BEHIND THE SCENES: SUPPORTING NCW ARTS
BY MEG KAPPLER NCW ARTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
You know how sometimes we curate our lives and show people only the best, most fun and interesting parts of ourselves? Of course you do. It’s 2024, and even if you’re not on social media, this selective presentation is now built into the fabric of our daily lives.
Organizations do this, too, often by necessity, to highlight their best work and the value of their services. The downside of that flawless presentation, however, is that folks may not have a realistic understanding of what it takes
to build a thing, build it well and build it sustainably.
Since our inception in 2022, the NCW Arts Alliance has been built on community-engaged and fiscally responsible growth. With this issue of ArtBeat, we are going to show what you can do to engage with us and help us build our nonprofit even better.
For starters, you should know that Washington State sits at the apex of the entire country with a whopping 10.8 percent of our state’s gross domestic product (GDP) coming directly from the Arts and Culture sector. Of all states, ours saw the greatest increase in arts value between 2019 and 2021, totaling
$72.9 billion in 2021.
This means that Washington is home to a ton of talented musicians, artists, performers, writers, cultural workers and creatives of all types who are not only making their living with their creativity and expertise but who contribute directly to our state’s economic growth. Take a peek at our NCW Arts Artist Index (ncwarts.org) to see the amazing “art-trepreneurs” who live right here in North Central Washington.
NCW Arts exists to ensure that these economic drivers in our community (namely, our artists!) have access to the opportunities they need to keep their artistic livelihoods alive and thriving.
Ironically, with all this wealth of artistry, funding for the arts is decreasing. In practical terms, this means that for NCW Arts, our grant funding went from $52,000 in 2023 to $18,000 in 2024. That’s a decrease of $34,000 (35 percent).
On the national front, a bill being considered in the House advocates funding cuts for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) by $48 million dollars each. That’s over 23 percent!
You can see that your personal support is vital in filling this gap in our budget and helping us sustain our local creative economy. Read on to learn how you can keep the Art Beating. Become a member today AND go to our Get Involved page at ncwarts.org and learn how to quickly send a message to our legislators to prevent further cuts to funding for the NEA and NEH.
Initials provide hints. Answers are below.
1. (O.) Where would one go on ncwarts.org to search for available grants, calls for artists, auditions and more?
2. (A.I.) What online feature at ncwarts.org serves as a virtual Rolodex of local creatives sorted by category and medium?
3. (F.E.) What ArtBeat feature highlights particularly interesting go-to Arts experiences for you to enjoy?
4. (J.H.) Which arts pro writes a column about the business of being an artist with “been there, done that” advice and insights?
5. (C.) What ArtBeat feature gives an extra hurrah to artists who’ve won or done something special?
6. (F.F.) What monthly community event is organized by NCW Arts in partnership with the Wenatchee Downtown Association and Visit Wenatchee?
ON THE COVER:
A wide variety of arts and artists — visual, musical, performance — give energy and life to NCW Arts Alliance in its mission to nurture and grow the region’s Arts com-
munity. This mosaic uses elements found in the nonprofit’s online Artist Index. For more info, see Howell’s ArtBiz column on Page 7 of this issue or visit ncwarts.org/member-artists/
ANSWERS:1. The Opportunitie Page 2. Artist Index 3. Featured Event 4. Jamie Howell 5. Cheers 6. Wenatchee First
Fridays Arts Walk
ON THE UPBEAT: HEALING WITH FEELING
By kris lahd
Sarah Sims, vocalist from the local music duo Deep Green Sea, finds joy in life-and-art integration. She’s a single parent of two, a business owner of the jewelry company 8-Bit, a painter and a performing musician who thrives on the healing powers provided by the medicine of Art.
You received a diagnosis which helped bring you out of a tough time. Can you talk about that?
A couple years ago, I had been struggling with anxiety and depression, extreme burnout, adrenal fatigue, chronic pain and fibromyalgia. I wasn’t able to maintain my job. I was going through a divorce, my kids were 2 and 3 years old, so I was learning to be a single parent. I was in pure survival mode. It was a really rough place, but I’ve always been very dedicated to helping myself.
Based on some social media content I identified with, I began bouncing around the idea that I might be autistic. I’m highly sensitive, super easily overwhelmed and have a sensory processing disorder. Autism was something I wanted to be tested for. The diagnosis came back as level one autism and ADHD. I felt so validated with the diagnosis knowing that my brain is just wired differently. I did a lot of disassociating growing up when there was too much stimulus coming in, and that’s not a healthy way to live. It (the diagnosis) gave me permission to be more kind and gentle with myself. I just had to create new boundaries — mostly socially. I started advocating for myself without guilt or shame.
Does performing on stage bring you joy, or do you do it to push yourself?
My two biggest fears are being seen and being heard (laughs). But, if I love the project enough, it allows me to push through that. It forces my brain to just focus on the art, and I’m able to not worry about the fact that there are people staring at me and hearing everything I’m singing. I’ve been singing since I was a little kid because it feels good, and it regulates my nervous system. I always did it in the privacy of my own space. It wasn’t until well into adulthood that I even let anybody hear me sing. I started to get little bits of feedback that made me think that maybe I have a talent or skill, but for a very long time I was really scared and refused to pursue it. In 2018, I met Ron Evans (the other half of Deep Green Sea). I heard him sing and his voice was so beautiful that I knew I wanted to sing with him. We have a similar vocal range which I don’t understand because he talks so low (laughs). We started playing music together and it was really scary because I had never sung with anybody before. Ron has a very calming nervous system, and I’m able to co-regulate off of that. When we perform my body is facing him. I watch him so that I can stay in the moment. It’s really, REALLY freeing. The most present I’ve ever felt is when I’m on stage singing. Yes, it does bring me joy.
Upcoming Shows
Painting
Aug. 2 — Pizza Box Art Show, Epoch, Wenatchee Music
Aug. 31 — Opening for Artemidorus, Icicle Creek Center for the Arts
Sept. 21 — Night at the Museum, Wenatchee Valley Museum Jewelry
See work @8bitjewelry on Instagram.
FEATURED OPPORTUNITY AUDITIONS COMING UP
Find out how good you can be!
Sign up for open auditions (that means no pre-casting) for Music Theatre of Wenatchee’s fall production, A Little Night Music. The 1973 Tony-award-winning Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim was based on an earlier Ingmar Bergman film. Director Daina Toevs says the play is “lush yet naughty ... full of witty and moving moments of adoration, regret and desire.” The 10 performances at Riverside Playhouse
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK...
will run between Oct. 24 and Nov. 9. Auditions for the nine major singing roles and a quintet are from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at Riverside Playhouse, 233 B North Wenatchee Ave., with alternate times available Wednesday, Aug. 21.
For characters’ musical selections and an audition form, go to mtow.org (For more information contact daina@mtow.org.)
Have you directly benefitted from one of the opportunities that NCW Arts has presented in ArtBeat or online? Send your testimonial to arts@ncwarts.org.
Sarah Sims
8. Ye Olde Bookshoppe 4-6 PM Celeste Crown, artist, handmade functional art and paintings.
1. Wells House 5-7 PM Columbia River Community Flute Choir. Free guided tours.
9. Chelan-Douglas Land Trust 5-7 PM Brad Brisbine, artist. Artist will donate 20% of sales to CDLT. Local wines.
2. LynnArt Gardens 3-7 PM Jim O’Dell, artist. Garden Art Walk with complimentary Bun Bowls & Beverages.
10. Ground Control 5-11 PM Tico Makes, artisan goods company, featuring pottery and crochet items.
3. Visit Wenatchee Tasting Room 5-7 PM Butters to the Rescue, jewelry. Local wines. Wenatchee First Fridays maps available.
11. Epoch 4-10 PM “Pizza Boxes: A Piping Hot Group Art Show,” featuring original works by 10 local artists. A RadarStation Pop-up Event.
12. Wenatchee Community Acupuncture 5-8 PM “Into the Light: A Celebration of Collage + Healing,” Jill NielsenFarrell and Deb Miller, artists. Raffle drawings for free acupuncture.
4. Numerica PAC 4-6 PM Bryant Goetz, artist (4-6 pm), drinks and small bites. Live Theater (7:30 pm): Hot August Nights presents Rock of Ages.
5. Zebra Brasserie 5-9 PM “A Year in Forests,” Michelle Anderst, artist. Espresso and full bar.
6. Two Rivers Art Gallery 5-8 PM Jen Evenhus, artist. James Bryant, guitarist. Local wines.
13. Pybus Art Alley 5-7 PM Terry Valdez, artist. Live music. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres by donation.
14. Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center 4-8 PM Celebrate 10 Seasons of Hot August Nights at the Museum! Free admission. Open mic at 5 pm.
7. Mela 5-8 PM Fiber Arts group show, featuring Kasey Koski, Cynthia Neely, Adele Little Caemmerer, Nik Penny, Claudia Mullek, Patricia Pitcher, Mabel Speaks, karen dawn dean. Good Cause Coaster Art Project making session.
5. Cave Noire 4-10 PM Enjoy a complimentary glass after any wine tasting flight.
1. Crayelle Cellars 3-6 PM $2 off glass pours.
2. Stones Gastropub
6. Owl Soda Fountain & Gifts 4-8 PM Flight of 5 kiddie scoops of ice cream in waffle bowl for $6. Indoor and outdoor seating.
3-9 PM $10
2.
3. Watermill Winery On The Ave 3-8 PM Appetizers and wine specials.
7. Norwood Wine Bar 5-10 PM $2 off glass pours.
4. Steam Panda 4-9 PM Buy one noodle soup, get 2nd noodle soup $5 off. Dine in only when you mention First Fridays.
SHOP DOWNTOWN
4. Woody’s Classic Man 3-8 PM Ultimate Summer Sidewalk Sale. Up to 75% off on classic men’s fashion and grooming essentials. 5. Bellas Artes Imports 5:30-7:30 PM The Art of Flowers floral arranging class with floral designer, Elle Fleurit. Limited space. Cost: $150. Register: ellefleuritfloralco@gmail. com.
1. American Shoe Shop 5–7 PM Extended hours 2. Mercantile All Day $10 day pass for First Fridays. 3. The Original Children’s Shop 5-7 PM 10% discount on all merch when you mention First Fridays.
WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THE CONNECTION TO NCW ARTS
by Rufus Woods
PUBLISHER EMERITUS, WENATCHEE WORLD
Although the North Central Washington Arts Alliance (NCW Arts) has only been in existence for a few years, the nonprofit is making outstanding contributions in support of the arts in this region. While the organization has been doing great work on a
shoestring budget, to be financially sustainable over the long term is going to require ongoing support from individuals and businesses.
While we are blessed to have so many outstanding artists in our region, growing the Arts sector requires having a convening organization that can build strong connections and connect people and the community in meaningful ways. No such convening organization has existed outside of the Methow Arts Alliance for many years.
The role being played by NCW Arts is essential in developing a thriving region. The fledgling Arts Alliance has established a strong online presence (ncwarts.org); reinvigorated the First Fridays Arts Walk in collaboration with the Wenatchee Downtown Association, Visit Wenatchee and various local businesses; publishes ArtBeat, a monthly magazine; and is developing an extensive online index of artists in the region. For our region to thrive, making sure we have a robust Arts community is not a luxury but a necessity.
NCW Arts is building a strong sense of community as well as encouraging collaboration and cooperation. The social infrastructure they are building will support the Arts in our region in years to come.
I suspect that most of us take our artists and arts organizations for granted. Yet what they bring to our communities is foundational for our well-being.
NCW Arts has launched a membership drive that invites individuals and businesses to annually provide finan-
cial support. There are three levels of individual support — Artist ($25-$99), Muse ($100-$499) and Visionary ($500 and above). There are also three levels of business support —Supporter ($250$499 ), Patron ($500-$999) and Visionary ($1,000 or more).
I hope you’ll join me in becoming a member of the NCW Arts Alliance and provide the grass-roots financial backing needed to further develop the fabulous sense of community among the artists in our midst.
ARTBIZ INDEX YOURSELF
by jamie howell
Free website, anybody? No designing required?
If you’re anything like me, spending time developing my website ranks right up there with pooper scooping in 100-degree weather after yet another clandestine intrusion by the neighbor’s dog. (I don’t love it.)
But having some kind of web presence in this day and age is really non-negotiable for any artist trying to drum up sales or followers or, let’s face it, legitimacy.
Enter the Artist Index, a free service from NCW Arts that, as one of the Wenatchee Valley’s most prolific creators (and publisher of The Comet) Ron Evans puts it, provides, “a virtual Rolodex of local creatives sorted by category and medium.”
For Evans, the Artist Index has become an “indispensable tool” as he scans the local Arts scene every month for new artists and stories to fill his art mag. But for me, I’m seeing a free website or, should you already have a website, yet another opportunity for people to find you and your work.
CHEERS!
HERE’S WHAT FOLKS ARE SAYING ABOUT NCW ARTS
“NCW Arts has enriched our cultural scene, increased foot traffic and boosted business for local merchants. This enhancement of our cultural offerings not only benefits our local community but also greatly enhances the visitor experience, making Wenatchee a more vibrant and attractive destination.”
— Ashley Sinner, Director Visit Wenatchee
“Partnering with NCW Arts has been wonderful. They have such a powerful connection with the amazing artists in this community and really help us branch out in regards to the types of art-focused programs we can offer here at the museum.”
— Jamie Johnson, Curator of Education, Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
“I’m a fan! It’s always nice knowing what’s happening every month in the art community. The First Fridays maps are helpful and great, too!” — Marnie Simmons
Fill out an online form, upload some images (or videos) of your work and, voilà, you’ve got a link you can share with anyone anywhere anytime. Even better, that page is now synergistically housed right alongside a constantly updated database filled with local creatives that is fast becoming a go-to resource for folks in search of art or artists.
Artists are catching on ...
Not even a year old yet, the Artist Index is already flying past the 100 artist mark on its way to 200
“I signed up because exposure is good for business,” said painter Sasha S. Fair (ncwarts.org/sasha-s-fair/). “I think it’s an extremely useful tool.”
Punk rocker Matthew “Mad Matt” Smith, frontman for Not All There (ncwarts.org/not-all-there/), a band that has been cranking out music and albums since 1998, set up their Artist Index profile, “to get our name in front of different circles of people. We need our name out there and I think any chance an artist or band has of getting exposure is beneficial.”
Potter and sculptor Warren Bissonnette (ncwarts.org/warren-bissonnette/) saw immediate returns, selling one of his fantastical ceramics to the NCW Arts volunteer who helped him get signed up for the Index.
FEATURED EVENT:
Music photographer and stained glass artist ML Sutton (ncwarts.org/merri-leesutton/) loves that art seekers, “can locate what they desire with a click or two on their phone!”
You’ll find performer/author/local celebrity Matthew Pippin (ncwarts.org/ matthew-pippin/) on the Index connecting with other artists. “It’s a great way for people to find their family.”
Painter/art teacher Cyndi Noyd (ncwarts.org/noyd-studio-cynthia-noyd/)sees the same opportunity in the Index. “I feel it’s important to be part of this artist collective. Having an outlet for fellowship and support is important,” she said.
How to join the Artist Index
C’mon, market yourself a little, you arty business animal! You can Index yourself online today at ncwarts.org. And if you need any help at all, simply email arts@ ncwarts.org.
And right now is the perfect time to join because NCW Arts is offering a free Artist level membership (which gets you a highlighted Index listing among other things) to the 150th artist to set up their Index profile. Could be you!
Jamie Howell has been a board member with NCW Arts since before it had a board.
A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOR
Hundreds of quilts, from traditional Americana to the boldest of contemporary abstract art pieces, will fill the Toyota Town Center at the opening of the 2024 Quilt and Fiber Art Festival entitled “Roll On Columbia.” The annual event, sponsored by the 300-member North Central Washington Quilt Guild, features not only a treasure trove of fabric handiwork but the raffling of a local group’s quilt and
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ..
a silent auction to benefit Sage Advocacy center. Further bonus activities are a merchant mall, quilting demonstrations and two special exhibits.
See “Roll On Columbia,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9, and Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Town Toyota Center, 1300 Walla Walla Avenue, Wenatchee. Admission is $10, or $5 for children under 12. For more information see ncwquilt.org
What’s an event or arts activity you’ve attended that you first learned about in ArtBeat or on the NCW Arts website? Let us know at arts@ncwarts.org.
