artistic disciplines. 100 University St., 206-654-3100. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun.; 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Thurs.