Seattle Art Fair: Same time, next year?
This too shall pass, thanks to the pandemic. The 2020 Seattle Art Fair has been canceled.
I’ve enjoyed attending the fair every year; I go each day if I can. And this year, I’m making work for an exhibit that would’ve coincided with the fair dates. As far as I know, my show will go on. But who knows? The ‘Rona has dismantled a lot of plans since March.
Seattle Art Fair’s first year, 2015
Vulcan Arts + Entertainment runs the fair, and their announcement said they “look forward to a time when we can gather again to showcase the vibrant arts community here in the Pacific Northwest.” And that’s the billion-dollar question: when can we gather again for the fair — if we gather?
Right now, Vulcan A + E is busy renovating the Cinerama movie theater, among other projects. I’m just wondering if all that money out the door means the company will just call it a day for the Seattle Art Fair.
Only the freshest art for you, my friends
Some people leave their hearts in San Francisco; I left my artwork in San Rafael. If you’re in Northern California, now’s your chance to get a fresh look at it in person.
My altered book triptych “Bought & Paid For” debuts at Fresh Art 2019 tonight, a group show hosted by the Marin Society of Artists. I’m especially excited to be included in this show, because it was juried by Donna Seager of Seager Gray Gallery. Book arts are a specialty of hers. Plus, the gallery has brought book art to the Seattle Art Fair for the past few years, and I look forward to seeing the work of Lisa Kokin when they visit.
Work by Lisa Kokin at 2015 and 2019 Seattle Art Fair, from Seager Gray Gallery
I know some of you are reading this from somewhere in NorCal, so let me know if you visit Fresh Art 2019. Tag me on Instagram and Facebook when you post. The show is up until November 30th, but I’d suggest you make the trip before holiday traffic sets in later this month. Just trying to help you out.
Inside a private art studio visit
When was the last meeting you had that made you this happy?
An art collector savoring his new purchase after a studio visit
When you visit an artist’s studio, you get to see whichever artworks you like, not just the one or two I’ve submitted to an art exhibit. It took a year to arrange this private meeting: not because it’s a complicated process, but because we all have lives outside of receptions and art fairs. (I know — art world blasphemy.)
Seattle Art Fair 2019
Luckily, we ran into each other again at this year’s Seattle Art Fair. That gave us a chance to coordinate our calendars. I’m not able to do open studio hours, so I emailed him three openings in my schedule.
This collector didn’t ask to see a specific artwork, or go down a studio visit checklist. What he asked about were the backstories: he got to know each piece. So the visit was more about recognizing the pieces he loved.
In-situ photo of “Safe/ Not Safe (Semiahmoo).” Photo credit: Diane Venti.
And that’s the thing: this art is going to become part of your life. So I get that it may take more than one visit for someone to find the piece that’s going to move in with you, so to speak. You can get my undivided attention via text or email. And then it’s a date… well, not a date date, but an appointment with your artwork destiny.