Step into a garden of art on First Friday’s gallery cruise

The Secret Garden at VCA, “Bridging the Gap,” Dig Deep Gardens, “Buds & Bugs,” and more.

By Elizabeth Shepherd • June 5, 2024 1:30 am
See artworks by (left to right) Troy Gua, Stephen Schildbach, and Ilse Reimnitz in new exhibits opening in June (Courtesy Photos).
See artworks by (left to right) Troy Gua, Stephen Schildbach, and Ilse Reimnitz in new exhibits opening in June (Courtesy Photos).

Check out these new gallery exhibitions on Vashon’s First Friday gallery cruise.

The Secret Garden

As June turns Vashon gardens into galleries of natural beauty, “The Secret Garden” will bloom in VCA’s Koch Gallery — a show with artworks inspired by flora and foliage, organic and ecological, mythical and magical, green and growing.

More than 80 artists have donated work to this fundraiser exhibit, with proceeds from purchases of artwork supporting VCA.

A reception for the show will take place from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 7. Regular gallery hours are 12-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. See the show online at gallery.vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Bridging the Gap

VALISE Gallery will present “Bridging the Gap,” a four-person group show conceived by VALISE’s newest member, Stephen Schildbach. The show bridges his connection with three Seattle artists and friends, Sara Bracken, Zac Corum, and Casey Keeler.

The month-long show opens from 1-9 p.m. Friday, June 7, with wine, cheese, and live harp music. Valise Gallery is open from 1-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday in the summer months.

Imprinted

An exhibit of etchings and prints by Sue Hardy will open at Dig Deep Gardens from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 7. Hardy, a high school art teacher for 20 years, has in recent years concentrated on making copper plate intaglio etchings using the press at Quartermaster Press. The opening at Dig Deep will also feature a performance of the island ensemble, Alchemy The Band, from 7-9 p.m.

Buds & Bugs

Life in the garden inspires “Buds & Bugs, an exhibit featuring 16 island artists that will run from June 7-30 at the Outstanding In Its Field Gallery, at 10524 SW 188th St.

Meet the artists at the show’s opening, from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 7, and enjoy a free performance by singer and songwriter Kat Eggleston from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the music in the gallery’s “party pasture.” A portion of the sale of all artworks will also benefit the Garden Club.

Regular gallery hours are 12-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and weekdays by calling for an appointment at 206-419-0199.

Works in the show include oil paintings from Barbara Benedetti Newton and Gretchen Hancock; monoprints from Ilse Reimnitz; blown glass flowers from Brian Brenno; basket-weaving by Barbara Dusty Gustafson; linocut and monotype prints by Lynn McClain; stained glass garden art from Gail Hapeman; whimsical bug sculptures by Charlotte Masi; pastels from Janeen Bramwell; gouache paintings and art cards from Brooke Gassiot; watercolors by Nancy Putney and Jeanne Marie Thomas; jewelry by Lisa Witherspoon; flower vases by Gale Lurie; and bas relief bronze sculpture and etched glass from White Hart Art.

The gallery is open from May to October, and during the VIVA Art Studio Tour in December, with themed exhibits featuring island artists.