The Open Space for Arts & Community is bringing back what they call the riskiest show they’ve ever put on. On Saturday, Feb. 9, two of the island art scene’s finest — painter Pam Ingalls and musician Daryl Redeker — will bare it all in a joint improvisational performance billed as Brush Notes II.
During the hour-and-a-half event, Ingalls will paint a portrait of an audience member chosen from a hat while Redeker composes an original song about that person, performing a final version at the end of the night. The audience will be seated close to the action, and a large-screen TV will display close-up views of the artists’ work as it progresses. There will be a Q-and-A where the two will discuss their creative process, and at certain points spectators will be able to walk around, even get on the stage, to check out Ingalls’ brushstrokes and Redeker’s guitar picking up close and personal.
“To be able to watch someone like that actually make a painting is so unusual,” said the Open Space’s Maria Glanz. “And Daryl is such a great song writer, to get to witness him writing a song is also very unusual.”
Ingalls and Redeker teamed up for the first Brush Strokes in 2011. Ingalls, a prolific oil painter well known on Vashon and beyond, said she enjoyed the experience, but it also pushed her out of her comfort zone. She had to paint more quickly than normal, and do so with a crowd of people watching.
“I’m not used to performing; most of my painting is done totally by myself, “ she said. “It’s like being naked.”
At the same time, Ingalls said, she also felt inspired by the crowd’s presence.
“It seems like their energy changes it a little bit. It’s risky but it’s interesting,” she said.
Last year Redeker, a singer, songwriter and teacher who has released several records and wowed Islanders with his musicianship for many years, wrote an impromptu song based on whatever his muse was that night. This time, Glanz said, he’ll chat with the subject of the portrait and compose an original tune either about or inspired by him or her.
Last year’s lucky model was Susan McCabe. This year, it could be anyone.
“We have a real commitment to making art that bridges that gap between the artist and audience,” Glanz said. “To making the event where something kind of magical can happen in the community. This is … a signature event for us in that way.”
Brush Notes II will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Open Space. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, $10, are available at Vashon Bookshop and www.brownpapertickets.com.
