OLD Whidbey Life Magazine

Category: Member News

Rob Schouten Gallery presents “Friends in Life and Art: New works by Francy Blumhagen and Sharon Spencer” through July

Friday Night Reception is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 3

Madonna has nothing on these Material Girls. Rob Schouten Gallery is pleased to present “Friends in Life and Art — Francy Blumhagen and Sharon Spencer,” which opens July 3 and runs through Aug. 3 at Greenbank Farm.

“Taking a Moment,” bronze by Sharon Spencer. All photos on this page are by Michael Stadler.

Paper, pulp, ink, paint, bamboo, fiber and bronze and are some of the materials that inspire these artists, along with Japanese art, nature and friendship. Spencer will show both bronze pieces and mixed-media sculptures, while Blumhagen will show mixed-media collages.

These friends, who have each been making art for 40 years, have formed a strong bond through long walks with their dogs at Greenbank Farm while talking about art, process and sometimes uncooperative materials.

“Red Moon,” mixed-media collage by Francy Blumhagen.

Spencer, who is well-known and admired for her bronzes, began exploring mixed-media about five years ago.

“It’s interesting when you find someone you can trust and can share something about ideas,” Spencer said. “I’ve learned a lot from Francy.”

“We are both interested in materials,” Blumhagen said. “I’m interested in seeing what happens with the paper, the ink, the paint and how it leads me to the next experiment. The images become less important as I watch what the materials will do.”

“It’s the experimenting with these new materials that brought a lot of joy and energy back into my work-life,” Spencer said. “It’s important to stay alive and not keep doing the same thing over and over again. It kills the spirit of the work and if that happens, you can see it in the work.”

Both artists reveal a Japanese sensibility with this show. Not surprising since Spencer studied at a school of Japanese arts in a Kyoto shrine run by women and devoted to the study of nature. Blumhagen’s father had been stationed in Japan, so she grew up in a house full of asian art.

“Shinto,” bamboo, fibers, handmade paper, cording.

“It instilled something in me,” Blumhagen said, “and I love going to Sharon’s house because it is filled with asian art.”

“Yes, I’ve always loved Japanese things,” Spencer added.

“Listening to Sharon talk about wanting to always branch out is something I’ve been wanting to do, too. I want to forge ahead; indulge myself and see what happens,” Blumhagen said.

Come over to Rob Schouten Gallery in July and see what these ultimate “Material Girls” made happen.

“Crows,” mixed-media collage by Francy Blumhagen.

Meet the artists from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 3 during Greenbank Farm’s “First Friday at the Farm.” The Pies Café will be open for dinner, while the galleries and shops welcome visitors to enjoy a little wine and cheese, meet the artists, see some beautiful art, all while roaming around beautiful Greenbank Farm. We’d love to see you!

Rob Schouten Gallery, a premier showcase for Whidbey Island and Northwest artists, is located at 765 Wonn Road, #C-103 at the historic Greenbank Farm. Gallery Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For further information, call 360.222.3070 or email info@robschoutengallery.com.

June 24, 2015
PAWZ 5K walk/run returns to Langley May 25

May 6, 2015

It will be a doggone great day for the third annual PAWZ 5K run/walk offered on a beautiful course through the seaside village of Langley on Whidbey Island. The event will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 and you can register online at www.PawzbytheSea.com

This family-friendly event allows you to walk or run with two or four legged friends. You don’t have to have a dog to run; you just need to bring your enthusiasm. All participants will receive a T-shirt and goodie bag at the finish line and dogs will receive a bandana. The course will take you on a circular route through historic downtown Langley, along tree-lined back roads, past the Fairgrounds and back along Saratoga Passage bluff with beautiful views of the Sound. The race starts at 9 a.m. with registration available on-line, or on race day beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The kid’s run is offered for those under 10 years old and starts at 10:30 a.m. The short course starts on Second Street down Cascade Ave. to First St. and finishes back on Second.

The top ten men and women and dog winners will be awarded prizes with random prizes given dogs for feats like most drool, shortest legs, biggest eyes, most active tail and more. Costumes are encouraged. Last year there were dogs in tutus, strollers and rain slickers, with their two-legged partners often dressed to match.

The event is sponsored by Animal Hospital by the Sea, owner Jean Dieden and Langley Main Street Association. This year’s race promises to be packed—with serious runners, not-so-serious runners/walkers who just come to enjoy the great course, and other participants. Organizer Louise Long has organized 14 marathons including the Seattle Marathon, See Jane Run and more.

“This is an absolutely wonderful day,” Long said after last year’s first race. “There were lots of runners and dogs, no dog fights and no runner fights.”

Dieden said she was very happy with the tremendous turnout last year. “Over 100 participants from all over came to run,” she noted, adding that she hopes this year’s event will be even bigger.

The PAWZ 5K run/walk is a benefit for the 4H Happy Hounds Dog Club and Good Cheer pet food bank. For more information, visit www.PawzbytheSea.com.

May 18, 2015
Shop late at Penn Cove Gallery on Saturday, May 23

May 6, 2015

You are invited to “Shop Late” at recently remodeled Penn Cove Gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. Meet with many of the artists, enjoy wine and refreshments and browse the Fine Art presented by Penn Cove Gallery’s talented collection of local artists.

Penn Cove Gallery is located on Front Street in Coupeville and can be contacted at 360-678-1176 or www.penncovegallery.com.

May 17, 2015
Whidbey Girls’ Choir forming; informational meeting on May 18

May 6, 2015

A Whidbey Girls’ Choir is now forming, offering girls from 5th through 12th grades a comprehensive and progressive choral education that will include music reading and theory, performance opportunities, and the joy of singing in a group. The repertoire will include a wide variety of music—classical, contemporary and popular. Prior musical/vocal experience is required.

The inaugural session will begin in the fall and an informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 18 in the Fireside Room at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland.

The WGC’s Artistic Director Jerry Mader has forty years’ experience as a professional classical musician, composer and teacher. He founded the Kirkland Choral Society and was its director for seven years. He also taught music composition and theory at the Cornish School of the Arts Preparatory program and was a chamber music coach in their summer program for high school students. He taught music and Humanities at the Northwest School, was a clinician for the Washington State Arts Commission’s Artist in the Schools program and a guest lecturer for the Seattle Opera Art in Education program.

WGC Accompanist Sheila Weidendorf is a professional performing pianist, vocalist and musical theater musical director and is the founder and Artistic Director of Island Consort, Whidbey’s own Early Music ensemble.

For more information, contact Danielle Klein at 425-478-9936 (dani@humanape.com) or Scott Petit at 360-579-2435 (podnahrini@yahoo.com).

May 6, 2015
Saratoga Orchestra is Fiddlin’ from Bach to Bluegrass with ‘Soaring Strings’ on May 9

May 6, 2015

Whidbey Island’s Saratoga Orchestra presents renowned blues and jazz fiddler, Darol Anger, for the orchestra’s annual Intermezzo VI Gala Weekend. “Soaring Strings,” a concert featuring Mr. Anger and the Saratoga Orchestra under the direction of conductor Anna Edwards, will be presented at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 in the South Whidbey High School auditorium.

The eclectic program will feature a mixture of jazz, blues, bluegrass and even Bach and Mozart. A number of special guests, including singer/songwriter Emy Phelps and hammered dulcimer player, Simon Chrisman, will be joining the fun.

Fiddler, composer, producer and educator, Darol Anger is at home in a number of musical genres, some of which he helped to invent. Exceptional among modern fiddlers for his versatility and depth, he has helped drive the evolution of the contemporary string band through his involvement with numerous pathbreaking ensembles such as his Republic Of Strings, the Turtle Island String Quartet, the David Grisman Quintet, Montreux, his Duo with Mike Marshall, and others.

Anger has performed and taught all over the world with musicians such as Dr. Billy Taylor, Bela Fleck, Bill Evans, Edgar Meyer, Bill Frisell, Tony Rice, Tim O’Brien, Anonymous 4, Marin Alsop and the Cabrillo Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony, Mark O’Connor, and Stéphane Grappelli. Today he can be heard on NPR’s “Car Talk” theme every week, along with Earl Scruggs, David Grisman and Tony Rice. He was also the violinist on the phenomenally popular Sim City computer games. He is an Associate Professor at the prestigious Berklee School of music.

General Admission tickets are $25 Adult and $20 Senior/Military. Students under 18 are admitted free (under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult). Tickets are available at Moonraker Books-Langley, Vino Amore-Freeland, bayleaf-Coupeville, and Click Music-Oak Harbor or online at Brown Paper Tickets. Cash/check/credit card accepted at the door. For more information please visit our website www.sowhidbey.com or call 360-929-3045.

May 5, 2015
All Day BOB DAY May Day at Ott & Murphy’s

April 29, 2015

All day on May Day (May 1) everyone is invited to play at Ott & Murphy Wine Tasting Rooms (OM) first annual BOB DAY (Dylan turns 74 in May).

May Day Celebration begins at 1 p.m. with the inspiration of the labor protest that Guthrie s songs express. All day we’ll ramble through the great range of Bob s canon, and we’ve invited many fabulous OM Cabaret Stage regulars to honor Bob with special performances of their favorite Dylan songs today. OM offers wine & food specials to celebrate May Day.

At 6 p.m. we’ll evoke the intimate camaraderie of a small Greenwich Village club in 1961, as producers David Ossman & Judith Walcutt MC an open mike for Bob fans who will be encouraged to read their favorite lyric passages or honor him musically. Wear your best 60’s garb, bring your favorite lines, your friends and your young. No cover, but reservations suggested.

The BOB DAY Caberet starts at 7:30 p.m. Welcome the inspiration of folk-rock composer/singer and advocate for the homeless Beverly Graham, folk chanteuse Karin Blaine, and soulful songstress Joni Takanikos. Listen to the poetic beat of Stephen Roxborough and the performance of Max Cole-Takanikos who’ll lift us with The Word of Bob and David Ossman’s recollection of close encounters with Bob himself. Audience participation anticipated plus a surprise guest you won’t want to miss: the best Bob ever! There is a $10 Evening Cabaret cover charge (includes a $2 donation to drewslist for inspiring community every day). Reservations: 360 221-7131. Ott-Murphy Tasting Room is located at 204 1st Street, Langley, WA 98260

April 29, 2015
New art opening at Blooms on Friday, May 1

April 29, 2015

Blending is important in wine, and also in art. Blending together printmaking, drawing and painting, fine artist Jamie Greene’s work deals with themes of memory, family, home and the ephemeral. Her art reflects the many layers of personal history embedded within, and often includes images of herself with family and strangers within the work. She includes text delved from her own memories, creating situations that people throughout time have experienced and can always relate to such as love, death and friendship.

Blooms Winery Tasting Room invites you to the opening reception for their new Collages and Metal Art Show 5:30-7:30, Friday, May 1.

The themes of Jamie Greene s artwork is not only personal to her, but is also rendered in a way that allows the viewer to have their own intimate relationship to it. Her work focuses on the diverse characteristics which make us all human and the idea of the home as an overarching symbol of humanity.

Jonathan Bartholick was raised with art. His mother was a potter, and his father an architect. Their home in Bellingham had a kiln in the backyard, and in his early years was often surrounded by artists. As a youth his mother, inspired by the art of Mexico, packed the kids into a Volkswagon bus and traveled for five months through Mexico visiting small towns and touring the sources of art in various regions. Over nine thousand miles of exploration left an impression on his creative soul.

Jonathan has explored many aspects of the arts, including film making and set building. While working on a landscape project he found an old rusted shovel, and an abstract pattern was revealed. Exploring ways to display it as a floating 3 dimensional object allowed shadows to evolve, then finding texture in background wood lightly colored by sponges created a piece that allows his love of natural patina and wood grain to come through. The idea of rusted metal objects intrigues him because it comes from the earth, is made into a useful object of work, then is returned to the earth, exposed to the environment and becomes a piece for him to use as art.

This show will open on May 1st, and run through June 31st. Blooms Winery Tasting Room is at the Bayview Corner Cash Store. Hours are Thursday noon -5, Friday noon 8, Saturday 11-6, Sunday noon -6 and Monday noon 5. 360-321-0515. http://www.bloomswinery.com.

April 29, 2015
‘New Directions’ show at Brackenwood Gallery in May

April 29, 2015

On display through the month of May, gallery artists Pete Jordan, Francy Blumhagen, Rene Flynn-Federspiel, Mary Fisher and Craig Kosak exhibit work reflecting New Directions, as they explore both interior and exterior spaces. An artists’ reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.

Brackenwood is located at 302 First St. in Langley and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays during the summer and fall months. Contact the gallery for further information at 360-221-2978 or http://brackenwoodgallery.com.

April 29, 2015
WICA Family Series Presents: Living Voices Theatre-Northwest Passage

April 29, 2015

Discover a unique combination of theatre, video, and live interaction that creates a high impact experience and an unforgettable journey through history with Seattle’s award winning Living Voices Theatre. WICA Family Series Presents: Living Voices Theatre: Northwest Passage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1.

Witness the dynamically changing Northwest at the turn of the century. The expansion of the railroad, the discovery of gold, labor struggles, and world war – these are the passages experienced by a young Swedish immigrant and her community. As she interacts with her African, Asian, and Native American neighbors you’ll discover the diversity of the American experience.

Tickets: Adult $15 / Youth $12. Call (360) 221-8268 or visit www.wicaonline.org to order.

Whidbey Island Center of the Arts is located at 565 Camano Avenue, Langley, WA 98260

April 29, 2015
Meet Garry Oak Gallery Encaustic Artist Lucy Johnson, Saturday, April 25

April 24, 2015

Encaustic artist Lucy Johnson will be at Garry Oak Gallery at 830 SE Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor from 2:45 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. Stop by to view her paintings and have a conversation with Lucy about her exploration of the encaustic process.

April 24, 2015