Small World
Published 7:00 am Monday, October 9, 2006
With the possible exception of theater—which causes the average Joe to envision either men in pantaloons rolling their R’s or naked women slathering themselves with beef and berating their mothers—few worldly pleasures intimidate the general public more than the visual arts. The very thought of venturing into a museum and being caught in a reverent silence puzzling at the proverbial Pollock is enough to keep many would-be adventurers content with the safety of Seinfeld reruns. Which is why First Thursday, the monthly tradition that opens the doors of local art venues to a noisier, wine-happy crowd, has been such a success: Couch risk-taking in comfort, and even the most tentative are likely to apply.
The 4830 Artists’ Home Social, so named after the address of LaSaan Georgeson and her artist husband, Peter, is an attempt to bring risk-taking to, well, the couch. The new monthly happening puts art in the more congenial surroundings of the living room (and the bedroom, and the entryway…). If Georgeson has her say, her grassroots effort to give daring, original art some populist appeal will hand Seattleites another reason to mark their calendars. First Thursday, meet your earnest cousin thrice-removed, Fourth Thursday.
A young, enthusiastic art lover who works as a human resources manager for Microsoft, LaSaan Georgeson wants to inspire in others “the ability to feel that creativity does exist in a natural environment.” The natural environment this time out is the couple’s own abode at 4830 37th N.E., in the Bryant neighborhood just north of the University District. This month’s social (which, in its initial appearance, is taking place on the third Thursday, June 21, and continuing through Sunday, June 24) is the first of many such projected events to bring the public into the homes of different local artists. With the aesthetic offerings covering the walls of each room in the house, the free social follows First Thursday’s lead and provides wine, cheese, music, and the opportunity to mingle with the creators themselves (artists wishing to participate and others wanting more info can call 524-5212).
In addition to Peter Georgeson‘s paintings (he’s a talented commercial illustrator in town), the 4830 Social features the bronze sculptures of Renee Sundaram and the expansive oil pastel landscapes of Susan Boye. Free from the constraints of a gallery’s overhead, the works are available at a considerable price reduction, and, of course, can actually be enjoyed in a milieu more compatible with where they’ll actually end up: someone’s digs.
Meet you near the recliner.
