Ryan James Fine Arts
As a contemporary gallery, Ryan James Fine Arts represents a roster of 15 known and emerging artists working in the style of modern, abstract and conceptual arts. The gallery focuses on value growth artworks composed from an artist series contributing to an overall body of work. Ryan James opened his Kirkland gallery to foster Washington-based contemporary artists. In just a few years, he has developed a reputation for identifying value growth artists as he has propelled one of the few such gallery programs in the area. The Ryan James Fine Arts roster is rich with prominent pioneering Washington artists' names, such as Peter Juvonen, William Turner and Joan Stuart Ross; as well as those of young emerging talents, including Qin Tan, Jara Mohlman, Seya Kim and Kimberly Balla. Ryan James has been joined by arts advocate Jessica Lambert. These partners cultivate a gallery program that nurtures the careers of Washington's contemporary emerging and established artists alike. For more information, visit RyanJamesFineArts.com.
VALA
VALA is excited to be in a new neighborhood with new staff and a new creative vision. Incoming Executive Director Samantha Areliz is looking forward to bridging the gap between experimental art and community engagement.
“At VALA, we strive to showcase local artists interested in connecting with our community in meaningful ways. We want to continue that tradition in our new home,” Samantha says.
Joining Samantha in this exciting chapter in VALA’s history is Khoosheh Salas, communications and development manager.
VALA, Venues for Artists in the Local Area, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in Redmond in 2010 by Jessica Kravitz-Lambert. Jessica started VALA with the mission to connect artists to artists, artists to the community, and the community to art by offering a thriving art venue for artists.
Expanding their presence on the Eastside by moving to Kirkland was vital, according to Samantha, in continuing their commitment to community engagement through visual arts.
“We look forward to partnering with other local art organizations, the city and the Kirkland community as a whole.”
Their current exhibition Nature in Fiber, features textile artists inspired by nature and runs through the end of February. For more information on future exhibitions and how to get involved, visit VALAEastside.org.
Studio East
Studio East Training for the Performing Arts is proud to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing theater arts education and opportunities for children in Kirkland and surrounding communities.
Starting with one theater program for teens in 1992, Studio East has become one of the largest children’s theater training programs in the Seattle metro area. Today, between the Studio’s camps and classes and its professional adult touring arm, StoryBook Theater; Studio East serves more than 70,000 people annually.
Studio East has a comprehensive program of homeschool, in-school and after-school drama classes, theater arts summer camps and Mainstage productions for children from ages 4 through 19. The organization also offers ArtReach, a six-week after-school residency program; outreach classes; and homeschooling options.
Studio East also produces StoryBook Theater, an adult professional touring troupe with performances across the Puget Sound Region. StoryBook Theater is often a child’s first experience with live theater. You can learn more about StoryBook Theater by visiting StorybookTheater.org.
Mission: Studio East works to create confident, compassionate, responsible young people through training in the art and craft of theater.
Philosophy: Studio East is founded on the belief that the performing arts can make a difference in the lives of our children. Children who learn and practice the discipline, dedication and teamwork required by the craft of theater develop skills that will be valuable assets throughout their lives, no matter what career they choose to pursue. Part of Studio East’s mission includes a scholarship program to help keep the arts accessible to theater students of all financial backgrounds. For more information, visit Studio-East.org.
Kirkland Arts Center
Kirkland Arts Center was founded as the Creative Arts League in 1962 by artists and citizens interested in providing local opportunities in the arts and preserving a Kirkland landmark, the Peter Kirk Building. For more than 50 years, Kirkland Arts Center has owned and maintained this historic structure and transformed it into an exhibition gallery, community arts studios and classrooms serving students of all ages and skill levels. Kirkland Arts Center unleashes the power of art to ignite individual growth and self-expression, build community spirit and cultivate cultural vibrancy. Kirkland Arts Center strives to be the regional leader of engaging arts experiences for all. For more information, visit KirklandArtsCenter.org.
Parklane Gallery
Parklane Gallery has been a vibrant member of the Seattle-area art scene since 1991. In earlier years, central Kirkland hosted more than a dozen art galleries. Today, Parklane is downtown Kirkland's sole remaining fine art gallery. This artist-owned gallery features the work of more than 40 Northwest artists and focuses on providing a diversity of fine art from emerging and well-established artists in the form of paintings, photography, digital art, sculpture, glass art and artisan jewelry. You will find distinctive and imaginative artwork that includes both contemporary and traditional creations within the gallery as well as in the online store.
In addition to the works of its gallery members which are always on display, Parklane sponsors three open juried exhibits throughout the year featuring the compositions of non-gallery members. An event not to be missed is its nationally well-known and respected International Miniature Show. Celebrated every May, this amazing exhibit showcases more than 300 tiny artwork treasures from around the world.
Parklane takes great pride in being known as shopper-friendly. Gallery members, who all work in the gallery, are knowledgeable, informative and helpful to first-time visitors as well as those who regularly drop in as they enjoy the charm of this lakefront community. Parklane joins with the community to participate in both the year-round second Friday art walks and regularly scheduled wine walks. For more information, visit ParklaneGallery.org.
Kirkland Performance Center
Kirkland Performance Center was built in 1998 because of the work of hundreds of volunteers and local visionary leaders, who, over a 10-year period, raised $5.8 million from nearly 1,000 donors, including government agencies, corporations, foundations and individuals. All of these contributors were motivated to bring the highest quality professional music, theater and dance to the Eastside.
By early 1997, the capital campaign was completed, and in partnership with the City of Kirkland, construction began. A week of opening celebration events kicked off the theater in a big way in June 1998. Designed by Becker Architects, the 397-seat theater is spacious yet retains an intimate feel. The acoustics in the theater are designed to work equally well for both music and the spoken word.
Today, KPC produces its own Presented Season each year, including world-renowned artists and local groups. Over the past year, KPC has enriched the community by presenting more than 240 live performances—music of all styles, theater, dance, comedy, family programs and more. In 2019, KPC will present hundreds more, including Don Felder, Trombone Shorty, Los Lobos, Janeane Garofalo, Best of Seattle Comedy Competition, Seattle Rock Orchestra and Kirkland Community Musical: The Music Man.