Entertainment

Zoolights At Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo 2023

Published on November 1, 2023

I hope you’re ready for Christmas because it’s just around the corner. The Zoolights Festival in Tacoma will start on November 24th this year and will continue until January 1st, 2024. Experiencing these enchanting lights and traditions has been illuminating our community for over three and a half decades. At the Point Defiance Zoo, you’ll see over 800,000 lights. You’ll see all kinds of giant displays like the giant Pacific octopus, tiger face, and the Seahawks tree to name a few. They also have a hidden Sasquatch you really need to see this year. One thing I enjoy doing is taking lots of photos. The opportunity to take a selfie is everywhere so get those social media accounts ready.

Regarding pricing, it’s not that bad for a night out. It also includes free parking. If you’re taking I5 S from Seattle, it is about 45 minutes to Tacoma. During the week (Mon-Thur) the general admission price is $14. If you visit Fri-Sun, it is $18. Kids under 2 are free.

In addition to all the amazing lights, you can ride the antique carousel. You rarely see those anymore. They also have food available at the Plaza Cafe. It will be open for dinner, snacks, and drinks. Some of the food offered is pizza, soups, and burgers. The Zoo animals will be sleeping during your visit, but the Goats will be up and ready to play in the kids’ zone area.

Remember to bundle up because it does get pretty cold out there. The event continues rain, wind, or shine so be ready. Enjoy!

Be sure to visit their website for tickets.

What Is Seattle’s Bumbershoot Music Festival?

Published on September 4, 2023

Bumbershoot, hosted annually in Seattle, Washington, stands as a renowned international music and arts celebration. Recognized as one of the grandest festivals of its kind in North America, it graces the Seattle Center – a sprawling 74-acre site constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair – every Labor Day weekend.

The festival’s roots trace back to 1971 when it was initiated as the “Mayor’s Arts Festival” or “Festival 71”, funded by the city with a budget of $25,000. This festival aimed to uplift the city’s spirits during a local economic downturn, attracting 125,000 attendees. With innovative attractions such as light shows and electronic jam sessions, it garnered significant attention. Only a year later, the festival, renamed “Festival 72”, saw 175,000 guests. By 1973, it adopted its current moniker, “Bumbershoot”, expanding to accommodate 200,000 attendees over five days. Over the subsequent years, it witnessed steady growth in duration and attendance.

In 1980, One Reel, a Northwest non-profit, took over the festival’s production, retaining control even when Seattle Center attempted to reclaim it in the mid-1980s. In 2008, a collaborative agreement was forged with AEG Live, a global entertainment promoter, aiming to bolster bookings and sponsorships. However, this collaboration came to an end in 2019, after a five-year production tenure. Regrettably, the 2020 and 2021 festivals were suspended due to the global health crisis, and the 2022 event was postponed to revamp for its 50th-anniversary celebration in 2023.

Bumbershoot remains accessible to all age groups, with children under ten enjoying free entry. The festival remains committed to its schedule, come rain or sunshine. If you visit this event, be sure to come early because there is lots of traffic and people (over 100k come to the event).

September 2023 prices were $130 for general admission and $75 for a single-day pass.

Even Though Western Washington Has Liberal Tendencies, Threats On Drag Events Continue To Happen

Published on May 9, 2023

“A lot of people use children as their scapegoat to vilify anyone who doesn’t agree with their lifestyle.”

By Connor Nash

Washington State over the past decades has become increasingly more liberal, with Seattle and the counties surrounding the Puget Sound driving the move to the left. As Western Washington becomes more liberal, more diversity and different expressions are engraining themselves within the area. Especially when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.

In Seattle, every type of bar and restaurant has a drag event, whether it is a show, a bingo game, trivia, etc. And not just in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Seattle’s gaybourhood, but in Freemont, Ballard, and even the suburban Madison Valley.

Drag is not just in the big city anymore but in smaller-suburban cities like Renton, Bremerton, and more rural areas, like Maple Valley and Kingston.

In the US, drag has become another area of conflict in the culture war that has consumed the nation. Now, areas that are considered left-leaning are getting caught up in this culture war topic, even in Western Washington.

One of the first flare-ups over drag events in Western Washington didn’t start when states put up legislation banning drag, but in June 2019 in Renton and Issaquah.

In Renton, dozens of protestors and counter-protestors came to a Drag Queen story hour held at Fairwood Library for Pride month. Both sides had pro-gun organizations supporting them, with Three Percenters on the right and the Puget Sound John Brown Club, escalating tensions. No attendees or protestors were harmed and no arrests were made.

In Issaquah at a King County Library Systems meeting, 10 men with “Make America Great Again” hats loudly protested drag queen story hours at the libraries. Although there were no guns at this protest, the Issaquah Reporter noted that “…a male was arrested in the parking lot for harassment after brandishing a baseball bat.”

In response to all the protests, King County Libraries stop hosting Drag Queen Story hours after June 2019. With no family-oriented drag events happening in the Renton area, local business owner Marley Rall of Brewmaster’s Taproom began hosting monthly drag events. For the past year, Sylvia O’Stayformore has hosted a monthly drag story hour and bingo, creating a family-friendly drag event.

“I’m no reader, I’m no literate. My mom was a teacher and I’ll read a storybook. And I’ll do bingo on the side.” said Slyvia. “This has been very positive and has been one of the sweetest events…maybe 8-12 kids show up and their liberal parents bring them.”

A typically small event became a flash point in late 2022 when a Reddit post called for people to protest the bar over the drag story hour. Before the December show, a pellet gun was shot at the bar breaking a window; no one was injured. Rall taped a sign on the window saying “This is what intolerance looks like.”

The community came out strongly in support of the Brewmaster, with 250-300 individuals coming to support the bar. “There was a full gay marching band, and the bar was full of supporters,” said Slyvia, and only “2-3 people out protesting.” Although caused by a dangerous and potentially bigoted act, the Renton community responded in a much more favorable manner than during the library protests.

No other incidents or protests have happened at Brewmaster since the December event.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the sound, Kitsap County has seen more drag events popping up in bars and other event spaces. This is both surprising and not because Kitsap is a moderate county, and is slightly right-leaning compared to the state, according to a 2021 Crosscut/Elway poll.

Although liberal enough to have drag shows in cities like Bremerton and large towns like Kingston, Kitsap still has a conservative presence that will silently disapprove of the event or post all about it on social media.

Clara Voyance, a popular drag performer in Kitsap, has become a local celebrity by performing at many local events. As a “local queen” Clara has shows that are not just at 21 and over gay bars, but at “straight” restaurants, or at all-ages events, but what dispels many conservative fears is that she thinks about who the audience is.

“As a performer, you have to consider what audience you are performing to.” said Clara, “ If I’m performing in front of a straight crowd, I gear my show to them.”

She went on to say, “If I’m going to Pride, which is all ages, it touches me when there are queer families, to have a child that comes up and says ‘I’m beautiful.’ That experience would have been important to me as a child, to see someone confidently living.”

And that is the point of these all-ages drag events, for there to be a positive, appropriate, fun queer representation. Yes, many people can find a few examples of a controversial drag event, but the overwhelming majority of drag performers have the knowledge and competency to create a family event like any heterosexual performer.

For the most part, there was no major adverse reaction to any of Clara’s shows in Kitsap or any other drag event in the county. Only passive-aggressiveness and indirect comments. That was until late March when Bookshelf under the Stairs, a store in Bremerton, was told by their mall landlord that the drag queen story hour was canceled.

According to the Kitsap Daily News, the landlord told the bookstore, Terry Heath, was told by their landlord that “The mall is not an appropriate venue for controversial and divisive events that are likely to result in disruption to tenants and visitors, not to mention possible injury and damage to the mall itself,”

Maybe the mall was worried about social media posts made criticizing the story hour saying that it would “groom children.” Maybe the mall was worried about the incidents in King County, cited earlier in this article. Whatever the reason, the effect has been chilling on free expression, and parents’ rights on what they find appropriate for their children. Ideas that conservatives have been decrying for years.

“A lot of people use children as their scapegoat to vilify anyone who doesn’t agree with tier lifestyle,” said Clara, referring to conservatives. A sentiment that does ring some truth.

As for Sylvia O’Stayformore, “We need to have conversations, and we need to be respectful of each other. Even in my groups, they are not doing that.” Groups Syliva is referring to the liberals and progressives that are generally open to diversity if it fits into their worldview.

Both are correct, many people do use the safety of children as a disguise to push particular policies forward. With all the scapegoating going around, people just go back to their corner to be vindicated in scapegoating more. It feels like a doom spiral that we are going down.

For our drag performers, the future seems both hopeful and worrisome. “In Seattle, I don’t see it getting worse, [it’s] very progressive in that aspect. As it goes for the country, I am not sure,” says Clara. She continued, “It’s about queer and trans erasure, and I’m not having it. If enough people give up then they will continue to take away rights.”

Sylvia hopes that the energy that Clara has, and the younger generations, is supported by the general public, regardless of age. “I hope that we get to the point where we are more respectful of each other, I hope that we get to support the youth that has more energy….

“Not sitting around and thinking that someone else will fix it.”

Sylvia O’ Stayformore has been performing in drag since 1991 in Utah as a creative outlet to raise money for Mormon Churches. She then moved to Seattle in the early 2000s, later starting Bacon Strip in 2005, a monthly variety show in South Seattle.

Clara Voyance is a drag performer currently residing in Kitsap County. Clara now mainly performs burlesque numbers in 21+ bars in Seattle, Bremerton, and other Western Washington establishments. Clara hopes to one day be a contestant on Rupual’s Drag Race.

Frank Sisti Jr. Biography

Published on June 2, 2020

While the internet has made us more connected than ever, there are still many artists who are hidden underground and have not had the mainstream success one might assume based on the quality of their work. Enter Frank Sisti Jr., the creative force behind the long-running cult classic, The Kid America Adventure Hour.

Sisti Jr. has been producing and starring in The Kid America Adventure Hour for years now, but he came from humble beginnings and has had many avenues of creativity in his career.

The Early Days

Frank Sisti Jr. was born in Queens, and his work reflects his upbringing in New York during the 1990s. His first job came when he was only 11 years old and worked at a comic shop. He attended New York University for Dramatic Writing but did not finish the program. Instead, he sold a script titled “Bicycle Ice Cream” to get his foot in the door of show business.

Show Business Beginnings and The Kid America Adventure Hour

Attempting to find his niche in the world, Sisti Jr. began developing an idea that would shape the rest of his career. The result was The Kid America Adventure Hour, a show he aired on Manhattan Public Access television.

The Kid America Adventure Hour had an eclectic mix of live-action, puppetry, and animation to make up the variety show format. Sisti Jr. starred in the show as the host, Frankie, and employed numerous other New York actors who were young and looking to try something adventurous and different.

The show was popular with those who watched it, with a mix of bizarre and somewhat avant-garde comedy mixed with entertaining puppetry for children. The show encapsulated everything that makes New York unique and different, giving viewers a taste of the authentic city and the people in it through Sisti Jr.’s lens.

As the show went on, Frank Sisti Jr. realized there might be a market for this work online. While the internet was still young in 2005, he believed his videos would find a cult following through the burgeoning internet culture of the time. Video sites for a singular franchise were popular at the time, with series like Homestar Runner generating plenty of traffic and clicks. Sisti Jr. hoped to capitalize on the growing popularity of video on the web.

Frank Sisti Jr. teamed up with Alex Orlovsky, a producer for entertainment like Half Nelson and Blue Valentine, to take The Kid America Adventure Hour and bring it to the internet. They produced a pilot for a new website and used it to host Kid America Club content for a wider audience.

While the new website did not bring a newfound wave of mainstream attention, it did solidify the show and Frank Sisti Jr.’s vision of entertainment into a cult classic. The site developed a loyal and dedicated fanbase and still exists with videos to this day. The Kid America Club site also hosts merchandise for avid fans, with t-shirts and stickers based on the costumes and characters of the show.

Frankie’s Apartment

As Frank Sisti Jr.’s ambitions grew larger, so did his need for more room on the Internet. Later in his career, he launched the website Frankie’s Apartment to host a new show. Frankie’s Apartment allowed Sisti Jr. to introduce new puppet characters and create small skits for them. Some of the popular characters from Frankie’s Apartment include Rubbish the Rat, a wise- cracking and fast-talking rat who verbally spars with Frankie, and Bill the Snowman, a therapist and confidant for Frankie. These characters have created a rich and fascinating world that is popular with those who enjoy things a little weird but still kid-friendly.

Lil’ Hipsters

Another one of Frank Sisti Jr.’s most popular projects was Lil’ Hipsters, a web series he made in 2007 and 2008. Eschewing the live-action elements of Frankie’s Apartment or The Kid America Club, Lil’ Hipsters was entirely done with puppetry.

Lil’ Hipsters was styled as a sitcom about Krispy, a young kid trying to fit in with the cool kids in New York City. The series ran for 25 episodes and dealt with topical events of the time. It also maintained the local roots of the five boroughs of New York that have permeated much of Sisti Jr.’s work since finding his voice with The Kid America Club Adventure Hour.

Music Career

Aside from acting, Frank Sisti Jr. has also created music. He and his childhood friend Jeff Roberts formed the band Bandy, a hip-hop group of almost entirely fictional members. You could think of it as similar to a band like Gorillaz. He also deejays in New York under the pseudonym DJ Kid America.

Frank Sisti Jr.: Cult Classic Creator

It’s not always possible to break into the mainstream, but it is often more fulfilling just to reach a passionate and dedicated audience. This is what Frank Sisti Jr. has done his entire career, creating stories that connect with his hometown and resonate with fans across the globe.

What Is Frankie’s Apartment?

It can be difficult to keep up with all the wonderful art that so many creative people produce. It’s even trickier when this art is underground and not as famous as other popular media. For those in New York City, there’s been a cult classic TV and web series that has presented their city in a positive light and entertained children and adults.

Frankie’s Apartment and The Kid America Club have garnered a dedicated and impassioned fanbase over the years for those who have had the chance to check them out. With so much content, it can be difficult to understand what is what and where to start.

Frankie’s Apartment and The Kid America Club Explained

The Kid America Club was an idea birthed by Frank Sisti Jr., a local of Queens who had a vision for a public access television show for children. The show took some inspiration from Sesame Street and other similar programs but incorporated Sisti Jr.’s sometimes eclectic and off-beat humor. The result is a show that appeals to kids with its colorful sets and fun characters and adults with its sometimes strange and unexpected comedy.

The Kid America Club Adventure Hour began its life on public access TV in Manhattan and garnered positive reviews from viewers. It featured numerous local actors and became a way for young actors to find a place in the New York media landscape.

As his ambition and plans expanded, Sisti Jr. moved the content onto the internet under the banner of Frankie’s Apartment. On the Kid America Club and Frankie’s Apartment websites, Sisti Jr. could expand his scope and humor.

Frankie’s Apartment focuses mostly on smaller skits focused on singular characters. These characters are mostly all puppets with which Frankie, played by Sisti Jr., interacts. The character of Frankie, a comic book writer for children, has become tired of his life and decided to allow his over-active imagination to take over.

While this is the basic plot, most episodes are not focused on telling a story but rather on showing a little scene and all the jokes that follow. Sisti Jr. plays off his puppet co-stars with ease, and it leads to a funny and heartening portrait of a better world.

All of Sisti Jr.’s work incorporates his love of his hometown and seeks to celebrate the excitement and vibrancy of the city from the 1990s. Whether you are a young kid or just young at heart, The Kid America Club has something for everyone.

Other Interests of Frank Sisti Jr.

Outside producing children’s television and web content, Sisti Jr. also creates music under several pseudonyms. In his early career, he created a hip-hop group called Bandy with his childhood friend Jeff Roberts. He also deejays in New York under the name DJ Kid America.

For his shows, Sisti Jr. has produced several songs and recorded two records of music from The Kid America Club. He maintains a merch store for t-shirts and cassettes related to the shows. His wife, Melia Marden, is a professional chef working at the Bond Street eatery, The Smile.

Seattle Space Needle

Published on June 3, 2013

The Seattle Space Needle is one of the most amazing icons in Seattle. It’s considered an official historic landmark. Visitors from all over the World come to see the Space Needle. It weighs approximately 9, 550 tons. Going up the Elevator (605 ft up!) you will find the observation deck and restaurant. The elevator takes you to the top in about 41 seconds. The speed varies depending on the amount of wind as they purposely slow it down for safety sometimes. The observation deck allows you to go travel all around the top outside overlooking the City of Seattle (360 degrees). You can pretty much see everything in the city and take your best photos. Mountains visible on a clear day include Rainier, Cascade, Olympic, and Baker. The Space needle was actually finished back in Dec. 1961 and opened officially the first day of the Seattle’s World Fair (April 21st, 1962). The Needle brought in a lot of visitors in fact over 20,000 people used it a day back then during the Fair. The World’s Fair had an estimated 2.3 million visitors. Having visited the Space Needle myself on many occasions, I can tell you it’s an amazing architectural structure and a must see if you’re in Seattle, Washington. When designing the Space Needle, they even considered how it would do with earthquakes and high winds. They say it can take up to 200 mph of wind and a 9.1 earthquake. A 6.8 earthquake in 2001 tested the Needle and no serious damage was reported. The structure can even withstand lightning due to the lightning rods installed to protect it from lightening.

On the bottom floor of the Space Needle, you can valet your car and enter the free gift store. It’s official name is the SeattleBase Retail Store. They have all kinds of gifts, gadgets, and collectibles available. Many unique stuff is inside which is not sold in regular stores. You can even purchase a gift certificate for a friend.

Going up the elevator you’ll run into the SkyCity Restaurant. At one time in history, there were two restaurants in the Space Needle but they were eventually closed (in 2000) to make room for the now larger SkyCity Restaurant. The Restaurant is pretty expensive in my opinion so it’s used by many customers for special occasions or visitors wanting to truly experience the Needle. The minimum charge is $35 per person so you have to spend at least that. As of 2014, dinner entrees range from $38-$60. The SkyCity Restaurant rotates 360 degrees while you’re eating. You make a full circle rotation around the city every 47 minutes. The restaurant is family friendly but does have a dress code. Visitors wearing tank tops or muscle shirts will not be admitted. They recommend casual attire that is neat and presentable. They have one desert called the Lunar Orbiter that has been served since 1962. SkyCity has many events during the month which keeps it pretty busy. You can make a reservation at the restaurant and it can accommodate up to 10 guests. A side banquet room is available for parties of more than 10 guests. It can hold 20-360 people if needed.

The idea for the design of the Space Needle came from two businessman named Edward Carlson and John Graham Jr. They both actually had their own separate concepts but came together and decided on one final concept 13 months before the fair opening. The idea was a futuristic attraction for the World’s Fair actually. It was a way to bring more visitors to Seattle and a way to bring more people into the Fair. Mr. Edward Carlson had a concept of a giant balloon attached to the ground with a sloping base. Mr. John Graham Jr. concept was more of a flying saucer which became the top section of the architecture. Later, Victor Steinbrueck suggested more of an hourglass design which was accepted and combined with the other two ideas. The men involved were businessman for the World Fair (not the City of Seattle) so there was an agenda to push the local fair. The Seattle Space Needle was not financed by the City of Seattle in fact it had no land it could be built on except inside the Fair. A plot was later discovered which was measured at 120 x 120 ft. They almost gave up finding a lot available. The land sold for $75,000. Since the City of Seattle was not involved financially, it was by the Pentagram Corporation. The team consisted of Bagley Wright, Howard Wright, John Graham, Ned Skinner, and Norton Clapp. Later in 1977, Bagley Skinner and Norton Clapp sold their interest to Howard Wright. Mr. Howard Wright is the current owner under the company named the Space Needle Corporation. The cost to build the Seattle Space Needle in 1962 was $4.5 million dollars. The first cleaning of the Space Needle didn’t happen until 2008 which was a pressure washing cleaning. It was blasted with an estimated 2,900 psi of water pressure. No cleaning supplies or detergents were used while pressure washing it.

A little history lesson for you, the foundation of the Space Needle is pretty amazing as it measured 30 ft deep and 120 ft wide. The hole was filled with concrete which took 467 dump trucks. Rumor is, the continuous concrete pour lasted only one day and was the biggest pour ever attempted in the West back then. Once the foundation was complete, it weighed as much as the entire Space Needle.

On New Years Eve (1999) a beam of light was revealed as a new feature. The Skybeam is displayed on special occasions during the year like national holidays. On average, it comes on about 12 times per year but that does vary. After Sept. 11 2001 is was turned on for 11 days. The idea for the Skybeam was suggested from an old World’s Fair poster. It didn’t actually have the beam of light back then but graphic design of the poster made it look like it was beaming with light. Each year on New Years the Space Needle has a celebration. There is usually a black and white party that many Seattle residents visits. It’s one of the higher end new years celebrations in Seattle. The Needle also has lots of fireworks which shoot out the top of the Space Needle. Oddly, the 2007 (going on 2008) new years celebration had to be stopped and restarted due to some pyrotechnics issues. It was fixed and the rest of the fireworks had to be denoted by hand. The company providing the pyrotechnics that year blamed the issue on a corrupted file which control the detonations.

In 2000, the Space Needle got a $20 million dollar update. They added all the features we have today such as the Pavilion Level, SpaceBase Retail Store, The SkyCity Restaurant, O Deck updates, exterior lighting additions/updates, Legacy Light installations, exterior painting and many more new features.

In May 2007, the Space Needle celebrated it’s 45 millionth guest. The man’s name was Greg Novoa and he was from San Francisco. He got 2 free tickets to Paris and a VIP dinner at the Eiffel Tower.

Over the years, the Space Needle has experienced some controversy. These include Base jumpers, illegal photography, and labor disputes. Since it’s opening in 1962, 6 base jumpers has jumped off the top of the Space Needle illegally. Out of the 6 jumpers, 2 have been arrested for their jumps and caught. In 2013, a mystery person has been scaling buildings all over Seattle, Washington and taking photography. There is a website dedicated to the activities and personally the photography is absolutely amazing pieces of art. There is video of this person on top of the Space Needle sitting back and enjoying the skyline. Between 2012-2013, union workers and owners of the Space Needle have had some disagreements with the contracts. Mediation is still be worked out between the workers and owners to this date today.

Most recently in April 2012, the Space Needle celebrated its 50th anniversary. The top of the Space Needle was painted a Galaxy Gold color. It’s the same color used when it was originally developed and constructed back in 1962 at the World’s Fair. Over the years, the Space Needle has experienced many makeovers and colors including the celebration of UW Huskies winning the Rose Bowl back in 1992 or when it was colored with the Seattle SuperSonics.

As Seattle continues to grow with more and more buildings. There has been constant debates regarding the views of the skyline, the Space Needle, parks, and water. The City Council makes those decisions and the debate continues today. Areas and views from I5, Lake Union, and Mercer st are some of the hot topics regarding this issue. Many believe areas from Seattle public parks which have a view of the Space Needle should be protected to preserve it’s views. However, protecting these views also diminishes the value of private property which can create jobs and provide public housing.

As of 2013, ticket prices are $19 dollars to ride up the Space Needle to the observation deck. There is no charge to use the elevator if you’re visiting the restaurant. Senior discounts are available include youth and bulk rates (15 people or more) if you’re going as a group. The group discounts saves you only a few dollars on each ticket. As of today, the Space Needle is still the #1 attraction in Seattle.

Seattle Space Needle view from across the street

Space Needle In Seattle — Looking up from the bottom of the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington.

New Paintings By Marcio Díaz

Published on May 31, 2013

Opening First Thursday June 6, Marcio Díaz presents new work in Sensing Color, an exhibit at ArtXchange Gallery in Seattle, Washington. These paintings reveal the different qualities of light and weather that captivated Diaz after his move to the Pacific Northwest.

“There is more light in Nicaragua, but it makes everything flat,” he reflects. “In Nicaragua we react to the sun, not the rain. In the Pacific Northwest, I can see color deeply in the shadows. The distortion of the light by the rain and dew inspires me.”

Díaz soaked up the influences around him in the Pacific Northwest, both in the landscape and from the local art community. “I never knew the depth of color until I moved to Seattle,” says Díaz. He began to experiment with abstraction and new painting techniques emerged. He moved towards a pointillist technique involving layering dripped bubbles and circles of paint, which became his popular Bubblism style.

“His painting method is a bright-hued variation on the pointillism of Seurat, building an image from vibrant circles of color,” wrote Michael Upchurch in the Seattle Times. “The tensions between shimmer and almost-solid objects are exquisite.”

From the sunny, arid landscapes of Estelí to the lush tulip fields of SkagitValley, Díaz builds images through dappled brushstrokes and layers of shape. Sensing Color presents works in his signature Bubblism style, as well as new techniques that Díaz has been developing.

Sensing Color opens First Thursday June 6, 5-8pm, with the artist in attendance. In July, Díaz will offer a painting demonstration in the gallery on Thursday, July 11, 5-8pm (the official Pioneer Square replacement date for 2013 First Thursday in July which falls on the 4^th).

Exhibition Dates: June 6 – July 27, 2013

Opening/Artist Reception: First Thursday, June 6 5-8pm (During the First Thursday Artwalk)

Artist Demo and reception: Thursday, July 11, 5-8pm

Location: ArtXchange Gallery, 512 First Ave South, Seattle, WA 98104

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM – 5:30 PM

Phone: 206-839-0377

Website: www.artxchange.org

Email: info@artxchange.org

Who is Marcio Díaz

From the landscapes of Estelí, Nicaragua, to the rain-drenched terrains of the Pacific Northwest, artist Marcio Díaz has journeyed both geographically and artistically. The profound shift in his surroundings awakened a newfound appreciation for the rich hues and tones found in Washington State. Díaz’s initial works showcased rural scenarios, radiating warmth intertwined with a touch of surreal allure. However, it was the rain-soaked panorama of his new home that prompted him to venture into abstract art, attempting to encapsulate the intense colors he witnessed.

Díaz’s prowess with the brush goes beyond just capturing scenes; he deftly conveys light, emotion, and the very essence of his subject. His technique, marked by intricate brushstrokes and layered nuances, offers viewers an immersive experience.

Over two decades, Díaz’s talent has not only matured but has also garnered significant accolades. Back in Nicaragua, he clinched numerous national art distinctions, earned accolades from the Ministry for the Cultural Advancement, and even hosted an art-centric television show. The U.S. saw him showcasing his masterpieces across the west coast and as far afield as Scottsdale and New York City. Despite his international acclaim, Díaz remains deeply rooted in his homeland. He revisits Nicaragua annually to display his creations, conduct art sessions, and nurtures a dream to establish an art institution for budding talents.

Marcio Diaz Paintings Seattle — Marcio Diaz new painting – Sensing Color

Funny Stories In The News

Published on May 30, 2013

Funny Stories In The News

Everyday great news is released to the World. We all need some funny news once in a while right? These are some of the best funny stories in the news and other items discovered today. You have to see this stuff it’s so funny and entertaining stuff!

Funny Beer Can Numbers – Some of the employees at this beer bottling company have a funny sense of humor.

Smart Student Being Funny – A teacher who recently started her Geography class (8th graders) starts her lesson with having the students try to draw the U.S. She didn’t expect this to happen.

– Dog on duty guarding the house

– USPS going the extra mile with this piece of mail. This was one of the postal centers in Seattle delivering a long lost valentine card.

Funny Dog Pic –

Seattle Powerball Growing

Published on May 18, 2013

Seattle Powerball Tonight Get Your Ticket It’s here one of the biggest lottery drawings in history. Tonight the Powerball drawing is at $600 million dollars and that number is expected to climb as the drawing time gets closer. Even Though the odds are ONLY 1 in 175 million you can’t win if you don’t play. The gas stations and convenience stores are reporting higher than usual numbers and in some states lines are gathering just to buy a ticket. Starting January 15 2012, the Powerball ticket prices increased to $2 per ticket thus making the pool much higher.

The Powerball drawing tonight is the second highest in history just behind the previous Mega Millions in March 2012 which was $656 million. With the amount of people playing there is a very high chance a winner will be decided. In the event there is no winner, the jackpot could increase to over $1 billion dollars. That would make it the biggest pay day in history.

Take a chance!

On a side note, the IRS really needs your money right now. Considering the scandals and shady practices (no surprise) they will be waiting for their fair share. The good news is that you won! The bad news is that you’re going to pay A LOT more than you would have paid just 1 year ago. The IRS is really sticking it to people whenever possible.

Here is some food for thought…. in the event you’re the big winner tonight and you take the lump sum of $376.9 million (spread out over 30 years), you’ll have to pay $149 million out of that to Uncle same. Soo…. $600 million is more like $225 million net. Congrats the IRS is the big winner here. Not complaining or anything but just pointing out the obvious….we’re all getting ripped off.

Kittens Strip Club In Georgetown (Old Kettel’s Restaurant)

Published on March 19, 2013

Georgetown Seattle Hats and Boots

Georgetown is getting a new business. We have no big store (Safeway, Albertson, Walmart etc). No direct bus to get to Burien to even get to a store. We lost our Laundromat, Treasure House etc. We did gain Harbor Freights. Now it seems we are getting a STRIP CLUB named Kittens. Shows a kitten climbing a pole like a dancer would.

This would be located in the old home of Kettel’s on 4th Ave.

DPD issued a permit for substantial alterations to the old Kettel building. DPd reviewed the zoning before issuing the permit. It is 800 ft from spaces where children congregate, day care centers, schools, community centers etc. PUBLIC NOTICE WAS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS ISSUANCE. geez, they post public notice when a condo is being built but not a strip club. Keep Reading

St Patrick’s Day Seattle

Published on March 16, 2013

St Pattys In Seattle

Break out your bag pipes, irish food, and green beer because Seattle is celebrating St Patrick’s Day. This weekend is going to be so much fun and the real party starts today (Saturday) and end late on Sunday. This year there is even a St Patrick’s Day parade which starts at 12:30pm (Saturday) on 4th ave S from Jefferson.

On Sunday, over 17,000 runners are going to take over the city with The St Patrick’s Day Dash. The event supports the Schrempt Foundation and children charities. The St Patrick’s Day Dash is in its 29th year now.

The nightlife will of course be very exciting. Some of my favorite spots tonight and tomarrow will be Keep Reading

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