This Friday marks the third Art Walk of the year in downtown Kirkland, coinciding with a reception at the Howard/Mandville Gallery (6-9 p.m.) to celebrate its 21st anniversary in town.
Other galleries will be throwing open the doors to welcome the public, as well. Most reward guests with treats of the sweets and wine variety, though all venues are family friendly. Artists and gallery owners are motivated to make art-lovers out of kids as well as their parents.
Look for red balloons denoting participating businesses. All the main galleries including the Parklane Gallery, Howard/Mandville Gallery, Lakeshore Gallery, Jennifer Winter Photography and the Kirkland Arts Center will be featuring guest artists. In addition, many coffee shops serve as venues hanging artwork from local artists.
This month, I have the distinct pleasure to be one of those local artists. Oil paintings from a series based on commuting, as well as samples of commissioned portraits, are on display at where they will hang for the remainder of the month. So come celebrate art over a cup of coffee with me. If you check the weather forecast, you’ll understand the appeal of a cappuccino. I'll be there from 5-9 p.m.
Local photographer George Tuton is showing his snaps at Caffe Rococo. Two artists will be in action in front of Lakeshore Gallery. Herban Wellness is hosting a local watercolorist. For questions and maps, event organizer Rebecca DeVere will be available near the Lake St. Starbucks. Kirkland’s seniors at Merrill Gardens are getting involved with a show of their own.
In addition, the June ArtWalk features several musicians. A group of high school students can be found in front of the Bank of America/Tully’s entrances, while a street performer will entertain in front of McLeod Insurance. is hosting a flute player.
With so many great options, it should be a fun night to wander around downtown, breathe in a little bit of culture and get a nice bite to eat. Though galleries are typically open from noon-8 p.m., most Art Walk festivities will be getting started closer to 5 p.m.
