China’s financial health appears, for the first time in decades, to be in trouble. Growth is slowing and the stockmarket is on the dip. A housing crisis, precipitated by the bankruptcy of Evergrande, one of China’s biggest property developers, and the possible defaulting of the comparable behemoth Country Garden, has thrown China’s museum sector into a state of profound uncertainty.
“Covid policies in China have weakened the relationship between China’s art market and international art markets,” says Pan Baohui, the director of Magician Space, the only Beijing-based gallery to attend Frieze London this year. “The fluidity of the market has been weakened,” the dealer adds. Gallery Vacancy, meanwhile, is one of two galleries to attend from Shanghai.
Collectors affluent enough to be insulated from the economic downturn still seem to be travelling to fairs like Frieze. This year they included Alan Lau, Patrick Sun and Dongyuan Guan. But, for some emerging collectors, and many Chinese galleries, the future is a lot more uncertain.
“The Chinese economy has had a really big impact on business for many galleries,” Baohui says. “Many are downsizing. Rent is increasing and emerging collectors don’t want to pay as much.”
As a result, Chinese galleries are focusing their resources on fairs closer to home such as the West Bund Art & Design and ART021 fairs, which will take place in Shanghai next month.
A fellow dealer, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that there is anxiety among Chinese collectors due to the economic downturn.
London gallerists who do business in China are more bullish. Timothy Taylor, the director of the eponymous gallery in Mayfair, says the Chinese collectors he works with have travelled to Frieze this year. “There is no drop off that I can see,” Taylor says. “They are here, and they are enthusiastic.”
Since the pandemic, however, gaining a visa to the UK remains a time-consuming task for collectors and gallerists who are Chinese citizens. “Many of my clients find this very frustrating,” says Lihsin Tsai, a senior director at Hauser & Wirth Hong Kong, who is Chinese. “A very important client of mine was unable to come to London because she was unable to get a visa in time,” Tsai says.
Getting a visa for Europe’s Schengen area, however, is far simpler. Lucien Y. Tso, the founder of Shanghai’s Gallery Vacancy, says: “Clients from China need visas to enter both the UK and Europe,” he says. “With so many fairs now in China, they might need to choose.”
We invite visitors to come with your questions every Thursday to meet a curator in the galleries to discuss works in the Black Artists of Oregon exhibition. This informal, one-on-one conversation-based offering is an opportunity to learn more about the artists, their work and the curatorial vision that shaped the exhibition.
An authentic German Christmas market, cheery light displays, and holiday boat parades are just the start
SEATTLE – It’s set to be the coziest Christmas season yet in Seattle, with the thrilling launch of the Seattle Christmas Market – sister to the Vancouver Christmas Market that’s been running annually since 2010 – as well as the return of beloved favorites like WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo and a caroling competition at Pike Place Market. Find the whole lineup of events on seattleholidays.com.
MERRIEST MARKETS
The inaugural Seattle Christmas Market is coming to Seattle Center for a month-long celebration, November 24 – December 24. More than 60 local Seattle vendors will make up the Christmas village and marketplace at the Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn, offering an authentic European experience, from traditional food and mulled wine to handcrafted goods and live entertainment. Visitors of all ages will be delighted by the 50-foot walk-through Christmas tree with over 50,000 twinkling lights, plus complimentary rides on the Christmas Carousel and entertainment within the ski-chalet-inspired Alpen Haus. Tickets go on sale in mid-October.
On November 18 – 19, the National Nordic Museum will host its 46th annual Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration. This event transforms the Museum grounds into a modern spin on the traditional Nordic holiday market with over 30 local artists, delicious holiday treats, and Nordic cultural performances.
Find unique, authentic gifts from local indigenous tribes at both the United Indians Native Art Market, December 15 – 17, as well as the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center Native Art Market, taking place November 24 – 26. Support local indigenous artists while crossing off Christmas gift lists with clothing, jewelry, woodworking, drums, art prints, and more.
The 28th Annual Magic in the Market, Pike Place Market’s longest-running holiday tradition, returns Saturday, November 25 with Santa meet-and-greets, caroling, eggnog, and plenty of local goods for sale. Visitors won’t want to miss the famous Market lighting ceremony at 5:00 p.m.
JOLLY PERFORMANCES
Rediscover Charles Dickens’ Yuletide classic “A Christmas Carol”, proudly returning for the 48th year at ACT Theatre beginning November 24
Another must-see holiday performance, George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” returns to McCaw Hall November 24 – December 27 to delight audiences once more, a sparkling classic for all ages
“The Nutcracker has become the most successful and beloved work in the history of ballet, and it has always been an entry point for many into this world,” said Peter Boal, Artistic Director of Pacific Northwest Ballet. “The care and commitment exhibited by our rehearsal directors, student and professional performers, and a massive team backstage, onstage, and in the orchestra pit, is part of a wondrous tradition of welcoming and introducing people of all ages and all cultures to the magic of ballet, classical music, and live performance.”
Catch another holiday classic on the stage with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the 5th Ave Theatre, November 25 – December 27. This merry and bright musical is full of dancing, laughter, and yuletide songs, based on the 1954 film.
Enjoy a uniquely Seattle tradition at Pike Place Market, where The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition hosts local caroling teams to raise money for the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank. The musical holiday fun takes place December 1, from 6 – 9 p.m.
The holiday tradition of delightful music from Seattle Men’s Chorus is also back. Revel in the nostalgia, hilarity, a Christmas conga, and an unforgettable sing-along at three Puget Sound area locations December 2 – 23.
There’s no place like Benaroya Hall for the holidays! Join the Seattle Symphony for Holiday Pops, featuring conductor Stuart Chafetz and vocalist-trombonist Aubrey Logan. The dazzling program is full of holiday favorites, traditional carols, and plenty of yuletide cheer, with shows December 8 – 10.
Another rich holiday performance not-to-be-missed is Black Nativity at INTIMAN Theatre, December 12 – 30. Langston Hughes’ Gospel Song-Play celebrates the Christmas story with actors, dancers, soaring vocalists, and a rousing city-wide gospel choir.
DAZZLING DISPLAYS
Woodland Park Zoo’s larger-than-life festival WildLanterns returns November 10 – January 14. This interactive holiday experience is unlike any in the Pacific Northwest, featuring gorgeously lit animal lanterns from pandas in cherry trees to giant flowers and mythical creatures.
“WildLanterns is a fully immersive and whimsical holiday experience that everyone can enjoy,” said Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO Alejandro Grajal. “If you’ve joined us in the past, you know the magic and can expect to see countless new lanterns this year.”
Winter Brilliance also returns to Chihuly Garden and Glass this holiday season. The innovative light and music experience is back for its second year starting November 24 and running through February 29, 2024.
Seattle Center Winterfest returns November 24 – December 31 with sparkling lights, amusements and spirited entertainment, including live performances, a Winter Train & Village, and the annual campus lighting display. It all culminates with T-Mobile New Year’s At The Needle, where revelers can watch the largest structurally launched fireworks and light display in North America
Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival is back starting November 24 – December 23, offering a classic Seattle holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition since 1949. Board a festive ship decorated with hundreds of shimmery white lights and sail to different Puget Sound waterfront communities – around 40 in all. A live choir and reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” will warm the soul, or adult guests can opt for the 21+ ugly sweater party aboard a following boat. Those who would rather enjoy shoreside can catch a 20-minute choir performance broadcast from the ship, or join the Parade of Boats Viewing Party December 8.
The glitter of ice may surprise sports fans this winter, at the 2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic on January 1. Taking place at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, the Mariner’s home field will transform into an outdoor ice rink, where the Seattle Kraken and Las Vegas Golden Knights will battle it out, pitting the NHL’s two newest teams against one another.
HOLIDAY HOTEL PACKAGES
Hotel promotions and packages will be offered throughout the holiday season, with perks like complimentary bottles of wine, gift cards for holiday shopping, and spa credits.
“W Seattle is the city’s leading luxury lifestyle hotel and the perfect escape for the holidays,” said Greg Campbell, Director of Sales and Marketing at W Seattle. “In collaboration with incredible local partners, such as Nordstrom, First Nature Tours, local liquor partners, and Picnic Party Seattle, we’re going all out this season to create incredible events for guests and the community to enjoy.”
More details on hotel packages are to come. Visit seattleholidays.com for further details and updates.
Images for media use can be found here.
About Visit Seattle
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.
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The annular solar eclipse on Saturday could be a great photo opp – if you do it right.
Here are some tips for photographing the eclipse, based on advice from NASA.
First, always protect your eyes.
-That means never looking directly at the sun. Experts recommend always wearing approved solar eclipse glasses.
-Solar glasses should always be worn directly over your eyes or prescription glasses.
-The lens of a camera or telescope can intensify the sun’s rays, causing even more eye damage.
Youths wear protective glasses to watch a hybrid solar eclipse in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, April 20, 2023.
(AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, File)
Can I take a photo of the eclipse on my phone?
-You can. But it’s not recommended.
-Just like your eyes, there’s a chance the phone’s lens could be damaged by the sun.
-Average cell phone photos of a solar eclipse probably aren’t going to turn out that well anyway.
Specialized equipment and knowing how to use it is key to really great – and safe – eclipse photos.
-That includes a special solar filter over the camera lens to protect it from damage.
-A telephoto lens will help you zoom in closer.
-A tripod is key for stability, which helps avoid blurry photos in low light.
-A delayed shutter release allows you to take photos without shaking the camera.
The camera of an amateur photographer displays the sun’s disk which is obscured by the moon during a partial solar eclipse on Jan. 6, 2019, in Tokyo, Japan.
(David Mareuil/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
There will be lots of really cool things to take photos of besides the sun.
-The landscape around you will change during the eclipse, with interesting shadows and lighting.
-You might see mini images of the eclipse on the ground in a pinhole effect due to light filtering through leaves on trees.
-People around you will be animated and generally looking amazed. “The real pictures are going to be of the people around you pointing, gawking, and watching it,” NASA photographer Bill Ingalls notes. “Those are going to be some great moments to capture to show the emotion of the whole thing.”
-The Forecast For Saturday’s Annular Solar Eclipse
–Here’s How Much Of The Eclipse You’ll See In Your State And What Time It Will Happen
–Everything You Need To Know About The Upcoming Eclipse
-Your Guide To Solar Eclipse Glasses
Weather.com reporter Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
Following the pandemic, many industries have seen big changes in how business is done and the visual art industry is no different.
As of Thursday, October 12th, a new online platform for artists and collectors across BC, Canada and the rest of the world launched to buy and sell art at their leisure and it was created by Victoria-based entrepreneur, Dr. Lara Tomaszewska.
She went to school at UBC and achieved her PhD in Art History before working on the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Arts Advisory Council.
Now, Dr. Tomaszewska has launched ArtRow, her online platform for artists and art enthusiasts to be able to find what they are looking for in an easy and accessible way.
According to Dr. Tomaszewska, the website is meant to “democratize” art transactions by giving buyers access to works that have been vetted, while remaining accessible.
“The art industry experienced a major transformation during the pandemic, highlighting the need for new art market models,” says Lara Tomaszewska, Founder of ArtRow. “As travel to art fairs halted and galleries shuttered, gallery and auction house online sales skyrocketed.”
“This revealed an opportunity for a new digital platform where independent buyers and sellers could participate in art transactions through an easy-to-use marketplace model, and thus, ArtRow was born,” she continued.
ArtRow has works from both historical and contemporary works from private sellers and artists alike.
Being Canadian herself, Dr. Tomaszewska has made sure to put an emphasis on artists from her home country including renowned Canadian artist, Jeremy Herndl, who specializes in landscape painting.
“ArtRow’s launch marks a significant milestone in the art market, ushering in a new era for both established and emerging artists,” said Herndl.
“From the detailed descriptions of each piece of art to the team’s commitment to transparency, the platform not only promises to be a vibrant hub for art enthusiasts but also an avenue for independent professionals to present their work globally.”
The works of art in the earliest days of ArtRow being launched so far vary from $300 to around $165,000, giving plenty of options for people regardless of their price range.
In addition to allowing for people to use their purchasing power in a mindful, safe manner, ArtRow allows for people looking to take the leap into the world of buying or selling art to learn the basics and go as far down the rabbit hole as they wish.
“I see an exciting future,” Tomaszewska says, “Where anyone can experience art and participate in the art economy. A future in which we can hold the art world in our hands.”
