Join us for an art walk in The Cloud

Remember being able to go outside whenever you wanted? Yeah… good times. Paradoxically, though, being shut in this Friday means you can jump from your place to Gallery One and my studio in less than a minute.

At 6:15pm PST tonight, Gallery One hosts the virtual opening reception for the artists of “Between the Fold.” Ed Marquand and I will participate in the comment section, as the jurors of this book arts group exhibit. But that’s not all…

… come over to my studio and I’ll show you where I made the work for my exhibit “Never the Same Book Twice.” (I cleaned up ‘specially for you and everything.) So this evening, I’m inviting you to take a walk in the cloud: not through a bunch of internet servers and databases… we’re going to the online version of First Friday Ellensburg. See you there!

How to survive the current plague

Bravo to those who braved coronavirus exposure to attend the opening of “20/20 Vision” art exhibit! I was surprised (and relieved) to see collectors and artists crowding into the gallery for First Thursday.

But I’m also a little concerned about the people I didn’t see at the art walk. So here are my totally unscientific, Top Two Tips for surviving the current plague, whether you’re making or appreciating the art.

First: Artists can’t live in ghost towns.

Artist Susan Derrick gets a better look at “They Don’t Really Feel Pain” by Lisa Myers Bulmash

As you see above, art galleries are still open, and so are many artist studios. They rely on foot traffic, to some degree. If you’re still feeling pretty healthy (no flu-like symptoms, not coughing or sneezing into your elbow), go out. Go to the next art walk or performance, whether you’re in a spending mood or just showing up to support a friend.

Second: Fill your cart from home.

Maggie Jiang’s paintings at Koplin del Rio Gallery, Pioneer Square

The lovely thing about collecting art online is that there’s no risk of COVID-19 infection. It’s just you and the germs you’re already carrying. (Psst: wash your hands, kids.) Try browsing your favorite gallery or artist website and see if there’s an artwork you just can’t live without. Email/ direct message/ text the artist or gallery and arrange to pick up the work when you’re feeling better.

And in case I forgot to say it earlier: WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER. The longer you stay healthy, the more art events you can attend.

The "One" reason to visit Ellensburg in April

What’s worth the drive over the hill and through the woods to Ellensburg? I’ll give you a hint…

Gallery One is hosting my upcoming solo art exhibit! “Never the Same Book Twice” will open on April 3rd, in tandem with the group book arts show, “Between the Fold.” Altered books also take precedence in my exhibit — both new and existing work — debuting in the mezzanine gallery.

Seems like everyone has visited Ellensburg except me… so I’ll need a few friends to show me around. Any suggestions of restaurants that would welcome a rampaging pack of art nerds? Let me know here, on Facebook or on Instagram!