First-ever Maple Leaf Art Walk is in 2 weeks!

With the summer solstice just around the corner, 20 Maple Leaf businesses hope to take advantage of the longer days by swinging open their doors for the first-ever Maple Leaf Art Walk, from 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 11.

Maple Leaf resident Billy Thompson with 20Six Fresh has put together the map at right, which you can print out either in color or black and white before venturing out for the evening.

So far, we have information on the artists and specials at just a few of the participating businesses, but expect more information in the coming days:

Aljoya Thornton Place, 450 N.E. 100th St.
Works from ZZ Wei will be on display (read our earlier post about his work) and refreshments including wine and hors d’oeuvres will be offered.

Art Tile Co., 8511 Roosevelt Way N.E.
A number of artists will be showing their work and be available to answer questions at Art Tile Co. Participants include:

• Billy Thompson, print art
• Erick Cort Gay, glass artist
• Barb Clark, Agapanther handmade tile
• Paul Lewing, tile artist

Blue Saucer, 9127 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Works by Maple Leaf artist Rachel Marcotte, who designed Wallingford’s turtle street mural, will be on display.

Cloud City Coffee, 8801 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Art from Chip Baker will be on display.

Early Masters, 8815 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Bring the kids by during the art walk so they can experience watercolors, charcoal, pencils and photo references of great artworks around the table. Art walkers of all ages are invited to stop by to sketch like Matisse or Picasso and others.

Fine Impressions, 8300 Fifth Ave. N.E.
A number of artists will be available to  answer questions throughout the evening (the list may grow, so stay tuned!), including:

• April Richardson, who will be demonstrating monotype and linocut
• Stephen McMillan, who will have aquatint demonstration plates and tools
• Diane Steen, watercolor
• David Harrison, etchings and watercolor
• George Ciardi, photography

Hudson New American Public House, 8014 15th Ave. N.E.
Art from Kellie Talbot will be on display and an oyster special will be available.

maoStudios, 9220 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Jewelry from Yoj Healing Crystals and Bijoudally will be on display.

Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave. N.E.
Stop by to take part in a hands-on workshop that will be open to all ages.