Arts and Culture in Seattle — February 2024

WITNESS | Colleen RJC Bratton: Edgeless Burial

Paying homage to Ana Mendieta’s Siluetas, in which she imprinted or traced her own body on various terrains, Colleen RJC Bratton’s ephemeral drawings find their roots in the landscapes that birthed them: the Puget Sound, the snowy Cascades, the burn scar near Bolt Creek, and a small farmstead. Bratton reckons with impermanence, transformation, and the climate crisis in her multimedia time-lapses and "biomorphic" installation, which also reference Washington's landmark decision to legalize human composting.

Now - February 29th @ Gallery 4Culture

Learn more here

ATTEND | Black History Month Keynote with Dr. Doretha Williams

Every year, the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) proudly welcomes a distinguished Smithsonian scholar for Black History Month. Don’t miss 2024’s guest: Dr. Doretha Williams and her esteemed family history team, who’ll delve into the fascinating realm of Black ancestry and genealogy. NAAM has captivating exhibits focusing on African American art, history, and culture in the PNW year-round; check out current exhibitions Positive Frequencies and Oregon Black Pioneers.

February 15th | 6 – 8 pm @ Northwest African American Museum

Arts and Culture in Seattle — January 2024

January 10, 2024 Cloud Room

CELEBRATE | MLK Day

Seattle MLK JR Coalition: MLK Jr.’s Dream
Join the 41st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration hosted by the Seattle MLK Jr Coalition. This region-wide event encompasses engaging workshops, an empowering rally, and an impactful march. This year's theme, "MLK Jr.'s Dream Unfinished," commemorates the progress made while recognizing the ongoing challenges of the journey towards achieving racial justice and equality. Be part of this meaningful event as we reflect on the past, acknowledge the present, and strive together for a future of unity and justice.

January 15th | 9:15 am - 2:00 pm @ Garfield High School
More info

Northwest African American Museum: King Day 2024
Celebrate the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with NAAM at their annual King Day event, dedicated to honoring his life, legacy, and sacrifices. Attendees can expect a day filled with music, movies, inspiring speakers, and family-friendly activities. As part of this special occasion, NAAM is presenting the debut of their new exhibit, "Interrupting Privilege," hosted by The Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity (CCDE). Immerse yourself in this interactive mixed-media experience, where you'll delve into the history and methodology of Interrupting Privilege. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to engage with recorded dialogues, fostering a collective journey to honor the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

January 15th | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm @ Northwest African American Museum
More info

SEE | Sofya Belinskaya at Gallery 4Culture

Through large-scale watercolor portraits and oral histories, Sofya Belinskaya chronicles the heartfelt experiences of families, many living in Seattle, who were uprooted due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. She centers the question: How do we remember home when we are displaced? The process of recalling and commemorating markers of identity, tradition, and place for those separated from their homeland reveals a mechanism for coping through preservation. Хліб-сіль: Of Bread and Salt is a reminder of the toll international wars inflict on worldwide communities and an acknowledgement of our resolute perseverance.

Now – January 25th | Various times @ Gallery 4Culture

Learn More

GO | Ijeoma Oluo: Be a Revolution

Ijeoma Oluo’s #1 New York Times bestseller So You Want to Talk About Race (2019) offered a vital guide for how to talk about important issues of race and racism in society. In her new book, Be A Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World — and How You Can, Too, Oluo aims to show how people across America are working to create real positive change in our structures. Looking at many of our most powerful systems—like education, media, labor, health, housing, policing, and more—she highlights what people are doing to create change for intersectional racial equity. Oluo aims to not only educate but to inspire action and change. Join her for a discussion on how to take conversations on race and racism out of a place of pure pain and trauma, and into a place of loving action.

February 9th | 7:30 pm @ Town Hall

Get Tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — December 2023

December 8, 2023 Cloud Room

EXPERIENCE | TEMPLE: A Midwinter Celebration of Light

Step into Temple, an immersive midwinter celebration of light, love, and art, and a benefit for METHOD gallery. Seattle's first movie theater, the Coliseum, will be transformed into a sanctuary for creativity and self-expression in support of continued arts programming for one of their beloved experimental, installation spaces. This unique event will feature a blend of video and art installations, paintings and prints, live DJs, pole performances, and a tattoo booth. Let Temple be your refuge, a sacred space where you can connect with your inner creativity, embrace the beauty that surrounds you, and find solace in the shared experience of human connection as we enter the darkest days of the year.

December 16th | 8:00 pm – 2:00 am @ 500 Pike St.

SHOP | Black Artists Market

Our friends at Wa Na Wari, ARTE NOIR, and Intentionalist have teamed up to bring you a holiday craft market featuring an array of unique treasures from Black artists, artisans, and Black-owned small businesses. Discover exquisite handmade gifts, one-of-a-kind decorations, and delectable treats, all while supporting local artistry and celebrating community. From plants, to artisanal candles, to jewelry, to skincare, there’s something for everyone on your list! If you’re free on Saturday, make a day of it—the Seattle Center campus will be filled with activities including The Nutcracker, Little Women, A Very Electric Christmas, a Seattle Kraken game, and the Seattle Christmas Market.

December 16th | 11:30 am – 7:30 pm @ Opera Center

CELEBRATE | 10 years with Cone & Steiner

Congratulations to our friends, Cone & Steiner, on 10 years of business! Show your appreciation and kick it with them on Saturday to celebrate. Hello Robin (who is also ringing in their 10th year) will be joining in the festivities serving treats throughout the event, alongside hot cider and toasty mulled wine. While you’re there, have fun with face painting, cookie decorating, and snapping selfies with Santa. Your presence not only benefits a neighborhood business, it also benefits the good work of local organizations—Cone & Steiner are encouraging and supporting donations to Plymouth Housing and Alzheimer’s Association.

December 16th | 12:00 – 3:00 pm @ Cone & Steiner Capitol Hill

Arts and Culture in Seattle — November 2023

November 8, 2023 Cloud Room

LISTEN | Gravity from the Moon: A Night of Native Voices

The return of Hugo Literary Series is back to highlight both emerging and established artists with a shared commitment: to ignite your passion for reading and writing! In the coming year, Lit Series will host readings spotlighting regional writers deeply connected to place and land, and who explore the relationship between community and the environment. Gravity from the Moon is a special collaboration with Snoqualmie Casino celebrating regional Indigenous talent, culture, and spirit featuring Sasha LaPointe, Nikki Suyama, Iz White, and Peter White.

November 16th | 7:00 – 9:00 pm @ Lapis Theater

WITNESS | Anna Luisa Petrisko: All Time Stop Now

Experimental Opera All Time Stop Now is a contemplation on listening, impermanence, and kinship. A chosen family invokes a spell to stop time and in this suspended reality, they grapple with their existence in a time-based world as they search for ways to rest, heal, and feel joy. The stage morphs into a “spacetime playground” where hyper-saturated video, projection mapping, sculpture, dance, and new original music from Anna Luisa Petrisko’s latest release on Practical Records transform the senses.

November 30th – December 2nd | 8:00 pm @ On the Boards

GO | Trust for Public Land and SAL Present: An Evening with the Full Circle Everest Team

Seattle Arts and Lectures and the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land, which promotes equitable access to the outdoors, will present this free evening with the Full Circle Everest Team, the first all-Black team to summit the highest mountain on earth. Full Circle Expeditions executive director Philip Henderson, who has also summited Denali and Mount Kilimanjaro, will join sociologist/mountaineer Demond “Dom” Mullins and Trust for Public Land’s Northwest director, Mitsu Iwasaki, to “amplify a national conversation about inclusion and equity in outdoor recreation”.

November 15th | 7:30 pm @ Town Hall

Arts and Culture in Seattle — October 2023

October 11, 2023 Cloud Room

Watch | Seattle Queer Film Festival 2023

A proud presence in Seattle's film landscape since 1996, the Seattle Queer Film Festival returns with a dynamic hybrid presentation, aiming to project a diverse spectrum of LGBTQ+ narratives that cater to unique viewing preferences. Along with an 18-day celebration of queer cinema, festivalgoers can expect a slew of exciting parties, engaging live podcast sessions, thought-provoking filmmaker panels, and enriching workshops. Under the banner of this year's festival theme, "Queer Joy is Cinematic," prepare for an overflow of exuberance. Over 80 films spread across 50 captivating programs are set to grace the screens at renowned venues like the Northwest Film Forum, Broadway Performance Hall, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and Ark Lodge Cinema. It's a cinematic odyssey that promises to be nothing short of magical.

October 12th – 29th | Various times @ Various locations

Go | Short Run Comix & Arts Festival

Seattle has long been an arts, literature, and DIY city, making Short Run the perfect event to experience the coalescence of these mediums. The board behind Short Run makes a point to highlight local emerging PNW artists and established global artists to create a space for discovery, inspiration, and self-published, handmade books, comix, and prints. Attendees can expect to find an impressive gathering of 250 small press comix, zine, and book artist-exhibitors from 26 states and 8 countries.

The excitement kicks off with swag bags for the first 50 people who step through the doors. From 1 – 4 pm, Curator & Manager of Fantagraphics Bookstore Larry Reid will host interviews with artists, including a tribute to the late, great Michael Dougan. For those interested in trying their hand in creating, Paper Press Punch is returning to help you make your own 8-page zine with extras to trade. Bakescapade will also be popping up so you can enjoy coffee and pastries while you browse through vendors and support local artists!

November 4th | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm @ Fisher Pavilion

Learn | Book Launch: The Psilocybin Handbook for Women

Join Cloud Room member April Pride to learn about psilocybin for women’s health & well-being with Jennifer Chesak, author of the recently published The Psilocybin Handbook for Women. Jennifer has written an informative guidebook packed with everything you need to know about psilocybin, including its history, potential medicinal and recreational benefits, the latest evidence-based research, how to microdose and trip set, and more. You’ll also get the answers to some of your most pressing questions, like:

Does psilocybin affect women differently?
Does it matter where I am in my cycle when I use psilocybin?
Can psilocybin help with menstrual migraines, endometriosis, or PMDD?
Will psilocybin boost my sex life?
Do hormones have an impact on the entourage effect?
What the heck is the entourage effect?

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned psychonaut, this research-backed guide will help you successfully navigate the world of magic mushrooms.

November 15th | 6:00 – 10:00 pm @ Wunderground

More info / Make Reservations

Arts and Culture in Seattle — September 2023

September 13, 2023 Cloud Room

**See | 26th Annual Local Sightings Film Festival**
The venerable Local Sightings Film Festival returns for its 26th year! Through a community-created eclectic mix of features, shorts, and animations, Local Sightings invites you to embark on a cinematic odyssey that promises enlightenment and discourse. As always, this festival remains true to its roots by celebrating the indie filmmakers who choose the PNW’s distinct charm over the bustling industries of New York or L.A. Immerse yourself in the eccentricity of our region as Local Sightings transforms our city into a vibrant hub of cinematic creativity.

Beyond screenings, this hyperlocal film festival offers a unique opportunity for regional filmmakers, heartfelt storytellers, and documentarians to come together and spark connections that transcend the silver screen. Delve into the intriguing two-day found footage workshop, experience the captivating short film program curated by “nonbinary trans and queer mythbuilders” Scumtrust, and kick off festivities with the opening feature, “Fantasy A Gets a Mattress”, starring local legend Fantasy A.

September 15 – 24 | Various times @ NW Film Forum
More info / Get tickets

Witness | Speaking Volumes 2023

Cloud Room Innovation Scholar, Nebeu Shimeles, is Co-Executive Director at Pongo Poetry Project: an organization on a mission to support the well-being of young people coping with childhood trauma while confined to institutions like prisons and psychiatric hospitals. Pongo Poetry Project envisions a world where all youth who’ve experienced childhood trauma can be seen, heard, and affirmed in their full humanity, and Speaking Volumes 2023 is your opportunity to join in making that vision a reality. Featuring a lineup of exceptional PNW poets like Seattle Civic Poet (and Cloud Room Innovation Scholar!) Shin Yu Pai, WA State Poet Laureate Arianne True, and Cave Canem Fellow Quenton Baker, this event promises mesmerizing poetry and an engaging panel discussion. At Speaking Volumes 2023, you’ll have the opportunity to be a part of harnessing the transformative power of poetry and storytelling to uplift youth in our community.

September 21st | 6:30 – 8:00 pm @ Metropolist
More info / Get Tickets

Taste | OOLA Cap Hill

Hello to our new neighbors! Our friends at OOLA have officially moved into the neighborhood and we’re so excited to welcome them back into the community. Helmed by new executive chef, Liz Blacker, and mixologist, Devan Lenning, the Capitol Hill-born distillery has debuted its new bottle shop, cocktail bar, and restaurant just across the street from where it created its first batches of craft spirits. OOLA’s new location promises to embody a “true farm to table oasis” and impressive cocktail program; we’re dying to try the Hamachi Crudo, Fried Potato Rosti, and “Dancing Cheek to Cheek” cocktail. Check out the menus here.

Open Tuesday – Saturday | 5:00 – 9:30 pm @ 1412 E Union St

Arts and Culture in Seattle — August 2023

August 10, 2023 Cloud Room

LAST CHANCE | MoM
If you haven’t heard the sad news about Museum of Museums yet, we’re sorry to be the ones to break it to you: MoM is closing indefinitely. MoM’s founder and friend of the Cloud Room, Greg Lundgren, sent the official announcement out last week, citing longstanding and unfixable plumbing issues as the museum’s ultimate demise. For the past 3-ish years, Museum of Museums has been a Capitol Hill staple that showcased countless artists, from elementary school kids to some of the most talented and passionate artists in the Pacific Northwest. The small but creatively expansive space also served the community well as a gathering place for events from poetry readings to vintage malls.

MoM has a little less than one month of life left, so send them off properly with a visit while you still can. Current exhibitions include Emily Count’s immersive installation Sea of Vapors, a tactile survey of textiles and sculptures called Soft Touch, Sabin Timalsena’s interactive video display Arborescent, and more.

Last day: September 1st, 2023 | Thursday – Sunday @ MoM
Get tickets

GO | BACK2SCHOOL with SIFF

In a world where summer ends and the smell of freshly sharpened pencils fills the air, a new series at SIFF emerges, inviting you to relive the excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments of going BACK2SCHOOL. Get ready to embark on a nostalgic journey as this series takes you through the halls of academia, exploring the trials and triumphs of students from all walks of life through cult classics like 10 Things I Hate About You, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, School of Rock, The Breakfast Club, and more.

August 25th – 31st | Various times @ SIFF Cinema Egyptian

EXPERIENCE | Bumbershoot 2023

If you’re looking to close out your summer season with a festival, let it be Bumbershoot 2023. On hiatus since 2019, Bumbershoot is back and better than ever for their 50th anniversary with multiple lineups that go above and beyond typical music-centric programming to highlight artists of all practices and forms.

The culinary showcase curated by celebrated Seattle chef and restaurateur Ethan Stowell is reason enough to get a ticket; it features some of the best, most diverse local eateries including Musang, Mamnoon, Local Tide, and many more (check out the full list here). The festival also boasts engaging, community-focused artists and collectives dispersed throughout the grounds in areas like the “Fashion District”, the “Recess District”, and “Out of Sight” display. Some highlights include the playfully skillful Double Dutch Divas, the crowd-work queens of BurlesKaraoke, the inclusive skate group Roll Around Seatown, the animalistic acrobats of the Cat Circus, and a high-fashion runway featuring groundbreaking designers, drag queens, and performers.

If all that wasn’t enough, the music lineup is killer and admission is affordable and accessible. What are you waiting for? Get your ticket today!

September 2nd & 3rd | 12:30 pm @ Seattle Center

Arts and Culture in Seattle — July 2023

July 13, 2023 Cloud Room

EXPERIENCE | Seattle Art Fair

Returning to Lumen Field for its seventh year, Seattle Art Fair will continue to offer Seattleites the chance to see cool, cutting-edge contemporary work from all over the world. Local institutions and artists participate as well, producing a jam-packed weekend of once-in-a-lifetime art-viewing opportunities. The fair promises to be a bustling weekend of avant-garde, artsy goodness with public projects by big names like Tariqa Waters, Jeffrey Gibson, Marita Dingus, and Sharita Towne. Beyond the stacked artist lineup, expect an abundance of panel discussions, workshops, and gallerists visiting from near and far.

July 27th – 30th | 11:00 am @ Lumen Field Event Center

Learn more here

GO | Capitol Hill Block Party

We’ve reached that point in Seattle summer where Capitol Hill gets its true spotlight by way of Block Party. For a quarter of a century, CHBP has taken over the neighborhood with music, beer gardens, and crowds of people buzzing with excitement. This year’s headliners include electronic music group Louis the Child, electro duo Sofi Tukker, futuristic Florida rapper Denzel Curry, and iconic British producer and singer PinkPantheress. Other swoon-worthy acts include indie group MUNA, rapper Rico Nasty, DJ and producer Channel Tres, pop stars Coco & Clair Clair, and ethereal singer Empress Of. Although CHBP garners big national and international hitters, they always make space for local musicians like pop musician Sea Lemon, psych rockers Acid Tongue, dream poppers Coral Grief, and much more. Although this lineup isn’t one you want to miss, you can always enjoy the action from a distance; CHBP has stacked the Chophouse Row courtyard with free programming all weekend featuring funky all-vinyl DJs.

July 21st– 23rd| Various times @ Capitol Hill’s Pike/Pine Corridor

WITNESS | XO Seattle

If you didn’t get the opportunity to check out the coveted, elusive experience that is XO Seattle last summer, consider this your sign to attend this year. Self-described as a love letter to the creative community of the PNW, XO Seattle isn't a gallery or art fair; it's a roving curatorial practice that features a rotating collective of artists, builders, and community organizers. For this summer only, XO has found a temporary home in Seattle's historic Coliseum Theatre and the art and performances they’ve filled it with are immersive and innovative. Although their grand opening events are sold out, their calendar is stacked with plenty of fun, upcoming happenings. Unique experiences range from fashion shows, to experimental dance performances, to local femme-centered party Babe Night, to exclusive shows headlined by Seattle’s own Chastity Belt. Check out their calendar here and snag a ticket before they’re gone.

July 13th – September 8th | Various times @ The Coliseum Theatre

Learn more here

Arts and Culture in Seattle — June 2023

June 8, 2023 Cloud Room

CELEBRATE | Indigiqueer Festival

There is no shortage of Pride events in Seattle during the month of June—between parades, parties, and drag shows, it’s hard to decide on what to attend. To kick off your Pride weekend festivities, consider making your way down to the waterfront for the Indigiqueer festival: an all-ages event celebrating the beauty and power of Indigiqueer/Two-Spirit people. The fest features a long lineup of queer, Native drag queens, dancers, and musicians who’ll take the stage to entertain and gather in joy. Performances will be hosted by drag queen and event organizer, Hailey Tayathy of the Quileute Nation, who uses their queer Native experiences to inform their unique brand of drag through which they aim to bring healing to Indigenous communities.

June 23rd | 4:00 – 8:00 pm @ Pier 62

LEARN | Cyberfeminism Index Book Launch

In a rigid tech world dominated by men, designer, professor, and researcher, Mindy Seu, has carved out a resourceful space of radical techno-critical activism. In Cyberfeminism Index, hackers, scholars, artists, and activists of all regions, races and sexual orientations consider how humans might reconstruct themselves by way of technology. The book includes more than 700 short entries in a variety of media, including excerpts from academic articles and scholarly texts; descriptions of hackerspaces, digital rights activist groups, and bio-hacktivism; and depictions of feminist net art and new media art. Cyberfeminism Index is beautifully and carefully constructed by Seu, who will be at the book launch for a performative reading followed by a panel discussion. Other panelists include Kemi Adeyemi, UW Associate Professor of Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies and author of Feels Right: Black Queer Women & the Politics of Partying in Chicago, and Anna Lauren Hoffman, Associate Professor with The Information School at UW and senior fellow with the Center for Applied Transgender Studies.

June 15th | 6:30 – 8:30 pm @ Seattle Central Library

SUPPORT | REVIVAL: Juneteenth Pop-Up Market

Celebrate and support Black-owned businesses in the heart of the Central District this Juneteenth by stopping at the REVIVAL Pop-Up Market. Capitol Hill EcoDistrict has paired with ARTE NOIR to bring back this outdoor market with a mission to center local Black, Brown, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ businesses. The vendors featured in REVIVAL don’t have traditional storefront locations, so attendees will be able to find goods they can’t find anywhere else, like vintage clothes from JAMIL, crystal carvings from Nefertiti Holistic’s, perfumes from SAMAR, and stories from mobile bookstore Hella Black Books. While you shop, enjoy tunes from a special KEXP live broadcast hosted by DJ Riz.

June 18th | 12:00 – 5:00 pm @ Midtown Square Plaza

Arts and Culture in Seattle — May 2023

May 11, 2023 Cloud Room

CELEBRATE | Beyond the Beat

Seattle has always had a flourishing music community full of emerging youth artists changing and challenging the scene. Supporting local up and coming musicians is essential to sustaining the rich, colorful culture of creativity that makes Seattle, Seattle. Show up and show out for them this weekend at Beyond the Beat. Hosted by KEXP in partnership with LANGSTON, The Vera Project, and The Goodbye Look, Beyond the Beat is a free event that celebrates community and the future of Seattle music. Learn about various youth and all-ages workshops and events going on in Seattle while listening to DJs Mike Ramos and Vitamin D spin in the background. Local performers Kassa Overall (Seattle-born Grammy-nominated drummer, singer, and producer), Talaya, and King ZAAE will take the stage with live performances.

May 13th | 2:00 – 7:00 pm @ Seattle Center

SUPPORT | Art Transforms 2023

Since 2008, local nonprofit Path with Art has been at the forefront of a growing international movement that utilizes the power of art to bring dignity, awareness, and healing to the complex issues of homelessness and trauma recovery. Considering Seattle’s rapidly growing unhoused population, this work is more vital than ever. Through transformative arts engagement and community building, Path with Art fosters the restoration of the relationship between individuals, their communities, and society at large. Support their vision by attending Art Transforms for a night of good food and conversation with the nonprofit’s participant artists and keynote speaker, Dr. Jill Sonke.

May 23rd | 5:30 pm @ Paramount Theatre

ATTEND | The Moth Mainstage

If you’ve yet to attend an event by the critically acclaimed nonprofit collective, The Moth, their Mainstage show is one you won’t want to miss. The Moth pumps out countless live and virtual shows and workshops in addition to a podcast, a Peabody Award-winning Radio Hour, and New York Times bestselling books, but their quintessential experience comes in the form of The Mainstage. This event goes beyond theatre, creating a community where entertainment and enlightenment merge. The curated, two-act show features five incredible (and ordinary) people from all walks of life who share their true stories live and without notes. This event only comes to Seattle once a year and each one is unique, so get a ticket while you can!

May 25th | 6:30 pm @ Benaroya Hall

Arts and Culture in Seattle — April 2023

April 13, 2023 Cloud Room

SEE | TRANSlations

If you’ve been keeping up with the volatile socio-political climate threatening trans rights (or haven’t been living under a rock), you might be curious about ways in which you can support the trans community. In addition to tangible avenues of allyship (i.e., financial, legislative), consider getting a ticket to one of only nine trans film festivals in the world—TRANSlations: Seattle Trans Film Festival. The theme for 2023’s fest is “TRANS THROUGH TIME” to celebrate the longevity and resilience of trans people past, present, and future. Now in its 18th year, this hybrid festival boasts unforgettable trans-centered features, short films, and special events. TRANSlations has carved out a space to support trans artists, build community, and lift up the stories and experiences of trans folks from the source—it’s an opportunity to connect that you won’t want to miss.

Virtual: Streaming May 4th – 7th

In-Person: May 5th & 6th | Various times @ Ark Lodge Cinemas & The Beacon Cinema

ATTEND | Seattle Art Book Fair

Looking to jazz up your coffee table offerings, add some cool prints to your walls, get connected with the local art community, or just check out some really rad creations by really rad people? Look no further than the Seattle Art Book Fair (SABF). A free annual festival, the SABF celebrates independent publishing, book design, and “books-as-art”—a category of publications that utilize books as an artistic medium and practice. Over sixty-five local, national, and international artists, designers, and organizations will be exhibiting works that push the possibilities of what books can be. If you’re interested in immersing yourself further, SABF’s programming also features an abundance of free talks, workshops, and art installations from members of their extended arts community.

May 6th – 7th | 11 am @ Washington Hall

EXPERIENCE | FIRELIGHT: Dance + Music + Storytelling

Every month, Velocity Dance Center and Café Racer join forces to bring together a rotating gathering of artists for FIRELIGHT. Every performance is wildly different and ever-changing depending on the collaborators at play. Velocity’s Curating Artist in Residence, Alyza DelPan-Monley, invites creators from dance, storytelling, music, and performance backgrounds to co-imagine the entire show. This provides a rare opportunity for artists to share their work and perhaps stretch into less familiar forms and styles. The production process begins by asking the group of collaborators what they’re interested in, what they care about, and what they’d like to make art about; from there, a performance takes form. FIRELIGHT is an intentionally low stakes social gathering meant to be fun and caring, so bring a friend, grab a drink, and see what these artists have created.

April 19th | 8:00 pm @ Café Racer

Arts and Culture in Seattle — March 2023

March 9, 2023 Cloud Room

WITNESS | CHOICE: 30 Visual Artists respond to the Reversal of Roe vs. Wade

Just a reminder—Roe vs. Wade is still overturned and the right to abortion and body autonomy is still not considered a constitutional right. The rage that followed this shift continues to be viscerally felt, permeating today. What is being done with that rage? How is it being channeled? At the Vashon Center for the Arts, a collective of over 30 artists have used it to create CHOICE: an exhibition that dives deep into the emotion and impact of the Roe vs. Wade reversal. This collection of art invites viewers to join a powerful dialogue surrounding womxn’s bodies and their right to them—drawing attention to injustice and hardship through diverse pieces. Works range from paintings to photography to prints to mixed media to a giant crochet uterus installation by Fumi Amano. Before Women’s History Month is over, take a trip to Vashon Island and experience the potency of this exhibit in person.

March 3rd – April 2nd | 12 – 5 pm @ Vashon Center for the Arts

ATTEND | AWP Conference and Bookfair

Calling all readers, writers, poets, publishers, students, teachers, and bookworms! The AWP Conference & Bookfair (short for the “Association of Writers & Writing Programs”) has officially kicked off as of yesterday. This four-day-long affair is the ultimate who’s-who of the book world—chockful of events, workshops, programs, readings, literary conversations, and celebrations. Central to the AWP Conference is the Bookfair: the nation’s largest marketplace for independent literary presses and journals slinging one-of-a-kind small batch goodies. The exhibition hall will also be stacked with an impressive panel lineup of speakers and topics like “Writing Motherhood in Post-Roe America”, “Storytelling for Change: Environmental Racism and Literature”, and “Mutant, Monster, Misfit, Myself: Writing the Disabled/Chronically Ill Body”. The headlining keynote for the conference will be given by Min Jin Lee, author of the Korean historical epic, Pachinko.

If you haven’t registered for the AWP Conference, don’t sweat—there are plenty of literary venues around town hosting offsite events open to the public that are just as interesting! From sapphic storytelling to Indigenous poetry celebrations to screenings to karaoke dance parties, there’s truly something for everyone.

Through March 11th | Various times @ Seattle Convention Center & Various offsite venues

SEE | ByDesign Festival 2023

The ByDesign Festival showcases a unique amalgamation of arts, building a bridge between the architecture world and the film world in the theatre. A collaboration between the Seattle Design Festival and Northwest Film Forum, the ByDesign Festival is a cross-cultural exploration of people, structures, and ideas at the intersection of architecture and the moving image. Featuring a broad, inclusive selection of films, performances, and interactive activities, attendees are invited to interrogate their own relationships to personal and collective identity as well as examine how humanity’s understanding of itself is central to the ways in which it creates the physical world. The film lineup and schedule are yet to be announced, but check out the trailer for ByDesign 2023 here in the meantime—expect intricate stop motion, symmetrical stills, sumptuous aesthetics, and mind-bending visuals.

March 17th – 26th | Various times @ NW Film Forum

Arts and Culture in Seattle — February 2023

February 9, 2023 Cloud Room

WITNESS | On Being: Krista Tippett with Isabel Wilkerson

If you’re big on podcasting, you should already know about Peabody Award-winning host Krista Tippett and her podcast, On Being. What began as a radio show on two public stations has since been named best podcast by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and The Webbys—with more than 400 million streams and downloads. On Being aims to provide the same validity to the subjects of religion and spirituality as we do politics and economics—often questioning what it means to be human, how we want to live, and who we should be to each other.

Witness the magic and insight of On Being during a live, in-person recording organized by Seattle Arts and Lectures featuring guest speaker Isabel Wilkerson. Wilkerson, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Humanities Medal, has emerged as a leading figure in narrative nonfiction with The Warmth of Other Suns and Caste. Through her work as an acclaimed author and journalist, Wilkerson brings marginalized stories to the light and passionately investigates the need to reconcile with America’s history and divisiveness. This conversation on the human condition between two esteemed perspectives is one you won’t want to miss.

February 15th | 7:30 pm @ Benaroya Hall

EXPERIENCE | Black Belt Eagle Scout

Portland’s Katherine Paul is the queer Indigenous multi-instrumental musician behind the Black Belt Eagle Scout moniker. Her latest album, The Land, The Water, The Sky, is set to drop tomorrow, February 10th, and is inspired by Paul’s 2020 return to her motherland: the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Reservation along the Skagit River. Paul acts as a storyteller on this 12-track album, kindling feelings of loneliness, grief, and hope while celebrating her ancestral lineage and strength. She Shreds Magazine paints a perfect picture of Black Belt Eagle Scout and the music she makes:

“If you can imagine all of the best things that the Pacific Northwest has brought us—Mount Eerie, Grunge, Sleater-Kinney, The Girls Rock Camp, and lush mountain ranges—reimagined and told through the perspective of an Indigenous Swinomish/Iñupiaq woman; if you can imagine the magic that would bring to your life then you can imagine Black Belt Eagle Scout”.

Experience The Land, The Water, The Sky live in Seattle at Black Belt Eagle Scout’s upcoming tour.

February 15th | 7:00 pm @ Neumos

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WATCH | 11th Annual Seattle Asian American Film Festival

The Seattle Asian American Film Festival (SAAFF) is back for its eleventh year! Festivities will kick off with an Opening Night Party at Washington Hall followed by a 4-day in-person viewing weekend at Northwest Film Forum. This year’s program boasts 91 films; from micro animations by Wing Luke Museum’s Teensway youth program, to following the journey of an all-women Taiko troupe coming together right before the start of the pandemic, there’s something in every program that will speak to you or spark inspiration. Now more than ever, it’s critical to support artists who are amplifying and embracing their unique communities by spotlighting difficult conversations with diverse voices and perspectives. Check out the film guide here to learn about the makers behind each film and get excited about what’s playing.

In person: February 23rd – 26th | Various times @ Northwest Film Forum

Virtual: February 27th – March 5th

Arts and Culture in Seattle — January 2023

January 12, 2023 Cloud Room

HONOR: 23rd Annual KEXP Expansions MLK Unity Party

For the past 23 years, KEXP has celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a big party that channels his liberating spirit. Kicking off the party is DJ Supreme La Rock with a live broadcast of Sunday Soul followed by veteran hosts of KEXP’s “Expansions” program: DJ’s Riz, Kid Hop, and Brit Hansen. Founded by DJ Riz Rollins in late 1995, “Expansions” was created as a response to the rapidly expanding acid jazz scene that was growing popular in local clubs but remained underexposed on local radio. The show has consistently been a communal mix of hosts and genres, blending old and new releases of trip-hop, chill, ambient, drum and bass, house, dub, electronica, jazz, and so much indefinably more. The “Expansions” DJs are master curators, so the Unity Party mix is sure to be a fun one. If you can’t join in on the dancing and celebration in-person, you can tune into KEXP Sunday night to enjoy the live broadcast.

January 15th | 6:00 pm – 2:00 am @ Clock-Out Lounge

ATTEND: MoM Winter Exhibitions Opening Party

MoM has been preparing all January for their winter exhibition premier in February, and it looks like the perfect curation of sweet and funky to cure the winter blues. Coming to the Malone Gallery is SOFT TOUCH: a tactile, immersive survey of textile art and soft sculpture featuring over 40 artists from the PNW and beyond. Meanwhile, The Emergence Room, a space that celebrates visual art by young artists, will be welcoming new works on a new inspired prompt—the previous theme was “Supreme Art from Magical Beings”. Returning to True Space is “Gum Baby” by Tariqa Waters—a subversive installation wonderland of glass sculptures, lighting, and imagery.

Some previous exhibits and these newer ones will be up all winter, but if you want to kick off the season properly, get tickets to MoM’s opening party! Bring some friends to engage with art and other like-minded folks while enjoying live music, DJs, and drinks from a pop-up bar by The Hideout.

MoM Member Preview: February 2nd | 6:00 pm – 12:00 am @ MoM
Public Opening Party: February 3rd | 6:00 pm – 12:00 am @ MoM

Arts and Culture in Seattle — December 2022

December 8, 2022 Cloud Room

ATTEND: MoM GALA

We love a good party, and the annual Museum of Museums fall gala is going to be a glitzy, cosmic affair you won’t want to miss. Each year, MoM pulls out all the stops for this formal, fashion-forward event to celebrate the museums members, artists, and greater community. This year’s theme is “Out of this World”—a spacey soirée with starry, astrological, alien, and galactic motifs. The gala promises to be astronomically studded with art, performances, music, and libations, featuring a live music show by ARCHIE, DJ sets by DJ Funfetti and La Mala Noche, and celestial art by Izzy Phantom. Paparazzi abound, so be sure to show up and show out with your most extraterrestrial outfit to party the night away.

December 17th | 8:00 pm – 1:00 am @ MoM

SHOP: RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR SEATTLE

Seattle is big on shopping small and with so many holiday markets popping up all over the city, how can you tell which ones are worth your while? With over 180 curated local artists, the Renegade Craft Tour is a standout. Formed in 2003, Renegade Craft consists of a collective of creatives who produce events and endeavors around the country with the goal to build, cultivate, and foster creative community. By hosting dynamic events for small creators to connect with each other and consumers, Renegade Craft answers the need for conscious consumerism, sustainability, and an accessible creative economy. Join them this weekend to find some truly unique holiday gifts and support small businesses and artists! If you can’t make it, you can always shop their online Collective—an ever-evolving roster of their community’s craft designers.

December 10th & 11th | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm @ Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park

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TASTE: GEMINI ROOM

Ever since beloved next-door neighbors, Café Pettirosso, closed their 11th Ave doors this February, our corner of the neighborhood has been missing a bit of sparkle—but not for long! The Gemini Room, a new, all-day café and bar will be opening their doors on 11th and Pike this month. The team behind this debut project is a collaborative powerhouse of all-woman & all-LGBTQ industry veterans backed by the owners of Oddfellows, Elliot Bay Books, and Big Little News. Gemini’s interior will boast a nostalgic 70s vibe, accented by moody lighting, textural materials, and post-mod patterns. Menu offerings will consist of familiar favorites from high-quality coffee and grab-and-go breakfast staples in the morning, to fresh seasonal sandwiches and salads in the afternoon, to late-night fare featuring a wide range of elevated shareable bites. Don’t forget about the cocktails—drinks will shine with fun and funky glassware, punch bowls to share, and unique infusions that will transport customers to a different time and place.

Soft Opening: Mid/Late December

Arts and Culture in Seattle — November 2022

November 10, 2022 Cloud Room

TASTE: TERROIR BAZAAR

The second annual Terroir Bazaar is on the horizon! Join Light Sleeper and Wide Eyed Wines at Chophouse Row for an afternoon of tasting delicious wines. They'll be featuring over two dozen natural wines from Walden Selections, Vin2U Wine Group, Owen Kotler Selections, Petit Monde Wine Merchant, and Kily Import, all expertly curated to perfectly complement your holiday table. Each wine offered at the tasting will be available for take away with special discounts on six and twelve bottle purchases—perfect for gifting during the season of giving. In addition to vino, Light Sleeper will be offering and selling amazing, unique snacks, as well as festive pantry items and more surprises to come. Don't miss the chance to stock up on some very limited wines for a very limited time and make a fun Saturday out of it at Chophouse Row!

November 19 | 12:00 – 5:00 pm @ Chophouse Row

ATTEND: HRVST HOUSE X SESSIONS IN PLACE LIVE SHOW AND AFTER PARTY

Hrvst House, a Seattle-based production company providing strategic and creative services for artists and brands worldwide, is collaborating with Sessions in Place, a local Emmy award-winning collective of volunteer filmmakers and multimedia artists, for an unforgettable live show. Both Hrvst House and Sessions in Place focus on showcasing regional artists through beautiful content and events, so it’s only right they’ve joined forces to present Sessions In Place LIVE: a hybrid concert with four headlining performances by Livt, Donte Thomas, Rell Be Free and Claudine Magbag. Showgoers will be a part of the live audience as Sessions in Place works their cinematography magic for stream viewers at home. To top it off, Hrvst House will be closing the night the only way they know how—with an after party hosted by DJ Pax. The show and afterparty will all be going down in the beautiful Emerald City Trapeze Arts Space in SODO. If you haven't been to a Hrvst House event before, all they have to say is: COME AND FIND OUT.

November 11 | Doors: 6:00 pm / Starts: 7:00 pm @ Emerald City Trapeze Arts Space

SUPPORT: EQUALUX

Support and celebrate our local LGBTQ+ community by attending the glamorous, not-to-be-missed EQUALUX fundraising gala! Join the GSBA for an evening of exquisite bites from top-notch restaurants, renowned Washington State wines, show-stopping entertainment, top-notch silent and live auctions full of unique items and memorable experiences, and a multi-course meal. The gala also provides touching opportunities to hear powerful stories and beautiful performances by GSBA Scholars and leaders.

All proceeds from EQUALUX benefit the GSBA Scholarship Fund, the oldest LGBTQ+ scholarship fund in the U.S. Since its founding in 1990, the GSBA Scholarship Fund has invested $5.5 million in LGBTQ+ students who exemplify leadership potential, strong academic ability, community involvement, and dedication. The scholarship program works to empower students with marginalized intersectional identities within the LGBTQ+ community and provides not only financial support for students, but a network of support, skills-based workshops, and a yearly three-day leadership immersion camp. Show up and show out to honor these future leaders and ensure the GSBA Scholarship will be sustained for years to come.

November 19 | 5:00 pm @ The Westin Seattle

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Arts and Culture in Seattle—October 2022

October 13, 2022 Cloud Room

DRESS UP: HOTEL SORRENTO’S GHOSTLY GALA

Are you looking for Halloween plans this spooky season? Dance (or float) the night away at the Ghostly Gala! A ticket gets you yummy perks, including a mouthwatering food menu and Halloween-themed cocktails like “The Great Pumpkin” and “Frank N. Steins Elixir”. DJ Abbie will be commandeering the dancefloor and there’ll be many opportunities to immortalize your Halloween costume with photo opportunities. Don’t be surprised if ghosts or spirits pop up in your pictures; Hotel Sorrento is a 113-year-old Seattle establishment considered to be the most haunted place in Seattle. Many guests and visitors have claimed to see the ghost of writer Alice B. Toklas shrouded in white or black, wandering the hotel halls, causing lights to flicker and drinks to mysteriously move around. If you’re looking for an authentic and terrifyingly good time, look no further than Hotel Sorrento’s Ghostly Gala.

October 29th | 6:00 – 10:00 pm @ Top of the Town Ballroom in Hotel Sorrento

ATTEND: SEATTLE QUEER FILM FESTIVAL

The 27th annual Seattle Queer Film Festival kicks off tonight! Witness queer magic at this 10-day long fest full of film, art gallery shows, parties, meetups, live podcasts, and fun. This year, the festival is accessible both online and in person, featuring a diverse slate of queer cinema from across the globe (59 programs comprised of 150 films, to be exact). Check out their film guide categorized by various genres and LGBTQ+ identities to see just how varied their showings are. The centerpiece of this year’s festival is a double feature of two unique, captivating comedies: “YOUTOPIA”, the winner of honorable mention for North American narrative feature at LA’s Outfest, and “THE JESSICA CABIN”, writer/director Daniel Montgomery’s feature film debut. This double feature and the seemingly endless lineup of queer films will be shown at historic venues all over Capitol Hill, including NW Film Forum, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and Broadway Performance Hall.

The entertainment doesn’t stop at the theatre—parties, celebrations, and workshops abound! Get the good times rolling at the opening party with an exclusive burlesque performance, a DJ activated dance floor, and the premier of “WHAT THE FUNK?!”, about of Seattle’s first inaugural BIPOC Burlesque festival. As you move through the week, swing by the Magic Fair to pick up enchanted goods from queer vendors, make new friends at Wild Rose’s Sapphic Soiree or Pony’s Pony Up Gay Meetup, experience the MOTORBYKE/SUPERDYKE multimedia art installation and zine making workshop at MoM, and wrap it all up at the closing party next Saturday. While the Seattle Queer Film Festival is intended to be catalyst for LGBTQ+ community building, allies are welcome to support and attend the festival to witness the magic of queer cinema too.

October 13th – 23rd | Various times @ Various locations