Submitted photos
The Arts Center in Elkins is currently displaying exhibitions by local artists Julie Weiford, Wilhelmina McWhorter and Keegan Campbell.
ELKINS — The Arts Center will host a reception on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. for artists Julie Weiford, Wilhelmina McWhorter and Keegan Campbell.
All three artists’ exhibitions will display through Sept. 28 at The Arts Center.
“Algothquian” is an exhibition created by artist Moll (Julie Weiford), and is a combination of indigenous and gothic aesthetic. Moll’s artwork is a triad of her native heritage, West Virginia upbringing, and herself as an individual. Using assorted media from felt, beads, to glitter, Moll conveys a broad range of themes and emotions all presented with a mischievous grin.
She is an indigenous artist from West Virginia, specializing in one of a kind works. She explores Appalachian and Algonquian culture through a gothic lense. She refers to her style as “Algothquian”, a mix of the words “Algonquian” and “goth.” Each one of her art works come with its own unique beaded frame that holds just as much meaning as the works they border.
“My Mom Says It’s Perfect” is a duo exhibition by Wilhelmina McWhorter and Keegan Campbell. Exploring their styles, expressing freely and finding joy in the silly and mundane world. It is both Campbell’s and McWhorter’s debut gallery. This exhibit finds them diving into public displays of artistry; however, all that matters is that their moms said it’s perfect.
Campbell is from Elkins, and has lived the last 13 years in Morgantown. He attended WVU for both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and currently works as an independent clinical social worker. He has always appreciated art, architecture, landscapes, and people’s efforts to create. He enjoys the creepy, dark, ugly and distorted sides of life, but also enjoys the simplicity of natural beauty, joy and rich earthy colors.
Wilhelmina (Willa) McWhorter was born and raised in Elkins. She studied acting and English lit and petry at WVU then later earned a Physical Theatre Certification from Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake, California. Her life has taken her down many paths, all over the United States, South America, and Europe, and her work has led her to many communities and experiences.
After the pandemic took away her job in Liverpool, she forged her way back to the mountains in search of her next adventure. It was through this metamorphosis that she discovered her own passions in painting. Much like her late father, William McWhorter, she found herself immersed in the work.
She finds joy in painting the world through an impressionistic, colored brush and draws inspiration from how shadow and light interact with one another to create the things we perceive. This gallery is a chance for her to display progress while she works through the posthumous art lessons of her late father. If anyone has contact with the afterlife, can you ask for an extension on next week’s homework?
The Arts Center is a welcoming and inclusive home where everyone is encouraged to create, explore, and discover the value of art through exceptional programming. The Center encourages arts opportunities for a lifetime of personal enlightenment. Committed to making art more accessible to everyone, it offers art programs for individuals of all ages and abilities. The Center wants to encourage conversation and connections, bring joy to your life, and exceed your expectations in all areas of art. Empower yourself through the arts!
The Art Center is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts.
Taste Edmonds 2023 — Last chance to get presale tickets
Friday – Sunday, Aug. 11 – 13
Frances Anderson Center
700 Main St., Edmonds
We are mere days away from the can’t-miss event of the summer! Online presale will end at noon Thursday, Aug. 10.
Tickets will be available at the door for a slightly higher price. Read about this and many other exciting details on the Taste website. (Be sure to check out the newly added FAQ page.)
Don’t worry — the only app you’ll need for this event is an appetizer! If you purchased your tickets ahead of time, bring a printout, a screenshot or have your confirmation email open to the included QR codes to get your wristband.
Don’t miss the Makers Market! This weekend, the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce will turn the Edmonds Library Plaza rooftop overlooking the Puget Sound into a Makers Market full of handcrafted treasures, innovative designs, and locally made goods. The Taste Edmonds Makers Market will feature 30 vendors and will be free to the public, while Taste Edmonds — featuring food, live music and more — will require paid entry.
The Taste Edmonds Makers Market is an ode to makers, craftspeople, artisans and creatives of the Puget Sound area making everything from candles to jewelry, and soaps to pottery. This year’s focus is on showcasing the best of local maker products to build community, support local, and give vendors a chance to reach thousands of new eyes during the Taste Edmonds weekend. Check here for a full line up of vendors.
Volunteers still needed. This event would not be possible without the team of amazing, dedicated and very cool volunteers. Volunteer shifts last about five hours and include responsibilities like staffing the box office, monitoring entrances and more. If you’d like to be included among this incredible population of VIPs, check out the list of open volunteer shifts and sign up.
~ ~ ~ ~
Free summer concerts in Edmonds Aug. 13-17
The sixth week of free Edmonds Summer Concerts in the Park features three acts that will get people dancing. On Sunday, Aug. 13, check out the 85th Street Big Band at Edmonds City Park, followed on Tuesday, Aug. 15 with the Sidekickers and Thursday, Aug 17 with Bread & Gravy, both at the Hazel Miller Plaza, in downtown Edmonds.
Performing at City Park (600 3rd Ave. S.) Aug. 13, the 20-member 85th Street Big Band. under the musical direction of Katie Kruse, has earned a solid reputation as an accomplished band featuring swing favorites from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s.
On Aug. 15 from 4:30-6 p.m., enjoy the feeling of kicking back with good friends on a summer afternoon with The Sidekickers. at Hazel Miller Plaza (5th Avenue South and Maple Street. The trio performs pop, rock and jazz, from original compositions to favorite covers. The Sidekickers features members Bill Derry, Darla Kiste and Megan Jeffrey.
Then, on Thursday, Aug. 17 — also from 4:30-6 p.m. — enjoy some good comfort music for your soul by Bread & Gravy, playing a variety of music styles, including Americana, blues, rock, soul and pop. The group was voted second for Best Live Performance Group in the Best on the Peninsula, 2017.
Summer Concerts in the Park is a program of the City of Edmonds Arts Commission with sponsorship support from Lynnwood Honda, Carter Motors/Lynnwood Acura and the Hazel Miller Foundation. Find a complete schedule of concerts here.
~ ~ ~ ~
Ballyhoo Theatre Mainstage presents “Shapeshifters”
Friday evening, Saturday matinee and evening, Sunday matinee, Aug. 11-13,
Evening 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Matinee 2-4 p.m.
The Black Box Theater at Edmonds College
20310 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood
Be one of the first audiences to see a wonderful new musical in this pilot production. Shapeshifters, A Queer Comic Book Musical, written by Truth Future Bachman (they/them), is a musical-theater multiverse dedicated to LGBTQIA2S+ superheroes. Using the lens of superhero science fiction, Shapeshifters encourages young queer and trans participants, and their allies, to consider what “others” them as their superpower, and is equal parts entertainment and empowerment.
This actor-driven production is part of the pilot development process and is designed to allow participants to create text as part of the narrative, providing the opportunity to inject their personal DNA into this theatrical experience. With a fantastic techno-inspired score unlike anything you’ve heard before, this is an amazing opportunity to be part of the creation of a new musical.
Shapeshifters is directed by Shileah Corey, with choreography by Erich W. Schleck and Robbi Moore. Musical direction is by Lucas Lindberg and Shileah Corey. The show runs August 11-13, 2023, with shows Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees, at The Black Box at Edmonds College. Inclusive ticket pricing ranges from pay what you can to $20. Order tickets here.
~ ~ ~ ~
Edmonds Art Studio Tour – All are welcome
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17
Click here for a map of participating studios.
Edmonds Art Studio Tour is excited to announce this year’s in-person community engagement, where they open their studios to those interested in purchasing handmade works and learning more about each artist’s creative process.
The artists selected to participate in the annual studio tour are chosen based on specific criteria, including a connection to the Edmonds community. During the weekend of Sept. 16-17, the public can tour the studios where all artists will be featuring their work and will be available to discuss their creative process. Some will also be sharing demonstrations during this time. Their work, much of it for purchase, is featured on each artist’s website, and all are accessible via the Edmonds Art Studio Tour website.
Art has many healing qualities to not only the artists who create, but also to those who find a connection with art. Now, more than ever, we can all benefit from something that clears the mind. This year’s artists appreciate your support and hope to provide you with a healthy distraction.
— By Elizabeth Murray
Elizabeth Murray is a freelance writer thankful to call Edmonds home. When she’s not busy wrangling her two kids (and husband), you can find her playing ukulele and singing with The Band LeLe.
BILLINGS, MT- The City of Billings Planning and Community Services Department is now calling on an artist or a group of artists to create an Indigenous identity-themed placemaking hub (a public art installation informed by community input) in the North Park neighborhood.
The selected artist(s) would work will the Mobilize the MAGIC (Making Art Grounded in Community) City project team.
The Mobilize the MAGIC City Team partnered with Triia which is a subsidiary program of the Native American Development Corporation, has a mission of elevating and showcasing the talents of Native American artists for this project.
Triia offers a platform where Native artists can promote their work and connect with each other. This opportunity is open to artists of all races, ethnicities, and abilities.
Preference will be given to artists or groups of artists with a demonstrated understanding of Indigenous lives and experiences in the Billings area.
Submissions that illustrate the theme of Indigenous Identity in Billings will be considered for selection.
Tally Monteau, Triia Program Manager says of this effort: “When I look at the city of Billings, I do not see an accurate amount of representation for the city’s Indigenous population. According to the latest census and recent CMS data reports, as much as ten percent of the Billings’ population identifies as Indigenous.
Triia’s goal with this project is to bring further Native visibility to the community. To bring Indigenous art to the public art space here, and open up spaces for future projects and representation, so that people like me feel comfortable and included in this community.”
Interested artists can learn more and download an application packet on the City of Billings Website.
Applications will be accepted until August 14, 2023, at 5 PM. Artists can also reach out to Elyse Monat (City of Billings) at monate@billingsmt.gov or 406-247-8637 or,
Tally Monteau (Triia) at tmonteau@triia.com or 406-294-8048 for questions or assistance with the application.
