Arts & Culture

Local Art

It’s time for the First Thursday Art Walk again! Does seeing all the local art is get you inspired to create some yourself? Wonderful! Lucky for us Seattle dwellers, this town has a ton of great resources to help you out along the way. Check out a few of them here, curated by David Litzler.

David Litzler
March 3, 2015

First Thursday Art Walk is happening this week. We encourage you all to go out and support the local artists in our neighborhoods around Seattle.  While wandering through the many studios in Georgetown, the International District, Pioneer Square, Belltown, Ballard, etc. you might just get inspired to create some artwork yourself.  Here are some wonderful local resources that you should know about to help you along the way:

  1. Pratt Fine Arts Center

    Interested in glassblowing, metalsmithing, printmaking, stonecarving, or wordworking? Pratt is your one-stop-shop for classes in all of these mediums and many more. I confess that I am biased towards Pratt as I have taken well over a dozen classes there since 2011. Classes are open to beginners and seasoned professionals alike so don’t be shy, jump right on in! I had no prior experience in any of the beginning classes I have taken there. Pratt is located in Seattle’s Central District. Be sure to attend their spring open house on March 28 for demonstrations in all of their class studios!

    Pratt collage

    Clockwise, Starting From Left: Bronze pour during the Pratt biannual open house, guests attending the annual fine art auction, glass artist in the hot shop.

  2. Gage Academy of Art

    I’ve been following this school on Facebook for a while and wish I could muster the courage to take a class here... the examples of student work are outstanding and, honestly, a bit intimidating! Gage is geared towards training in drawing, painting, and sculpture. While classes are available for all levels of ability, I get the impression that many of the students at Gage are BFA and MFA grads pursuing continuing education throughout their professional careers. Gage Academy is located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.

    Gage collage

    Clockwise, Starting From Left: Exterior of Gage Academy, painting student work, sculptor in action.

  3. Pottery Northwest

    This is the place to go to learn about ceramics! I haven’t taken any classes here yet, but I hope to do so eventually. Like the previous two schools, Pottery Northwest also offers classes for all skill levels. And once you’ve started practicing on your own, check out the amazing Seattle Pottery Supply for all of your project needs.  You don’t need to be an experienced ceramicist to shop this store; I’ve purchased a variety of raw materials and tools for use in my glass projects there.  Pottery Northwest is located at Seattle Center north of Belltown and Seattle Pottery Supply is located in the SODO district.

    Pottery NW collage

    Clockwise, Starting From Left: Exterior of Pottery Northwest, student work, vessels being fired in a clamshell raku kiln.

    4. Now that you know about these amazing, local, non-profit art schools, it’s time to enroll in some classes.  Perhaps I’ll see you in one!

Would you like to read more from the team?

If you enjoy reading our blog as much as we enjoy writing it, that just makes our day! You might also enjoy a few of the related posts below. And, if there is a topic that you wish we would cover, let us know!

An Art Walk Sneak Peek: Works by Frank Ching

During the current pandemic crisis, we aren’t currently able to host in-person events in our By Others gallery at the Board & Vellum office on Capitol Hill in Seattle. But, that doesn’t at all mean we aren’t super excited about this one! To tide you over, please enjoy this preview of works by Frank Ching.

Works by Morgan Welch & Donal Murphy in the “By Others” Gallery at Board & Vellum

A new show is launching at the By Others gallery! For January’s Capitol Hill Art Walk, we are hosting works by two artists: Morgan Welch (also a B&V’er) and Donal Murphy. Read their artist statements, here, ahead of the January 9th opening reception.

Works by Daniel Ash & Julianna Karr in the “By Others” Gallery at Board & Vellum

Ready for a new show in the By Others gallery? We’ve been on hold for construction, but we are back! For November’s Capitol Hill Art Walk, we are hosting works by two artists: Daniel Ash and Julianna Karr. Read their artist statements, here, ahead of the November 14th opening reception.

Check out our blog.

Considering a project, or curious about something?

Say hello, and send us your questions via the form below. We’re always pleased to make new connections, and eager to get to know you, your project, and your goals.

Get in touch.