L O O K:
First Thursday from Your Sofa
As we all begin to adapt to a new reality under Covid-19 lockdown, many little impulses or traditions must be denied or redirected. One of those beloved traditions, to take in new art at local galleries at the start of each month -- as so many Seattleites often do on ‘First Thursdays’-- would be yet another one of those canceled occasions, were it not for two arts enthusiasts who decided to create a virtual First Thursday experience for us to enjoy in our own homes. While Seattle galleries have closed their doors during the Covid lockdown, Lauren Gallow, Gray Magazine’s executive editor, teamed up with Gabriel Stromberg, creative director at Civilization to document a virtual tour of 25 local art exhibits.
They’ve titled the ephemeral virtual art walk “By The Hour,” and filmed it live last Thursday. In case you find yourself lusting after some artistic inspiration, you can watch the entire 90 minute segment here. Tune in to learn more about so many artists and the important work they’ve done that is now on display in Seattle’s shuttered galleries. Lauren and Gabriel would like to encourage people to continue to think and talk about art during this time, even though we might not be able to witness it in person. “By The Hour is a way for people to show up for the arts, without leaving their homes. By tuning in to our live broadcast, people can learn about the artists, curators, and galleries who are the cultural lifeblood of our community,” said Gallow. “I love nothing more than sharing stories about art, so producing and hosting By The Hour is my dream come true! I can't wait to see what we do next.”
One favorite is the group show at SOIL gallery titled “Conscious Collaboration with Spirit” curated by Leah Nyugen. This show features seven artists and focuses on artists who use a collaboration with spirit as part of their work. Nyugen wants to bring awareness and conversation to a topic that is typically ignored or avoided by the art world. Brain Flows by Nola Avienne is also on display in the back gallery space. Avienne’s work features drawings done in acrylic ink on rag vellum of dendritic brain structures inspired by MRI’s. As Gallow points out, it’s an interesting juxtaposition of both the spiritual and the scientific in one gallery. We’re also crushing on Jennifer Ament’s prints over at Zinc Gallery, and the Fruitsuper show. Check out the instagram handle @_by_the_hour_ for updates in real time and continued posts of artists’ works, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #bythehour as you share and discuss art with your friends online.
Photo: Artwork entitled “Here We Are Now, Entertain Us” by Jennifer Ament
E X P E R I E N C E:
Yoga at Sanctuary or Breathwork with Josephine Edmondson
Now more than ever, our collective anxiety may be heightened as we think about the members of our society who are out on the front lines, and our loved ones who are sick or struggling. It is a critical time to remember to breathe and to move our bodies (if we are able to do so). An array of workout videos and streaming classes are available online to help with this. We’d like to recommend a new-ish studio based in Queen Anne called Sanctuary. Sanctuary offers virtual yoga classes in a variety of settings. They were one of the first studios to offer free classes online, particularly important for members of the community who are struggling to find work right now.
If you are looking for an intense psychological cleansing in addition to the more physical variety, Josephine Edmondson has been offering virtual breathwork classes that are both cathartic and rejuvenating. She plays eclectic music throughout the forty minutes of intense breathing, and her calming voice can help anyone face down the eye of the storm in these turbulent times. She also offers reduced rates or free classes for those who are in need. More information is available on her website, and her next class is scheduled for April 11 from 1 to 2:30pm.
Photo: Sanctuary — Seattle, WA
T A S T E:
Dinner and a Movie via Golas Kitchen
Long gone are Saturdays and Sundays packed full of parties and brunch dates. That said, putting some planning together for your upcoming weekend isn’t impossible (it just might be in the form of local take-out and the House Party app), but Golas Kitchen just made booking a date night in the time of Covid-19 a little easier and a lot more fun with their curated “Dinner & A Movie” series. Golas Kitchen is a catering company owned by husband and wife team Michal Gola and Osiris Navarro. Their Czech and Filipino backgrounds enhance their colorfully creative cuisine and events. Like most other local food businesses, they’ve had to pivot their business model and are now offering prix-fixe menus available for curbside pickup, available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday “until this is done,” (according to their recent Instagram post).
This coming weekend their menu will be inspired by the film “Good Fellas,” available on Netflix, and will feature baked ziti, pork cutlets in a sage and mushroom sauce, garlicky green beans, and cannoli. Future food and film pairings include suggested home-screenings of “Joy Luck Club,” paired with congee and housemade dumplings, “Julie and Julia” with a Boeuf Bourguignon and potato galette and chocolate mousse for dessert, and for the film “Chef,” they’re pairing Mojo Marinated Pork Shoulder with citrus salsa, arroz verde & beans, and Maduros, which are sweet plantains. The menus are $75 for three courses, and $15 for a dessert portioned for two people. You can order online, or contact info@golaskitchen.com for more information. That’s amore!