ARTBE T
MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE NCW ARTS ALLIANCE DECEMBER 2024 FREE
WENATCHEE FIRST FRIDAYS MAP INCLUDED
NCW ARTS ALLIANCE: A JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND CREATIVE IMPACT
BY MEG KAPPLER NCW ARTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2024 — what a wild year this has been! My phone is full of saved memes with themes of trust, resilience, balance and lots and lots of variations of “hang in there,” with and without the cute cat poster. Can you relate?
Over the past year, NCW Arts has embraced our mission of nurturing artists and communities. We have expanded our reach, deepened connections and, most importantly, witnessed the transformative power of the Arts.
We’ve learned that the Arts, in all forms, can impact rural areas. Creativity isn’t confined to urban centers — it can thrive, grow and inspire in unexpected places.
Rural communities often face unique challenges — limited resources, geographical isolation and fewer opportunities for cultural engagement. But by connecting people with resources here, we’ve helped provide a sense of identity and pride. We’ve seen local businesses flourish through
partnerships with artists and families come together on creative projects that reflect their shared values. The Arts have given people a reason to gather, celebrate their heritage and dream about what’s possible for the future.
Moreover, art helps foster resilience. In times of hardship — whether it’s economic downturns or personal struggles — the creative spirit can offer a vital outlet for expression and healing.
We’ve witnessed artists, musicians, writers and performers using their craft to tell their stories, tackle local issues and process the complexities of rural life in ways that resonate deeply with their neighbors.
This growth, of course, didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of individuals trusting their own creativity, sharing their visions and bravely allowing themselves to be seen. Burgeoning resources like our Artist Index have proven that when you invest in the Arts, you’re also investing in the fabric of the community itself. And the
beauty of it all? It’s just the beginning.
We are humbled and honored to announce that we recently received three important grants that allow us to continue our mission into 2025. From the bottom of our hearts, we’re thankful for:
• Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group Community Partnership Fund
•Woods Family Music and Arts Grant
•Wenatchee Valley Fund Legacy Grant from Community Foundation North Central Washington
As we close the chapter on 2024 and look ahead to the coming year, we’re filled with gratitude for the journey so far and excitement for what’s next. The Arts have ignited something powerful here. We may be a small nonprofit, but our impact is anything but small.
We’ve learned, grown and made a difference. We can’t wait to see how the Arts will continue to shape our region in the future.
R.U. ARTSMART QUIZ
What are these local holiday traditions? See answers below.
1. Fabulous Feet dance studio and the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra collaborate on this Tchaikovsky ballet, with its all-age cast of dozens of elaborately costumed local dancers.
2. Creative artisans and decorators vie for fame and glory when they present their magnificently adorned holiday creations for this annual fundraiser at the Numerica Performing Arts Center.
3. In a nostalgic nod to earlier times, this production, performed for an audience and broadcast live, uses low-tech, highingenuity sound effects and an onstage cast of readers.
4. Westside tourists and locals alike who flock to Leavenworth for snowy winter weekends are treated to three months of this (recently re-named) all-day attraction with its half-million bulbs.
5. This year a dozen talented musicians with their extensive collection of one-single type of instrument offer holiday concerts, a tradition since 1979, from Leavenworth to Plain to George.
Monthly Magazine of the NCW Arts Alliance Co-editors: Mike Irwin and Susan Lagsdin Design: Ron Evans NCWArts.org | arts@ncwarts.org
ON THE COVER:
“Youth Circus” by Wenatchee painter Sasha S. Fair is included in the solo exhi-
bition — “Her Story. Portraits of Inspiration.” — launching Dec. 6 at Pybus Art Alley. See story on Page 7 of this issue of ArtBeat.
4. Village of Lights: Christmastown
5. The Marlin Handbell Ringers
‘AMERICAN FARMER’ RESPECTS SKILLS, TRADITIONS, HARD WORK
Strolling through the “American Farmer” exhibit won’t be a strenuous activity, but the photographs at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center may evoke memories of the toughest jobs you’ve ever done. They’re all about very hard work.
The portraits by photographer Paul Mobley respectfully show farmers on their homeplaces all over the country dressed in dusty denim and worn boots, sunburnt and weary. Though the labor is risky and discouraging, the subjects’ words about their land-bound careers—some chosen, some birthrights — show fulfillment.
Hard work. Respect. Satisfaction. In a mirror image those elements also reflect the job of the WVMCC staff and volunteers who made it possible for us to see this exhibit.
Meghann Stevens, the museum’s recently hired curator, came to Wenatchee just in time to receive and display “American
Farmer.” She explained that each exhibit is chosen far ahead of the opening date. Former curator Kasey Koski initiated this particular show, part of a three-year cycle.
Going forward, key decision-makers will include Meghann, director Marriah Thornock, operations manager Courtney Tiffany and collections manager Anna Spencer. They’ll spend about 25 percent of WVMCC’s annual budget on new exhibits, factoring in the museum’s available space, its annual schedule and its mission, which is “to celebrate and preserve the history, arts, sciences and rich diversity of our region.”
The physical work of installing any traveling show starts on the loading dock. The three huge wooden crates holding the Mobley exhibit came re-packaged from a library in Wisconsin, each glassed and framed photo swathed in plastic wrap and custom-fitted to a foam tray. (They also arrived way ahead of schedule — an “oh
crap” moment, according to Meghann — but were adroitly squeezed into hiding places on the museum’s main floor.)
The builder’s adage, “Measure twice, cut once,” applied to hanging each photograph on the pristine museum walls. “It takes a lot of math,” said Meghann, to provide artful distances between artworks. Rather than cram all the Mobley photographs into the gallery, she held back 11 of them. Creating that visual breathing space seemed most respectful to the viewer, to the artist and to each individual farmer depicted in the photographs.
Anna Spencer, along with exhibits assistant Matthew Pippin and volunteers, helped to set up the show, lifting and hanging the heavy photos (the largest ones are 4-by-6 feet). “Fortunately, “ she said, “these came wired on the back and they hang by screws we’d drilled into the walls.” Placing the correct labels and signage for the 34 photos was exacting but relatively easier.
When any show opens, the satisfaction for the museum staff and volunteers is tangible, like applause on a play’s opening night but quieter. A gallery show’s “standing ovation” is soft oohs and aahs, intense conversations, long slow gazing, careful reading of text and circling back to favorites.
Mission accomplished. The staff and volunteers know that collaborating on choosing, storing, positioning and installing (including any scrambling or glitchfixing) has made the current exhibit seamless for the hundreds of museum goers who’ll appreciate it.
“American Farmer” will be available for viewing until Jan. 7. You can enjoy the opening night reception as part of Wenatchee First Fridays Arts Walk from 4 to 8 p.m., Dec. 6. Admission is free. WVMCC is at 127 S. Mission Street, Wenatchee.
A visitor views the exhibit “American Farmer,” a collection of photo portraits on display at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center.
ARTS WALK
8. Ground Control 5-9 PM Group Show: “It’s a Family Affair,” featuring work by Cameron Hein, Hannah’s Hyperfixations and Danielle Dybowski. 9. Mountain Chick Floral 5-8 PM “Nature,” group show and sale by Joyful Scholars Montessori Students. All proceeds directly support the school. Beverages available for purchase.
1. MAC Gallery 5-7 PM WVC Advanced Students Art Exhibition, featuring work by Lindsey Bloomfield, Sue Edick, Carly Feddersen, Cyndi Noyd, and Claire Sianna Seaman.
2. Visit Wenatchee Tasting Room 5-7 PM Butters to the Rescue, handmade jewelry and ornaments. Local mead from Lowkey Meadery.
10. Pinnacle Beerworks 6-10 PM Kealani Designs, artist. Gavin McLaughlin, musician.
3. Watermill Winery on the Ave 5-8 PM Scott Heuston of Saltwater Sky, live music.
11. Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center 6-9
PM Celebrate the opening of a new traveling exhibit, “American Farmer.” Free Admission. Jazz Jam Quintet. Light refreshments
12. Pybus Art Alley 5-7 PM “Her Story: Portraits of Inspiration,” Sasha S. Fair, artist. Brittany Jean, musician. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres by donation.
4. Lemolo Café & Deli 4-7 PM Connie Hirschman Shorb, artist. 5. Two Rivers Art Gallery 5-8 PM Steve Schwind, artist. Suzanne Grassell, harpist. Local wines.
6. Watercore Cider 5-9 PM Bryant Goetz, artist archival exhibition. 7. Mela 5-8 PM “Digressions/Migrations,” Cynthia Neely, artist. “Look Down…and Around,” karen dawn dean, artist. Seth Garrido, musician.
6. South @ Pybus 5-9 PM Botero Espresso Martini, a tribute to the bold and vibrant legacy of Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
4. Steam Panda 4-9 PM 5. Cave Noire 4-10 PM Enjoy a complimentary glass after any wine tasting flight.
1. Horan Estates Winery 3-7 PM $2 off glass pours.
2. Crayelle Cellars 3-6 PM $2 off glass pours.
3. Stones Gastropub 3-9 PM $10 specialty cocktail.
5. Woody’s Classic Man 3-8 PM Happy Hour pricing on all beers and ciders. Extended hours.
6. Bellas Artes Imports 5-8 PM White Christmas Event. Gluhwein from Neu Flessenow Cellars. Live music by Maria Musixa, violinist.
Buy one noodle soup, get 2nd noodle soup $5 off when you mention First Fridays. Dine in only
7. Time Capsule 3-7 PM Roll a D20 and get up to 20% off your entire purchase. 30% off Funko Pop figures. 4.
1. American Shoe Shop 5–7 PM Extended hours 2. Mercantile All Day $10 day pass for First Fridays. 3. Tumbleweed 4-6:30 pm Featuring Tumbleweed handcrafted jewelry. 4. The Original Children’s Shop 3-5 PM 10% discount on all merch when you mention First Fridays.
CHEERS! CLASS WITH A GLASS ADDS CREATIVE ARTS NONPROFIT
Nancy and Dan Barrett, owners of Class with a Glass in downtown Wenatchee, have launched a new nonprofit to teach crafts and arts to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Until Now Creative aims to, “help people experience creative arts while overcoming limiting mindsets,” says the program’s website.
The Barretts say the new nonprofit stresses community, family connection, health and well-being through self-expression in a welcoming environment.
“We provide accessible, expressive and educational opportunities designed to reduce stress, pro-
mote healing and bring families together,” says Until Now Creative’s website.
The nonprofit will offer a variety of expressive art classes, including a Winter Break Kids’ Art Camp, Dec. 30 to Jan. 3. Students will be introduced to painting, mixed media, clay sculpting and other crafts.
Until Now Creative will share space with Class with a Glass, which will continue to offer classes and private painting parties. The business is located at 134 N. Mission Street, Wenatchee.
To learn more and sign up for classes, visit untilnowcreative.org
MANUELA HORN’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR FEATURED EVENT:
Manuela Horn and her Slay Belles are getting ready to rock your whole family with this festive interactive Christmas event. It’s part vaudeville, part concert, all party and brought to you by the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce The live onstage action features fun holiday songs and parodies, but there’s more:
• Indoor snowball fights
• Free crafts for kids
• Cocoa and cookies available for purchase
• Surprise guest appearances
Take a deep dive into the holiday festivities at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Festhalle, 1001 Front Street, Leavenworth. Tickets are $15 and available at eventbrite.com
Paint and paper “Candlelight Glow,” an example of kids’ camp art offered by Until Now Creative.
SASHA FAIR BRINGS ‘HER STORY’ TO CANVAS
BY JAMIE HOWELL
Wenatchee painter Sasha S. Fair worries we may be missing the true inspirations right in front of us. Surrounded by screens that inundate us with celebrity gossip, distress us with political turmoil and distract us with dog tricks and dance challenges, we are drawn all too easily into a discourse that often has very little to do with our own lives.
“Our daily life is far more impacted by the people in our neighborhoods, our friends, people who work in local organizations, run nonprofits, volunteer and who keep passing that torch to our local, younger generation,” said Fair. Fair is speaking up about it in the best way she knows how — through oil paint and brush — with a new exhibition debuting Friday, Dec. 6, at the Pybus Art Alley in Wenatchee, entitled, “Her Story. Portraits of Inspiration.” For two years, Fair has been focused on a group of people she believes deserve more of our attention — the local women she has observed working humbly in the background with “grit, kindness and unwavering dedication to their community.”
The initial inspiration for what is currently a collection of 14 portraits de-
picting three generations of females who have helped build and shape the Wenatchee Valley came in 2022, while she was working on a painting for the Apple Blossom Festival. Fair found herself moved by the sheer amount of good work going on, the hundreds of volunteers giving of themselves and, running it all from behind the curtain, festival administrator for the past 31 years, Darci Christoferson.
“You don’t ever see her riding at the front of the parade,” said Fair. “She’s always in the back, directing, solving problems on the fly. So bringing Darci, just for a minute, to the front, to highlight her contribution and passion for the community ... I love that.”
Fair’s subjects sit at least twice for their portraits with the artist, sometimes in her studio, sometimes in their own surroundings, as Fair sketches and builds color studies that will inform the final work.
“Nothing is random,” said Fair of her compositions. She strives to capture far more than a simple likeness of her subjects, carefully curating the contents of her backgrounds to represent essences of their character and work in the community.
In one portrait, JoAnn Walker stands before a stone fireplace built by her and
EVERY LITTLE DOLLAR HELPS — A LOT FEATURED OPPORTUNITY:
The City of Wenatchee is extending a helping hand to the Arts with its 2025 Community Art Support Grant Program. The goal of the fund is to provide several grants of small yet meaningful amounts of money – up to $1,000 – for local artists and performers. Applications are now available for proposed projects that will take place between Feb. 18 and Dec. 8, 2025.
husband, Mike. The symbolism for Fair is clear — the Walkers as boulders in the community, building the community both literally and figuratively.
The portrait series spans the generational gap from Boomers to Gen Z, with Fair dedicating part of the exhibition to younger subjects including her 16-year-old daughter Lucy and classmates. The connection is intentional. She hopes to, “foster a sense of inspiration for the younger generation,” said Fair, by focusing our attention on, “our own unsung heroes.”
Fair says she is only scratching the surface with this initial collection and hopes to continue producing paintings that, in her words, “remind us that true leadership and heroism often lie not in the glitz and glamour of the silver screen but in the everyday actions, dedication and love of the remarkable women in our own neighborhoods.”
Exhibition Launch And Artist Reception
With Sasha S. Fair 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, at Pybus Art Alley. as part of the monthly Wenatchee First Fridays Arts Walk.
Find out
The grants are meant to support and promote a wide variety of art programming that takes place within the city limits of Wenatchee. Your group’s next show or outreach program or your personal passion project might well benefit from this boost. Examples of eligible projects include:
• Art materials or artist services for a programs or event art-related speakers or events
• Public events such as concerts/performances in music, theater, dance or visual arts
• Educational arts events such as workshops and conferences
Applications are due by Jan. 31.
Go to wenatcheewa.gov/services/parksrecreation-and-cultural-services/publicart-collection, or contact choffmann@ wenatcheewa.gov.
“Blossoms for Darci” “JoAnn Walker”
