Edmonds, WA

It had been a while since I last spent some time in Edmonds, Washington. I entered a painting in an art show at Cole Gallery last week, so I was there fairly early, way before the show’s opening hour. The town itself is charming and has an energy that makes me feel things are happening. Sure enough, as I wandered downtown, I ran across a relatively new building at 202a Main Street, with the sign “Graphite Art Center” (https://graphiteartscenter.org/), where the stress is upon, “art is for everyone”. Yes, that is my belief: art is indeed for everyone. With that, I entered a world that I thought was made exclusively for me! The spacious rooms and the hospitality extended were incredible! I met the woman, founder Mary Olsen, who had the idea for this structure for artists: a place where people could come and work on their art, enjoy camaraderie, and just be who they are: artists with like-minded people in the world. I spoke to several artists who were milling about; some painting, sculpting, or just in conversation with another artist. There were a few familiar faces from the past with whom I had shared experiences from different events and workshops. The place inspired me enough to become more creative in my plans for my farmhouse, which is alongside my gallery in Snohomish. I have been brainstorming as to how best to use my beautiful farmhouse as an artist’s retreat. After spending some time at the Graphite Art Center, I attended the show at the Coleman Gallery and was immensely proud of my Plein Air piece painted at Pike Place Market. Hanging in front of the galley, the light did the painting justice. There were many artists, friends, and guests, along with champagne and treats, which, in my opinion, make for a perfect night out on the town!