Several different organizations in Seattle have been doing a great job lately of making Art accessible to everyone. I’d like to highlight a few of those organizations/events in this post.
Seattle Art Museum November ReMix
Friday, November 6th was the first SAM ReMix since the one at the Sculpture Park in August which was included in my Mobile Photo Essay. I enjoyed the ReMix at the Sculpture Park because it included a lot more art than previous ReMix Events. They had musicians, poets, break dancers, and a room set up for anyone to come and make art.
The event this month was at the Seattle Art Museum Downtown. This is the first ReMix downtown that opened up the entire museum and really used all of the space. The lobby area included three bars, a DJ, temporary tatoo parlor with tatoos inspired by the Michaelangelo exhibit, and a craft station to make paper lanterns for Day of the Dead. Various performers in costumes were wandering through the crowd as well. Drinks were of course only allowed in the lobby, but that didn’t stop people from taking the escalator up to see what was going on in the galleries. The upper galleries hosted a sculpture contest and tours given by SAM staff of their favorite works on display. Another unique event involved an artist currently exhibiting at SAM discussing her work, followed by a poet who read a response to that artists work.
SAM ReMix November 2009
The best part of the evening for me was when I was walking through the upper galleries and people watching. The museum was buzzing with activity and noise, that’s right, it was LOUD! This is WONDERFUL. People were not just standing silently in front of paintings or quietly whipsering to their friend. No, they were talking… about ART! A few friends would be discussing what they like or don’t like about a painting, and more people – total strangers – would walk by and engage in the lively conversation. This interaction was wonderful to see, and I’m so glad SAM has created an event that encourages discussion of art in such a fun atmosphere.
City Hostel Seattle
Another example of fantastic accessible art is the City Hostel in Belltown. As I described in my post about the Opening of City Hostel, over 40 artists were invited to come in and paint each of the rooms however they want. In addition to the great artwork in the rooms, City Hostel continues to participate in the Belltown Art Walks, exhibiting local artwork in the lobby.
Obi Kaufmann Show at Bedlam Coffee
One of my favorite coffee shops, Bedlam Coffee, had a show of artwork by artist Obi Kaufmann during the Belltown Art Walk on Friday, November 13th. The artist brought over 100 pieces which were priced at $50 or less. By the time I got there (around 8pm) I heard someone say over half the pieces had already sold – so I didn’t get to see the whole show. Sitting at a table with my coffee and dessert I enjoyed seeing couples come through the door, walk around and discuss which ones they liked most, talk to the artist about the different works, and then purchase something right then and there. This is not usually an experience that everyone can afford – but Kaufmann and Bedlam made it happen for those of us who enjoy art, but also have to keep in mind a realistic budget.
I can’t wait to see what these organizations come up with next! It’s sure to be something creative, new, and exciting.
