Add Culture to Your Week with an Art Walk in Seattle
Seattle certainly isn’t lacking in things to do, especially if you’re young and active. One facet of city life that particularly appeals to the younger set: art walks. They not only promote local artists and musicians, but also promote exercise and community. If you’re interested in getting to know your neighbors and your city a little bit better, explore some of Seattle’s trending neighborhoods on an art walk. You can see this comprehensive list from Seattle Artists or check out our guide, which highlights a few of the best:
Pioneer Square
Every first Thursday of the month, Pioneer Square showcases the same works of art that have been part of its landscape since the ‘60s. Gallery owners started flocking here back then to take advantage of its picturesque Victorian storefronts, turning them into display spaces for local artists. Unsurprisingly, the artists followed, and today you can see some of their best stuff. Billed as the country’s first art walk (and a very real contender, given that it first started in 1981), Pioneer Square’s art walk kicks off at 5 p.m. every First Thursday of the month. Spend three hours exploring special shows at art galleries sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Once you’re done, you can still ogle the public art installations strewn around Pioneer Square, like the Native American totem poles in Occidental.
Fremont Art Walk
After you’ve explored Pioneer Square on Thursday, check out Fremont Friday night. Every first Thursday of the month you can tweet photos of striking local art from Frame-Up Studios, evo Timesinfinity Gallery, SATURN, and the other participating venues in the community. From photographs to abstract paintings to carefully crafted pieces of artisanal furniture, the many pieces you’ll encounter along the way at the Fremont Art Walk should both surprise and inspire. Wonder at the complexity of an oil-painted portrait of nature by longtime drawer and painter Alyce Wolfe. Check out the vibrant, colorful photos that talented artist Peggy Curtis snapped on a trip to Ireland. Or stare into the soulful eyes of a hand drawn gopher by offbeat artist Frida Clements.
West Seattle Art Walk
The second week of every month enjoys some love, too, courtesy of West Seattle Art Walk. As you traverse this path of colors and textures from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (rain, shine, or cold), you’ll get to experience some of the most poignant works by local artists. You’ll also be introduced to dozens of shop owners and merchants around West Seattle Junction, the Fauntleroy District, Alki Beach, and surrounding neighborhoods. Some of the displays offer you the chance to put your hard-earned bucks towards a good cause, like the Cris Miller show at BendnMove. It features moving photos that you might want to snatch up for your own living room, and proceeds go to the Nepal Seeds scholarship program, so you can feel good about your purchase.
