Will you chip in to support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation today?
Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!This week marks my one-year anniversary of writing the Art Beat column for My Neighborhood News Group!
Thank you so much for welcoming me into your arts community. Over the course of a year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting artists, musicians, writers, performers, arts organizations, local businesses and arts advocates from across South Snohomish County.
Each conversation, studio visit, performance, art class, event and exhibition has shown me the brilliant creativity and generosity that blooms here.
It’s meaningful beyond words to have the opportunity to share your stories.
Thank you for your support. Thank you for reading.
Upcoming art happenings:
Sea Notes: summer music
Mary Lou’s Block Public Plaza at the Port of Edmonds Marina, 458 Admiral Way (behind Anthony’s restaurant)
Most Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, June 24 through Aug. 30
Enjoy casual seaside performances throughout the summer at the plaza. A limited number of chairs will be available, and attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets and relax on the grassy knoll. Pack a picnic or grab an outdoor table at Anthony’s while enjoying live music by local student and professional musicians.
For a complete list, visit Port of Edmonds.
~ ~ ~ ~
15th Annual Festival of Shorts
June 25-28, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday is sold out
Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds
Rating: Teen+
Run time: Approximately two hours, including a 15-minute intermission
Cost: $21 general (ages 19-59); $19 youth/senior/military
Available online or by phone at 425-774-9600
Edmonds Driftwood Players (EDP) presents its 15th Annual Festival of Shorts, featuring eight short play finalists selected from 300 script submissions from around the world.
The 2026 theme is “Milestones: markers in time of significant achievements or events” and includes both comedic and dramatic stories.
The festival will be presented in five performances, featuring eight directors and eight cast members.
For a complete list, visit EDP’s Festival of Shorts.
~ ~ ~ ~
First AWE Wine Walk happens this Saturday
Saturdays, June 27 through Aug. 1, 5-8 p.m.
Downtown Edmonds
$40 advance tickets | $50 day of event (if available)
Downtown Edmonds businesses will feature wine tastings from select boutique Pacific Northwest wineries.
Tickets include admission wristband, tasting glasses and 10 one-ounce pours of wine tickets at participating locations. Wine totes will also be available for purchase.
Proceeds benefit Art Walk Edmonds.
~ ~ ~ ~
Hazel Miller Plaza, 5th Ave. S. and Maple St., Edmonds
Thursdays, July 9 through 30, 4:30-6 p.m.
Rain or shine
The summer concert series at Hazel Miller Plaza, presented by the Edmonds Arts Commission, brings free performances to downtown Edmonds throughout July and August.
- July 9: Jean Lenke (Jazz, Folk & Blues)
- July 16: Third Harbour (Celtic)
- July 23: Nick Drummond (Indie Rock)
- July 30: Those Guys (Acoustic Pop)
The series continues through August, offering a variety of musical styles in the heart of Edmonds.
~ ~ ~ ~
July 7-28, 6-7:15 p.m.
Edmonds Waterfront Center, 220 Railroad Ave., Box 717
Levels: All levels
Cost: Members $20 + $5 materials fee paid to instructor; non-members $30 + $5 materials fee paid to instructor
Instructor: Andrew Mecum
Register online, call 425-774-5555, or in person at guest services
Join a fun, low-pressure drawing session centered on creative exploration and sketching. Learn basic techniques, experiment with new ideas and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Open to all skill levels. Pencils and paper provided.
~ ~ ~ ~
July 8 and 15, 6-8 p.m. (2 evening sessions)
Graphite Arts Center, 202 Main St., Edmonds
Cost: $90
Ages: Adults 18+
Instructor: Mary Olsen
Explore the timeless tradition of still life through both drawing and painting. Working from arranged compositions students will develop their observational skills and a deeper understanding of form, light and composition as they work with a variety of mediums. Emphasis is placed on value, color mixing, perspective, texture and expressive mark-making.
Through individual practice and guided demonstrations from Mary Olsen – founder of Art Start NW and Graphite Arts Center – this class offers a supportive environment to build confidence in rendering three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface.
All supplies are included, but students are welcome to bring their own supplies and photos of plants.
~ ~ ~ ~
Painting Expressive Flowers in Acrylic
Saturday-Sunday, July 18-19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cole Art Studio, located on the lower level of Cole Gallery, 107 5th Ave. S., Edmonds
Cost: $350
Level: All levels
Instructor: Shirley Sakatani
Artist and instructor Shirley Sakatani will guide students through painting large-scale flowers in her signature style.
Painting either vibrant tulips or dahlias, students will select from a variety of floral images, with personalized instruction on creating beautiful color, rich texture and strong design.
Perfect for all skill levels, this workshop explores essential techniques including color mixing, value and composition. Students will learn how to build luminous backgrounds while bringing blooms to life.
The workshop includes step-by-step demos and instruction, laying the groundwork to help each student create a successful painting.
* Most supplies are available at Art Spot in downtown Edmonds for 10% off to all students.
~ ~ ~ ~
City Park Pavilion, 600 3rd Ave. S., Edmonds
Sundays, July 19 and 26, 3-4 p.m.
Rain or shine
The summer concert series at the City Park Pavilion, presented by the Edmonds Arts Commission, brings free afternoon performances to Edmonds throughout July and August.
- July 19: Sturtz (Contemporary Folk Quartet)
- July 26: Umami Jazz Fusion
The series continues through August, offering a variety of musical styles in an outdoor park setting.
*If you would like your event included in future Art Beat listings, email Nahline Gouin at [email protected]. Discover more by following the Art Beat on Instagram.
Based in Edmonds, Nahline is a freelance writer, ceramicist and arts advocate with experience in art museums and performing arts centers. She continues to create with clay, homeschool her son and write as a creative practice. Contact her at [email protected].
Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.
By commenting here you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please read our code at the bottom of this page before commenting.