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FEBRUARY 2019

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2019 PUBLISHER

Jennifer Simpson | jennifer.simpson@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jennifer Simpson | jennifer.simpson@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Takagi Photography, Jennifer Simpson

A Town for the Arts KIRKLAND HAS LONG BEEN A TOWN FOR THE ARTS. From its early days of the Peter Kirk Gallery, the Cellar Gallery and the Creative Arts League, to its modern-day art walks and engaging sculptures that decorate our parks and common areas, Kirkland is sure to spark some interest in the right side of your brain. Kirkland makers don't go without recognition, either. It's wonderful that Bluetooth, Google, Go Daddy and many others have seen it fit to hang their hats in town, but we must also recognize the local artisans, bakers and makers that help shape Kirkland into the unique and boutique waterfront town we all love so much. Any town can be a concrete jungle, but to preserve the awnings, the waterfront, the sandwich board and A-Frame welcomings, and to shake hands with your neighbor while on an around-town stroll is something that is still unique to Kirkland. Forgive me if I sound a bit biased, but if you are a fan of the arts and makers, there is really no place better than Kirkland, Washington.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

Thank you for your comments, input and feedback. This is your magazine, and I

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

would like to encourage your involvement. Whether you have memories from yes-

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

teryear, you are experiencing Kirkland as a new transplant from a different fabulous

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

city, or perhaps you've moved away and are viewing Kirkland Lifestyle digitally; regardless, we would sincerely like to hear from you. Thank you for reading and contributing to Kirkland Lifestyle, and thank you for #keepingitkirkland.

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS John Newman | Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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LifestylePubs.com/Kirkland ON THE COVER ”Ambrogio de Predis” ART BY LYNETTE CHARTERS 4

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkland Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kirkland areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Kirkland Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2019

FEATURES 10 Gift Locally Support Local Businesses This Valentine’s Day

12 Something to Talk About

Artist Lynette Charters’ Series Shows How Women Are Presented, Not Represented in Society

20 Max Rombakh: A Drive to Succeed The No. 1 Broker in Kirkland, He Has Amassed More than $350 Million in Sales Since 2004

12 20

24 A Town for the Arts Something for Everyone

10 DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Hometown Hero

Local’s Choice

Artist’s Palette

Travel Destination

20 Open House 24 City Scene 28 Our Town 30 Lifestyle Calendar 32 Parting Thoughts 35 Realty Report

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GOOD TIMES

Kirkland Winterfest Kirkland definitely knows how to have a good time! Winterfest, courtesy of the Kirkland Downtown Association, is a great time for community to come together, get involved, enjoy our town and toast the local scene. Whether you are newly relocated or a lifelong resident, Kirkland makes the wintertime seem not so "blah." Bright lights, little city and lots of fun!

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

HOMETOWN HERO

Remembering Eric Shields ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF KIRKLAND ERIC SHIELDS, AICP, LONGTIME KIRKLAND PLANNING AND BUILDING DIRECTOR AND RESIDENT, PASSED AWAY THE MORNING OF NOV. 23, AFTER A COURAGEOUS MULTI-YEAR BATTLE WITH CANCER. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; daughters, Caitlin and Emily; son-in-law, Mads; and two grandchildren. His work family at the City of Kirkland and dozens of friends and colleagues who knew and worked with Eric over the years were fortunate to be able to visit with him in the weeks before his passing. Eric received his Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Washington and Bachelor of Arts degree in geography from the University of Oregon. He began as an intern in Kirkland in 1977 and came on staff as a plan-

Eric was an exemplary leader of his staff, modeling and nurturing an organizational culture of excellence, respect, innovation and accomplishment

ner soon thereafter. After a three-year stint with the City of Des Moines, Eric returned to

Kirkland

1992

become the planning director. The position of planning director was later expanded to be director of planning and building in 2015. During the 25 years of his leadership as Kirkland’s planning director, the city doubled in population from 44,000 to 88,000, its downtown grew into a walkable urban jewel on Lake Washington, and Kirkland’s reputation grew as a model for smart, well-

planned growth. Eric was an exemplary leader of his staff, modeling and nurturing an organizational culture of excellence, respect, innovation and accomplishment. “Eric’s legacy is that his vision made Kirkland the green, livable, walkable community that we all love. The City is incredibly grateful for Eric’s decades of dedication to this community, for his leadership as planning and building director and for the kind and compassionate approach he brought to his work and his colleagues,” Kirkland City Manager Kurt Triplett said. February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle

LOCAL’S CHOICE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

G I F T

L O C A L LY

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES THIS VALENTINE’S DAY NOTHING SAYS “THOUGHTFUL” QUITE LIKE THE GIFT OF A LOCALLY SOURCED ITEM. From cashmere scarves and macarons to custom private-labeled wine, the finest in lip plumping product and a great read, Kirkland has you covered for Valentine’s Day gift shopping! So treat that special someone in your life (who very well might be yourself) and help support Kirkland’s local economy.

1. Cherished Vintage Cashmere Flower Pin, available at Etsy.com/shop/cherishedvintage | 425.478.5701 2. Ruffled Rose Cashmere Scarf, available at Etsy.com/shop/cherishedvintage | 425.478.5701 3. Cherished Vintage Upcycled Cashmere Scarf, available at m.facebook.com/cherishedvintage | 425.478.5701 4. Handmade Cashmere Scarf by Cherished Vintage, available at Etsy.com/shop/cherishedvintage | 425.478.5701 5. Clarity RX Pucker Power 3-in-1 Plumping Lip Treatment with broad spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, available at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, 11620 97th Lane NE, Kirkland | 425.296.2105 | HandAndStoneKirkland.com 6. Just Tell Me I’m Pretty: Musings on a Messy Life; winner of the Humor Award from the International Books Awards. Written by Heather LeRoss, available at TipsyTiaras.com/product/just-tell-me-im-pretty-musings-on-a-messy-life/ 7. Custom private-label wine, available at Northwest Cellars, 11909 124th Ave. NE, Kirkland | 425.825.9463 | NorthwestCellars.com 8 & 9. Custom macaron gift boxes or off-the-shelf options, available at Lady Yum, 111 Lake St., Kirkland | 866.523.9986 | LadyYum.com 10

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

THINK LOCAL FIRST A d v e rt i s e I n Th e U p c o m i n g I s s u e o f K i r k l a n d L i f e s t y l e H e l p K i r k l a n d re s i d e n t s s h o p l o c a l l y a n d m a ke s u re y o u r b u s i n e s s i s s e e n

Th a n k y o u f o r s u p p o rt i n g our local businesses a n d f o r #KeepingItKirkland

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lifestylepubs.com/kirkland

jennifer.simpson@lifestylepubs.com

Lu x u r y, b o u t i q u e a n d u n i q u e Limited space available E x c l u s i v i t y o ff e re d w i t h q u a l i f i e d a g re e m e n t D i re c t m a i l e d t o 1 0 , 0 0 0 h o m e s v a l u e d at $1.1m and above each month Fro m m a i l b o x t o i n b o x , y o u r a d i s s e e n i n print and online Co n t a c t u s n o w f o r t h e b e s t p r i c i n g , p l a c e m e n t a n d d e a d l i n e i n f o r m at i o n

ARTIST’S PALETTE

something to talk about ARTIST LYNETTE CHARTERS’ SERIES SHOWS HOW WOMEN ARE PRESENTED, NOT REPRESENTED IN SOCIETY ARTICLE MARY BERNARD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

IT’S BEEN SAID THAT IDLE HANDS ARE THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP. But if you’re a young girl who, along with her two older brothers, had the run of a Wuthering Heights landscape in a small North England village called Embsay, idleness can lead to a love of the outdoors and a life of artistic creativity. Lynette Charters made art even before she can

Artist :L ynette Charters

remember doing so. She recalls watching her mother draw at home, and perhaps this inspired her own sketches starting at the age of 3. Her mother was a language teacher, and Lynette’s father ran a furniture factory. She surmises that maybe this is where she found her love of wood, but more on that later. In the 1970s, the Yorkshire Dales district had yet to realize a

full post-WWII recovery, and people had to take care of their own and make their own entertainment. Her father served on a search-and-rescue team, often called out in the middle of the night, striking a heroic figure in his daughter’s eyes.

Formal and Informal Education Lynette’s art education included various disciplines, and she originally wanted to focus on graphic art. Instead, she gravitated toward collage, which prompted her instructors to say she was “not behaving like a graphics person.” Her predecessors at Bradford College, where she did her art foundation year, include David Hockney and Andy Goldsworthy, who Lynette ended up working with on two of his outdoor sculptures. 01 | Apperley’s Aisha (Rifena) Muse (detail) 02 | Bazille’s Muse with Peonies

“Andy used the landscape as a canvas," Lynette says, “and I learned a lot about how to attract people’s eyes to where you wanted them to look in an image.” This experience in the wilderness, well before the advent of smartphones and social media, was formative. Lynette recalls that when she was an MFA student in Chelsea, “All of my work was based on communication. I felt like I had something to talk about.”

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

FAC I A L

After graduation, however, an opportunity arose to do animation, and the plan was to work in that field for a year or two, make some money and then return to fine art.

power couples

“I never did feel like an animation person,” she says, even though it allowed her to draw and make a comfortable living. It also can be a peripatetic existence, moving along with the projects, and at 30, she began to feel rootless. Life is what happens when you’re making other plans, and Lynette ended up working on successful animated films for major movie studios for more than 20 years. In the 1990s, she moved to Los Angeles, met her husband, actor John Serembe, and made a family. Still, the idea persisted that she had something she wanted to say with her art. When the animation jobs started drying up as she reevaluated her priorities and stopped pursuing them so avidly, it was time for a change.

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RELOCATION TO THE GREAT NORTHWEST The family’s move to Olympia, Washington, in 2012, afforded Lynette the opportunity to pursue her fine art, but what she would do was an open question. The whole idea of her current project, The Missing Women painting series, actually had its genesis in college. At the time, she and a friend had discussed the idea of using women in art in a different way. As Lynette writes in the artist’s statement for her current project, “The aim of The Missing Women series is to show how women are presented but not represented in society and history.” Alongside representation, the notion of privilege—and the lack of it—is a topic Lynette was eager to explore. CONTINUED >

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ARTIST’S PALETTE

(CON TI N U ED)

“We don’t see our own privilege sometimes,” she says. “I was trying to find a non-aggressive way to point this out.” To her, privilege is a kind of selective perception. “If something is not in the realm of a person’s experience, and it is not threatening, it often isn’t seen,” she says. In the art world, “there is all of this female genius, but it is never going to be seen if we don’t highlight it.” She believes we need to look harder at this history and what is being documented. Hence, The Missing Women.

Communication Is Key “Our verbal and visual language explains the world from a heterosexual white male point of view,” Lynette writes. “This creates huge problems in communication for anyone else.” And communication is essential to women’s 2.

standing in the world. “Women are usually waiting for someone to present them,” Lynette says. “We negotiate the world in a different way than men do.” This is particularly true when it comes to the depiction of the nude female body in art, where issues of control and vulnerability surface, and women are predominantly viewed through the lens

of the male gaze. To call attention to this phenomenon, Lynette subverts the genre by taking the works of prominent male artists and reinterpreting the female form within them. Painting on wood, the nude portion of the image is left unpainted, there is a kind of outline only, with the texture and grain of the wood itself providing whatever details there are to be seen, in the form of skin, an eye or a navel. The selection of the original work and the wood to be used in the reinterpretation of the original painting is exacting. The female form must figure prominently in the original, and the wood is precisely chosen for its specific knots, texture and color. “Sometimes the images are chosen because they say everything,” Lynette says.

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

Heading Two Eye of the Beholder The effect of this artistic recomposition can be disconcerting at first, but it cannot be ignored. It is, after all, a kind of erasure of the female subject that leaves it up to the viewer to reimagine. And that is precisely the point. Earlier, Lynette said she had learned about where to direct the viewer’s eye in an image, and that is clearly evidenced in this series. Further, given the bright colors in some of these paintings, the natural color of the bare wood presents a stark contrast between what is there and what is absent. To date, Lynette has completed 36 paintings in The Missing Women series, and she aims to complete many more, possibly segueing into a new series. Art historian Dr. Jennifer Olson is writing a book about the series, and if a tour of the exhibit were to happen, well, “that would be a dream,” Lynette says.

February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle

ARTIST’S PALETTE

(CON TI N U ED)

Additional Info Lynette took second place in the most recent Visual Impressions international biennial competition of more than 250 artists hosted by Ryan James Fine Arts in Kirkland. Her work will be shown at the Ryan James Fine Arts gallery during the month of February. A reception will be held on Feb. 8 from 5-10 p.m. For more information, visit RyanJamesFineArts.com. Certain images have been altered for both print and digital copy. To view more images and for more information on Lynette Charters’ work, visit LCharters.com.

01 | Vallotton's "White and Black" Muses (detail) 02 | Vermeer’s Muse with a Pearl Earring

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

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February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle

OPEN HOUSE

MAX ROMBAKH, THE NO. 1 BROKER IN KIRKLAND, HAS AMASSED MORE THAN $350 MILLION IN SALES SINCE 2004 ARTICLE MARY BERNARD PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

AFTER GRADUATING COLLEGE IN 2002, MAX ROMBAKH BEGAN PROCESSING RESIDENTIAL HOME LOANS WITH ONE OF THE TOP MORTGAGE BROKERS IN THE SEATTLE AREA. Two outstanding years later, Max was inspired to pursue a career working closely with clients to help them buy and sell homes. He was a man with a plan. With a history in sales, Max’s passion was always real estate. “Being young in this industry was actually an advantage as I was hungrier than the next person and was willing to go the extra mile for my clients,” he says. He got his real estate license in 2004 and quickly rose to a top spot at the real estate office he worked for. Max describes himself as “self-motivated and driven by the sense of accomplishment.” What keeps him motivated is helping people achieve their goals and when he has “truly delivered and exceeded a client’s expectations.” WHY WINDERMERE? Max has been with Windermere for more than 10 years. The Deasy family owns five other offices around the Eastside, and he moved to the Yarrow Bay office about five years ago. “My business has been revolving around Kirkland and Bellevue for at least 10 years, and I felt that it was the most central for me,” he says. “This office is the top producing office in the entire MLS and houses some of the top brokers. I wanted to surround myself with the best so I can learn.” Not only do Windermere’s principles—“hire the best people; give them the best tools; create thriving communities”—align with his own, Max appreciates their high standards. “Once I joined the company, I truly felt at home, and I believe it’s been key to my success.” Furthermore,

community

involvement

woven into the organization with the Windermere CONTINUED >

February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle

OPEN HOUSE

(CON TI N U ED)

Foundation (a portion of every closing is donated to the foundation), Windermere for Kids and Windermere Community Service Day, to name a few. The family’s philanthropy includes support for the Kirkland Arts Center and Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, with favorites being the Peter Kirk Classic golf tournament and the Kirkland Wine Walk. The Rombakh children are also passionate about philanthropy, so the family tends to support organizations their twin girls’ classmates are raising awareness for. Last year it was World Vision, where they participated in a Global 6K for Water; and the Arthritis

“I LOVE THE COMMUNITY.

Foundation Walk for a Cure, supporting children’s arthritis research.

IT STILL HAS A SMALL-TOWN

UNDERSTANDING THE EASTSIDE MARKET Just as in other areas of King County, the local market is evolving.

FEEL, AND I HOPE IT RETAINS

“Kirkland, just like the rest of the surrounding area, experienced a slowdown, primarily stemming from an increase in inventory that we experienced this summer,” Max says. Currently, “it seems to be plugging along nicely. The inventory is barely at three months, which

THAT THROUGH ALL THE GROWTH.

indicates a balanced market.”

I LOVE THAT IT’S ONE OF THE

Further, with Facebook, Amazon and Google growing on the Eastside, the market will stay strong, he says.

ONLY TOWNS IN THE AREA WHERE

“Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner calls this an ‘opportunity market,’” Max says.

‘EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR

As for the challenges of the market, “I used to hear Kirkland referred to as a ‘solar community,’ meaning businesses only did well

NAME. ’ KIRKLAND IS GREAT

in the summer,” he says. A key question is how the city can continue to do well in all sea-

FOR EVERY GENERATION, WITH

sons so local businesses can thrive year-round. Part of the charm of Kirkland is in the restaurants, shops and coffee houses you can only

PARKS AND BEACHES, THE LAKE

find here, Max says. PERSONAL HISTORY

AND VIEWS, THE BOUTIQUE

Max was born in the former USSR. His father came to Seattle in 1992 with just a suitcase and worked on obtaining visas for the family. He

SHOPS AND AWARD-WINNING

and his mother and older sister came in 1993 with almost none of their belongings; an entire shipping container was lost before it arrived. “My parents worked very hard to build a good life for my sister and me,” Max says. “We put our roots down in Shoreline where

RESTAURANTS, THE WALKABILITY.”

my parents felt we were going to find the best schools. A few years later, my

The newest addition to the family is an Australian shep-

two younger sisters were born, and my family eventually moved to Edmonds. I

herd, Blu, who is almost a year old and keeps them all on

moved out on my own when I was 18.”

the run. Even though the job keeps him extremely busy,

He headed toward the Eastside.

Max says he’s lucky to be able to spend time with family. Their activities include traveling and hiking through Bridle

FAMILY BUSINESS AND FUN Max and his wife, Nadia, have been together for almost 20 years, happily married for almost 13 years.

Trails, where they live; boating and wake surfing during the summers in Lake Washington; and snowboarding/skiing on Snoqualmie and Whistler in the winter.

“My wife and I have quite a love story—high school sweethearts, went to prom together,” he says. The two also work together. Nadia runs the marketing side of the business, and Max believes they “make a pretty good team!” He attributes their success to this effective team. Max and Nadia have 9-year-old twin girls who attend St. Thomas School. “When they’re not at school, they are at cheer team practice,” he says. 22

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

ADVICE FOR HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS We couldn’t let Max get away without offering some tips for would-be buyers and sellers in the Kirkland area. He offered these tips for sellers: First, Kirkland has become a niche market, and there are so many nuances that impact the value

including the target market. It is important to work with someone who knows the area well. Second, don’t cut corners because you’re in a desirable location or in a hot seller’s market. Every detail matters, so make sure your home is showing at its best and marketed properly. Third, price your home right from the start. Buyers are smart and have a lot of information at their disposal. For buyers, he advises: First, just as when selling, work with someone who knows Kirkland and has a proven track record in the area. You will use your time more efficiently. Your broker may have something or know of something coming on the market that is perfect for you. They have connections with other brokers in the area and are familiar with recent sales. They may also know of upcoming construction or zoning changes that may affect future values. Information is the key to success. Second, connect with a good loan officer early and get preapproved. THE LAST WORD “Word is out about Kirkland. Google has a major footprint in the area and is growing,” Max says. “I love the community. It still has a small-town feel, and I hope it retains that through all the growth. I love that it’s one of the only towns in the area where ‘everybody knows your name.’ Kirkland is great for every generation, with parks and beaches, the lake and views, the boutique shops and award-winning restaurants, the walkability.” Add its proximity to Bellevue, Redmond and Seattle, and what’s not to like? For more information, visit MaxRombakh.com. To view more images, visit LifestylePubs.com/Kirkland. February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle

CITY SCENE

A Town for the Arts SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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 Washingtonbased 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. Ryan James Fine Arts

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

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

Ryan James Fine Arts

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 KravitzLambert. 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.

VALA

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

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. CONTINUED >

February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle

CITY SCENE

(CON TI N U ED)

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.

Studio East

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 land-

Kirkland Arts Center

mark, 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 Seattlearea 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

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

Parklane Gallery

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.

Kirkland Performance Center

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

KIRKLAND PERFORMANCE CENTER

visitors as well as those who regularly drop in as they enjoy

Kirkland Performance Center was built in 1998 because

the charm of this lakefront community. Parklane joins with

of the work of hundreds of volunteers and local visionary

the community to participate in both the year-round sec-

leaders, who, over a 10-year period, raised $5.8 million

ond Friday art walks and regularly scheduled wine walks.

from nearly 1,000 donors, including government agencies,

For more information, visit ParklaneGallery.org.

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.

Parklane Gallery February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle

OUR TOWN

t h e

h i s t o r y o f

i n

a r t

k i r k l a n d ART HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF KIRKLANDâ€™S CULTURE

Peter Kirk Gallery

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

The Cellar Gallery

ARTICLE LOITA HAWKINSON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY KIRKLAND HERITAGE SOCIETY

ART HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF KIRKLAND’S CULTURE. In recent history, the Cellar Gallery operated from 1959 through 1974 under the direction of Bill Radcliff; and the Creative Art League, which occupies the original Peter Kirk Building on Market Street, was established in 1962. The art center in Market Street's original historic building came about in late 1961 during which time there was a petition to establish an Advisory Art Commission. According to Bill, only 10 cities in America had art commissions. He must have gotten this information from publications he subscribed to, and this information was not verified to be accurate, but it certainly lets us know that Kirkland was among the very few cities in the United States to have an art commission. Going back, Jack Shaw (C.G. Shaw) was a professional artist who lived in Kirkland from at least 1936 until his passing in 1947. He was a W.P.A. artist and very successful. According to the newspaper index, Kirkland had an art studio and local art exhibits as early as 1922. If you are interested in knowing more about Jack (C.G.) Shaw, newspaper articles are on microfilm at the Bellevue Library. Going back even further, Joshua Montgomery Sears was one of the major investors when Kirkland was founded in 1888. He owned half of Kirkland with the other half being owned by the Kirkland Land Company. Joshua built the historic Sears building on Market Street where the lower

Loita Hawkinson

level was to be Kirkland’s bank and the upper was to be their home. Joshua is one of Kirkland’s six founders. He died in 1905, but his Kirkland estate was not sold until 1917 after Lake Washington was lowered. His wife, Sarah, is best known for her photography. Sarah was a brilliant artist, and her work hangs all over the world. Additionally, paintings of her and her family,

President Researcher Kirkland Heritage Society

painted by John Singer Sargent, can be found in several prestigious art galleries. Sarah came from railroad wealth, and at one point in history, Mr. Sears was the fourth richest man in America. These are the roots of Kirkland, and to the point of this article, art in Kirkland. February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle

FEBRUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

Limit one carload per household. No trailers or box/moving trucks.

JUANITA BAY PARK RESTORATION

2, 3, 9 AND 10

ARTIST LYNETTE CHARTERS AT RYAN JAMES FINE ARTS

THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD

Cover artist Lynette Charters dis-

Kirkland Performance Center

plays

morning participating in activities

The little broken-down engine needs

women are presented but not

which may include removing non-na-

your help! Her toys need to be deliv-

represented in society and history

tive invasive plants like English ivy

ered to the children on the other side

and Himalayan blackberry; spread-

of the mountain, but who can do it?

with the absence of the woman’s

ing mulch; and planting native

Many trains are willing to help, but

body. Showing is Feb. 1-28 with

trees, shrubs and ground covers. No

they all seem to have more important

a reception on Feb. 8 from 5-8 p.m.

experience is necessary. Volunteers

things on their minds. Please help the

RyanJamesFineArts.com

of all ages are welcome. RSVP to

little engine get their attention and

greenkirkland@kirklandwa.gov

deliver the toys! KPCenter.org

LOST IN TRANSLATION LIVE IN KIRKLAND

VOLUNTEER AT O. O. DENNY PARK

Juanita Bay Park

Join the Green Kirkland Partnership to help with the restoration of Juanita Bay Park. Volunteers spend the

works

rendering

highlighting

famous

how

paintings

9 TWISTED FLICKS: DESTINATION INNER SPACE Kirkland Performance Center

O. O. Denny Park

Get ready for a Twisted Flicks take

Join the Green Kirkland Partnership

on Destination Inner Space! Jet City

from

to help restore O. O. Denny Park.

Improv’s Twisted Flicks is Seattle’s

Brazil, will sing 12 popular songs

Volunteers spend the morning partic-

only live movie re-dubbing show

of different nationalities and lan-

ipating in activities which may include

that merges improv comedy. What

guages. Selected from dozens of

removing non-native invasive plants

is Twisted Flicks? As the film plays,

favorite song suggestions made by

like English ivy and Himalayan black-

the improvisers create all-new dialog

ESL (English Second Language)

berry; spreading mulch; and planting

for the characters, sound effects and

students from the Lake Washington

native trees, shrubs and ground cov-

live music—completely improvised

Institute, these students of different

ers. No experience necessary! This

using

ages and nationalities suggested a

event is not suitable for volunteers

KPCenter.org

favorite song in English and a favor-

younger than 18 years old. RSVP

ite song from their home country.

to greenkirkland@kirklandwa.gov

Kirkland Performance Center

Fernando

Rocha,

coming

KPCenter.org

2 STYROFEST: STYROFOAM AND PLASTIC FILM RECYCLING Kirkland Public Works

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

the

suggestions

provided.

11 JIM FRENCH'S IMAGINATION THEATER

Kirkland Performance Center

Mystery, drama and laughter abound

Holy Spirit Lutheran Church

in America’s leading radio drama

Alzheimer’s Association family care-

series regularly featuring Private

giver support groups provide a con-

Detective Harry Nile and tales of

recycle

sistent and caring place for people to

Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur

Styrofoam and plastic bags at this

learn, share and gain emotional support

Conan Doyle. Recorded live at KPC,

monthly staffed event. Drop-off is

from others. Meetings for unpaid care-

America’s leading radio drama series

Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please

givers and family and friends of those

is heard from coast to coast on

do not leave material after the event is

with memory loss are held the first

more than 50 radio stations in North

over. Items brought for recycling must

Wednesday of the month from 3-4:30

America, including KIXI in Seattle.

be clean and dry. We will only accept

p.m. at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church,

KPCenter.org

material from Kirkland residents.

10021 NE 124th St. in Kirkland. ALZ.org

Maintenance Center

Kirkland

Ryan James Fine Arts

residents

can

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

17 SRJO: I GOT A RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES

Kirkland Performance Center

“Basie Bash” features several vocalists from the Seattle jazz scene who will share the stage with SRJO in celebration of Count Basie’s legendary collaborations with many of history’s greatest jazz singers, including Joe Williams, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday. Sarah Vaughan’s hit, “I Got a Right to Sing the Blues,” (recorded with the Basie band) will also be presented. KPCenter.org

22 NATALIE MACMASTER AND DONNELL LEAHY Kirkland Performance Center

The

fierce fiddling

duo Natalie

MacMaster and Donnell Leahy command the stage with an explosive celebration of raw energy and passion that infuses their traditional heritage with their taste for the contemporary. With the Visions show, Natalie and Donnell share their legendary musical traditions of their hometowns of Lakefield, Ontario, and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, with an expanded show. KPCenter.org

28 JOHN MCCUTCHEON

Kirkland Performance Center

John McCutcheon is folk music’s renaissance man, a master instrumentalist, a powerful singer-songwriter, a storyteller, an activist and an author. “The most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard.” –Johnny Cash “He has an uncanny ability to breathe new life into the familiar. His storytelling has the richness of fine literature.” –The Washington Post KPCenter.org February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle

PARTING THOUGHTS

CMY

Apple Tart Topped with Salted Caramel Ice-Cream

ARTICLE EXECUTIVE CHEF ERIC CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

• 12-inch pie crusts

1. Heat oven to 400º F.

• 1⁄2 cup sugar

2. Mix 1/2 cup sugar and the flour in large bowl. Stir in apples. The sugar-flour mixture

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 4 cups chopped peeled apples • 2 tablespoons sugar

will not all stick to the apples; that’s OK. 3. Spread the apple mixture uniformly from the center of the dough circle to within 2 inches of edge. Fold edge of dough over apple mixture; crimp edge of dough slightly.

• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4. Mix 2 tablespoons sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon; sprinkle over apples and dough.

• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg

5. Cut 1 tablespoon butter into 5 or 6 small pieces; spread on top of the apples.

• 1 tablespoon butter

6. Bake 27 to 32 minutes or until crust is golden brown. 7. Cut into wedges. Serve warm drizzled with caramel topping.

Kirkland Lifestyle | February 2019

K IR K L A ND HER ITAGE SOCIET Y

M issio n The Kirkland Heritage Societyâ€™s mission is to identify historic resources; to encourage their preser vation; to colle ct, preser ve, exhibit and interpret the histor y and h e r i t a g e o f K i r k l a n d a n d i t s p e o p l e ; a n d t o p ro m o t e p u b l i c involvement in and appre ciation of it s herit age and cultures .

F r ee Muse um M o n d ay 1 0 : 0 0 a m - 1 2 : 0 0 p m | We d n e s d ay 2 : 0 0 p m - 5 : 0 0 p m

4 2 5 . 8 2 7. 3 4 4 6

W E D D I N G S

4 2 5 . 4 4 3 . 3 8 4 8

203 M ar ket Str eet

E V E N T S

K ir k l a ndHer itage.org

P O R T R A I T S

R I C KTA K AG I P H OTO G R A P H Y.CO M February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle

10700 NE 4th St Penthouse: 4102

| $5,000,000 | BellevuePenthouse.com

L U X U R Y I S A N E X P E R I E N C E , N O T A P R I C E P O I N T.

L O C A L E X P E R T. G L O B A L R E A C H . 1 5 L A K E S T R E E T, # 2 0 0 K I R K L A N D , WA 9 8 0 3 3

425.678.2288 EDDIE-CHANG.COM

REALTY REPORT

KIRKLAND REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

East of Market

1,095,000

100

2.5

Downtown

1,099,995

1,100,000

100

1.75

Houghton

1,195,000

1,175,000

98.32

2.75

Rose Hill

1,349,000

1,280,000

94.88

2.75

West of Market

2,398,000

2,160,000

151

Downtown

1,230,000

100

2.5

North Rose Hill

1,288,000

100

2.75

Yarrow

1,590,000

1,350,000

84.9

1.75

Juanita

1,500,000

1,494,000

99.6

2.5

Downtown

1,500,000

1,350,000

Rose Hill

1,328,000

1,299,000

97.81

2.5

Houghton

1,795,000

1,745,500

97.24

2.25

This data is a sampling of sold properties from December 2018. Source: IRES MLS system.

425.678.2288 EDDIE-CHANG.COM 1 5 L A K E S T R E E T, # 2 0 0 K I R K L A N D , WA 9 8 0 3 3

February 2019 | Kirkland Lifestyle