The June 8th open studio, ‘Spring Into Summer Open House’ version, was delightful. It’s always fun to have so many studios participate. There were lots of new people checking out The Building’s creative spaces. We hosted a group show called ‘Built To Last’ featuring work by seven artists who took on the challenge with relatively short notice. Let’s do this again soon!

On Saturday, May 27th we held a Night Of Musical Games at the ProletariYacht Club. Adventurous souls were directed to follow a random set of rules determining what to play and how to play it. Instructions were as diverse as: “Play on one foot.”, “Play your favorite song”, “Play with your eyes closed”, “Play solo”, “Play as a trio” , “Skip your turn”, etc.. Given these sparse guidelines, performers of all levels of experience collaborated and celebrated music together. Many surprising and happy moments ensued. Thank you to all the participants for their enthusiasm and special thanks to Brenda L Scallon for the idea. Stay tuned for more…

In keeping with the Upstream vibe in Seattle this month, our May 11th edition of Open studios included music and new beginnings. Painted plates by Edward Lee were on display, while several canvases and canvas panels that Edward donated to our space were distributed for use in our upcoming Built to Last show. Stay tuned for some pretty exciting events coming up in the next couple of months.

On Saturday, April 22nd, we held a night of movies and improvisation at the ProletariYacht Club. Brian Edwards provided selections from his magnificent film library. The evening’s highlight was 'The Lost World', a silent stop action film classic from 1925, by Willis O’Brien, who later went on to animate the original King Kong. The presentation was supported an enthusiastic cast of musicians who together navigated the storyline between scientific debate and jungle challenges, culminating in a rampaging brontosaur on the streets of London! To top off the evening June Olsen and Dave came to spin us home with music on vinyl. We really appreciate the community of artists that contribute their energies to collaborate through the PYC. Till next time…

We had a lovely April open studios gathering. Seeds being planted everywhere, Somehow still trying to say goodbye to winter. One kool and cozy warm part of the night was Jay Keller throwing open the doors to his new and much improved space! We even got to watch him throw some stuff on his wheel. Loving the diversity of disciplines in The Building!

On Friday, March 24, we held an open improvisation session at the PYC. A diverse band of enthusiastic participants joined in. We love that friends, old and new, offered such talent and energy. With two keyboardists, five guitarists and a percussionist weaving magic we didn’t want the celebrations to end. We look forward to next time when we’ll be adding films by Brian Edwards to the mix.

We enjoyed a lovely, relaxing Second Thursday open studios event on March 9th. Spring is on its way, and we’re looking forward to seeing what will blossom at the PYC in our third year.

February 9th we presented Edward Lee- Now and Then, a show featuring work from his archives, as well as some from his newest Mount Rainier series. We were all captivated once again as Edward demonstrated his Chinese painting techniques, creating a rooster with Mt Rainier in the background in honor of Chinese New Year, and then a lotus. Now two lucky raffle winners have lovely new pieces to enjoy. The PYC is so thankful that Edward has shared his talents and spirit with us. Now we’re transitioning back from gallery format to studio format in the front room, but we still have a great selection of pieces in the Parlor, which can be viewed by appointment. (Email me: [email protected]) We’re also excited to announce that Jay Keller, a ceramicist has taken over our ‘Workshop’ space and is returning it to it’s original use, and installing a pottery wheel and kiln!!!! Welcome to The Building Jay!!!!

Our Fourth Friday music night for January, 2017 serendipitously turned into a birthday celebration for Tim’s 60th trip around the Sun. Friends old and new gathered, laughed and feasted together, while a baker’s dozen of musicians performed in various combinations throughout the evening. Surrounded by beautiful art, we took respite from the cares of the day to celebrate each other, the creative family that defines the ProletariYacht Club. For you all we are very grateful.

On Thursday, January 12th, the ProletariYacht Club hosted the first of two openings for Edward Lee- From The Archives, a survey of Mr. Lee’s Chinese painting oeuvre, spanning over a half century of creativity. Edward did a demo for a room full of rapt observers while his daughter Liko passed out complimentary raffle tickets. Three very lucky winners went home with original art, and big smiles on their faces! We also sent four stunning pieces from the Archive series to new homes. Gail from Morgandy Knits brought a handful of #pussyhats, which Tess modeled. They were all snapped up for The Women’s March on Washington. It was a lovely way to kick off the New Year! The next and final opening will be Thursday, February 9th. See you then! Also for this special return to gallery format we will be open by appointment if you’d like to see the show before the 9th.