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ARTBEAT THE COMET

NOVEMBER 2026

SARAH SPROUSE BRINGS ‘‘SOFT ALTARS’’ TO THE MAC PAGE 3

WENATCHEE FIRST FRIDAYS MAP INSIDE

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ARTBEAT

A monthly publication by NCW Arts Alliance and The Comet

Publisher: Ron Evans Contributors: Callie Baker, Jamie Howell, Meg Sanders, Pamela Farrington NCW Arts - Elevating the Arts in North Central Washington

LEVEL UP! by callie baker

all has arrived, and with it a sense of rebirth. I know most people assign “rebirth” as a solidly spring occurrence. And for sure, shoots and stalks are emerging out of the ground where just days earlier there was nothing. But for me, anyway, fall is a time of rebirth—or at least of renewal. In nature, leaves are shedding and baring their branches. In my house, the winter wardrobes are coming out, and so is the excuse to retreat into myself for some reflection, maybe even a forced sit-in on account of inclement weather and early darkness. NCW Arts is not immune to the fall renewal and has been doing a bit of shedding, emerging, and reflecting of its own. We recently finalized our new strategic plan, and it’s guiding our decisions on what to leave behind, what to bring to life, and what to carry forward. Pillar number one of our strategic plan is sustainability. Which is admittedly a buzzword these days, especially in the nonprofit world— but not without reason. It’s critical. If NCW Arts isn’t sustainable, we can’t deliver on our other pillars: advocacy and programming (more on those in future articles). So, where do you fit into the sustainability picture? Obviously you support the arts— you’re reading this missive. Which means you are holding the ArtBeat, your guide to the arts for the month, in your hands. You’re probably

taking note of what events you want to attend and lamenting the fact that some of them are doubled up. You’re probably already at Level 1, but your role in sustaining the arts can expand. Level 1: Support the artists directly. Check out the work on display at participating Wenatchee First Friday businesses, buy tickets to the symphony or a show at the Riverside Playhouse, catch a live music performance. Level 2: Put your dollars behind an organization that supports artists and the arts. NCW Arts is well positioned as the hub connecting artists to opportunities, communities, and to each other. Maintaining these services has a cost, and your dollars help to keep them available. Level 3: Donate your time to an arts organization. NCW Arts always need event volunteers, committee members, and arts advocates. Ask us how you can help. Consider leveling up—help us build a sustainable future. And if you are already doing your part, THANK YOU!

ON THE COVER:

One of the pieces featured in Sarah Sprouse’s ‘‘Soft Altars’’ coming to the MAC Gallery First Friday in November. Details on pg. 3

POEM OF THE MONTH Love, in the Dark Kara McDee, East Wenatchee When all the stars have lost their light, And shadows swallow up the day, I’ll find your hand within the night, And love you when the world gives way. When bitter winds have stripped the trees, And winter settles in our bones, I’ll whisper promises like prayers, And make a kingdom of our home. When all the clocks have ceased to chime, And every road has turned to dust, I’ll love you past the end of time, When even God forgets of us. And if the dawn should never rise, If all that’s beautiful must end, I’ll search the darkness for your eyes, And fall in love with you again.

SARAH SPROUSE

TRANSFORMS MAC GALLERY WITH ‘SOFT ALTARS’

DEATH COMES TO ARTWORX

ARTWORX has an intriguing exhibit coming up that is “loosely” based on the concept of death. ArtBeat reached out to the curator, ŘRRaoül Première to get some more info. Below is the perfectly arty response:

enatchee Valley College ceramics instructor Sarah Sprouse transforms the MAC Gallery into a sacred space with “Soft Altars,” an immersive installation exploring the beauty and ritual of everyday life. Using ceramic vessels as intimate altars, Sprouse celebrates love, family, nature, community and the quiet acts of caring for one another. Sprouse holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Edinburgh, has exhibited nationally and internationally,

and serves as Executive Director of the Grünewald Guild. The exhibition runs November 6 through December 18, with a First Friday opening reception on November 6 from 5–7 PM. Sprouse will give an artist’s gallery talk at 6 PM. WVC MAC Gallery November 6–December 18 Opening Reception: Nov. 6, 5–7 PM Artist Talk: 6 PM

“In my high school French class, the rule was: you can say anything as long as it is in French. You could say English words if they were preceded with “comment dit on?” (how do you say?). Raoul was in the list of traditional French names, I added the “Première“ in the second year when I felt threatened by another Raoul. He is not a meditator, he is out of control. My “altar” ego took over for Sara (Haslinger) in curating The Death Show at ARTWORX. The death theme is loosely applied, the artists include Ron McGaughey, Jan Cook Mack, Lindsey Breidenthal and many oth-

ers. Raoul will show whatever he wants. It is the French variant of the Germanic name Radulf (which means “wolf counsel”). The Hanged Man (above) which is on the ﬂier and in the show is one of a 22 piece serigraph Marseille Tarot deck 16” x 20” by French Artist Eliott Evaki-Lézard. I am hoping to have a show later in the year of the full deck; only three will be in this show as a triptych. This card is symbolic to me of ego-death and the seeming impossibility of expressing oneself satisfactorily in this modern world with our divided natures.” The Death Show November 6-29 Opening Reception: Friday, Nov. 6, 5-8 PM ARTWORX 15 Yakima St., Wenatchee

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D 3. Visit Wenatchee Tasting Room ON OR 5-7 PM 10. Wenatchee Valley Museum & L IA Sara Hasslinger, artist. Lotería Cultural Center | 10 AM-6 PM OR K M R E A de Wenatchee & La Parranda de M P “Moments that Made US,” Los Muertos celebration. All ages. Inaugural exhibition in the 12 Local wines. Downtown Branch Art Galler ST Free admission. MA KI YA 4. Lemolo Cafe & Deli | 10 AM-5 PM “Patterns,” Studio Six group show. 11. Wenatchee Community Claudia Mullek, Cyndi Noyd, Jane Acupuncture | 5-7 PM Zanol, Nena Howell, Niki Stewart, “Mixed Media Spectrum: A S Sue Edick, artists. of Paint, Fiber, Texture, and Color,” Althea Gyde, quilting S CH EL AN AV 5. Two Rivers Art Gallery | 5-8 PM artist. E Brad Brisbine, artist. Live music by James Bryant. Local wines. 12. ARTWORX | 5-8 PM “The Death Show,” group art 6. Rail Station | 6-10 PM show, curated by Řrraoül Make Your Mark artist nonproﬁt Première. Opening reception AD SPACE presents local ceramic and textile Runs through the month of art. Live demonstrations. November.

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7. Watercore | 6-8 PM Chumlilies, live music. Apple box labels will be on display.

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2. YMCA | 5-7 PM “The Big Reveal,” Kealani Yamamoto, muralist. Join us as we celebrate the biggest indoor mural in Central Washington.

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1. MAC Gallery | 5-7 PM “Soft Altars,” Sarah Sprouse, artist.

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13. Art Alley @ Pybus | 5-7 PM TASTI SECOND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER Opening Reception. “Navigat TASTING ROOM Alessandra & BOTTLE SHOP Stillness,” Piro, artist. Hans Hessburg, Jenni Hinson, live music. Beverage and hors d’oeuvres by donati VISITWENATCHEE.ORG

THANKS TO OUR BUSINESS SPO

ar t i st s : B et sy Wat te r s , Fa i t h M e rz, E l l en B r u ex a n d S a ra h Sims.

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9. G ro u n d Co n t ro l 6 - 9 P M Mi j a n o u Fo r te n , MF Po t te r y, ce ra m i c a r t i st . 1 0. P y b u s A r t A l l ey 5 -7 P M “F l u i d H o r i zo n s ,” A l e ss a n d ra P i ro, a r t i st . H a n s H e ss b u rg , ce l l i st . B eve ra g e s a n d h o r s d ’o e u v re s by d o n at i o n .

FIRST FRIDAYS FEATURED EVENT

1 1 . i L a Yo g a 7- 9 P M S h i n e S o n g Ci rc l e. F re e p a r t i c i p ato r y s i n g i n g eve n t . N o ex p e r i e n ce n e ce ss a r y.

1 2 . We n atc h e e Va l l ey Mu s e u m & C u l t u ra l Ce n te r 6 - 9 P M D i a d e l o s Mu e r to s , D ay o f t h e D e a d ce l e b rat i o n . F re e a d m i ss i o n . J o i n u s fo r c ra f t s , m a r i a c h i , fa ce p a i n t i n g a n d m o re.

EAT & DR INK

a ss With A Glass 1 2 . We natche e Va lley M us 1 e .um H ora n E st ate s Wi n e r y 6 . Ste a m Pa n d a 4 - 9 P M 1.5. Cl4Horan Estates Winer yl Ce nte r 6- 9 PM 6. Noire | 4-10 PM 8 PM & C ultura 3Cave -7 P M B u y o n e n o o d l e s o u p, g e t 2 n d Pi ck- a-p ainting fundraiser. Dia de lo s M ue r to s , D ay 33-7 $Enjoy 2 o f f g l a ssap ocomplimentar urs. n oy o d l e s o u p $ 5 o f f w h e n yo u PM He l p us raise funds for our o f t he De a d ce le brat io n. m e n t i o n F i r st F r i d ays . D i n e n ew neighb or, Until Now Fre e a dm iss io n. J o in us $2 off glass pours. wine i n o n l y 2 . Cglass raye lle Ceafter l l a r s 3 - 6 any PM C re ative. All proceeds fo r c ra f t s , m a r ia c hi, fa ce $ 2 o f f g l a ss p o u r s . be n efit the Creative Arts pa int ing a nd m o re. tasting flight. 7. C ave N o i re 4 -1 0 P M C l u b after-school prog ram. 4 3 . Visit We n atc h e e Ta st i n g E n j oy a co m p l i m e n t a r y g l a ss 2. Crayelle Cellars | 3-6 PM Room a f te r a ny w i n e t a st i n g f l i g h t . $2 off glass pours. 7.4 -7 Epoch | 3-11:30 PM PM 11 H ap py h o u r s p e c i a l : $ 5 f l i g h t s $2 off all house cocktails o f c i d e r o r b e e r. 8. South @ Pybus 5 5-9 PM 3. Stones Gastropub | 3-9 PM 4 . Ston alle snight long. E G a st ro p u b Ma r i a ’s D re a m co c kt a i l AV $10 O specialty cocktail. 3-9 PM s p e c i a l , i n s p i re d by t h e D O N EAT & DR I N K 1 0 s p e c i a l t y co c kt a i l . t ra i l b l a z i n g Mex i c a n a r t i st 8. $South @ Pybus OR Ma r i a I zq u i e rd o. 5 . Wate ill Wi n e rPM y 4.1 . HWater 11 r m AM-9 ora n Estatesmill Winery Winer 6.y Steon a m Pa the nda 4 - 9 PM O n Th e Ave 3 - 8 P M 3-7 PM B uy o ne no o dle s o up, ge t 2 nd Ave | pours. 5-8 PM Cocktail n e s p e c i a l s . special: Fuego $2 of f g lass no o dle s o up $5 o f f whe n yo uWi m e nt io n Fir st Fr idays . Dine Wine specials. de Obregón, inspired by 2. Crayelle Cellars 3 -6 P M in o nly $2 of f g lass pours. Colombian landscape and 7. C ave Noire 4 -1 0 PM Vi s i t Wenatc hee Tasting Enjoy a co m plim e nt a r y gla ss 12 Panda | 12-9 5.3. 4-7 Steam PM Ro om a f te r a ny wine t a st ing f light . wildlife ar tist Alejandro PM Ha p py hourone special: noodle $ 5 flights Buy soup, get Obregón. of ci d er or b eer. 8 . S outh @ P y bus ST - 9 PM off. 2nd noodle Asoup 5 $5 S HOP DOW NT OW N 4. Ston es G astropub M a r ia ’s Dre a m co c kt a il IM K 39 PM s pe cyou ia l, ins pire d by t he YA Dine in only when $1 0 s pecialty cocktail. t ra ilbla z ing M exic a n a r t ist M a r ia I zquie rdo. 1 . A m e r i c a n S h oe S h o p 4 . Wo o dy ’s C l a ss i c M a n mention First Friday. 5. Water mill Winery

1 1 . iL a Yoga 7- 9 PM S hine S o ng Circ le. Fre e pa r t ic ipato r y s inging eve nt . N o expe r ie nce ne ce ss a r y.

E AT & D R I N K

P i c k- a- p ai n t i n g f u n d ra i s e r. H e l p u s ra i s e f u n d s fo r o u r n ew n e i g h b o r, U n t i l N ow C re at i ve. A l l p ro ce e d s b e n e f i t t h e Cre at i ve A r t s C l u b af te r - s c h o o l p ro g ra m .

St u p i d St i tc h , s u st a i n a b l e handmade clothing using re cyc l e d fa b r i c s .

1 0. P y bus A r t A lley 5 -7 PM “ Fluid Ho r izo ns ,” A le ss a ndra P iro, a r t ist . Ha ns He ss burg, ce llist . B eve ra ge s a nd ho r s d’o e uv re s by do nat io n.

4. Lem olo Café & Deli 4-7 8 PM Grou p show featuring work by Sue Ed ick, Nena H owell, C l a u dia Mullek, Cy nd i Noyd, N i k i Stewart, Jane Zanol.

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9. Ground Control 6- 9 PM M ija no u Fo r te n, M F Po t te r y, ce ra m ic a r t ist .

8 . Tumblewe e d 4 - 6:3 0 PM St upid St itc h, s ust a ina ble ha ndm a de c lo t hing 1 0 us ing re cyc le d fa br ic s .

7. M e la 5 - 8 PM 5 . C la ss Wit h A Gl a ss “ Digre ss io ns ,” Cy nt hia N e e ly, 4-8 PM a r t ist .

3. Town Toyota Center 6-9 PM Wen atchee Wild H ockey Art N i gh t. Artist vendors will be s et up in the concourse be fore the g ame. K ids free (for f irst 100 kids) courtesy of Ri verside Payments.

4 . Le m olo C a fé & D e l i 4 -7 P M G ro u p s h ow fe at u r i n g wo r k 6. Two R ive r s A r t G a lle r y 5 - 8 PM by S u e Ed i c k , N e n a H owe l l , 8 B ra d B r is bine, a r t ist . J e a nnie C l au d i a Mu l l e k , Cy n d i N oyd , M c P he r s o n, m us ic ia n. Lo c a l N i k i Stewa r t , J a n e Z a n o l . wine s . W

2. Lyn n A rt G ardens 3 -6 P M M u ra l reveal and chili dinner. Mu ra l features work by local a r t i sts: Betsy Watters, Faith Me rz, E llen Bruex and Sarah Si m s .

3 . Tow n Toyot a Ce n te r 6-9 PM We n atc h ee Wi l d H o c key A r t N i g h t . Ar t i st ve n d o r s w i l l b e s e t u p i n t h e co n co u r s e SCAN FOR ONLINE MAP b e fo re t h e g a m e. K i d s f re e ( fo r f i r st 1 0 0 k i d s) co u r te sy o f R i ve r s i d e Pay m e n t s .

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1 . M AC G allery 5-7 P M WVC Ad vanced Students Art E x h i b ition, featuring work by Li ndsey Bloomfield , Sue Edi ck , Carly Feddersen, Cyndi N oyd , and Claire Sianna Se a m an.

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8 PM und n n fee

On The Ave 3 -8 P M Wi n e specials.

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2 . Me rc a n t i l e A l l Day $10 d ay p a ss fo r F i r st F r i d ays .

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3 . Th e O r i gi n a l C h i l dre n ’s

3-8 PM H a p py H o u r p r i c i n g o n a l l b e e r s a n d c i d e r s. E x te n d e d h o u r s.

5 . Ti m e C a ps u l e 3 -7 P M Ro l l a D 2 0 a n d g e t u p to 2 0 % o f f yo u r e n t i re p u rc h a se. 30 % o f f Fu n ko Man Po p |f i g u re s.

op 3-5 PM rica n S hoe S hop C H EL A N4 . Wo o d y ’s Cla ssi c M a n 1 1.. A5–7 Ameme S 5.Sh dy’s PM r ic a n Shoe AV 3E - 8hop PM 10Woo % d i s co u n t o nClassic a l l m e rc h Ex te n ded h ou rs H ap py H o ur p ri c i ng o n w10 h e n you m e n tPM i o n Fi r st 5 - 7 PM AM-8 al l b e e rs and c i d e rs . F r i d ays . 2 . M erca ntile hours. E xte nd e d ho urs . Happy Hour pricing on Study AExtended ll Day $1 0 d ay pa ss for Fi rst 5 . Ti m e Ca p su l e all beers and ciders-$3 F r idays . 3 -7 PM Ro l l a D 20 and g e t up 2 3. . Th Meer c a n t ile | All-day and $5. Buy 1 pair of Origina l C hildren’s to 20 % o f f yo ur e nt i re Sh o p 3 -5day PM urc has e. 30 % o f f F unko $10 pass for pPo First pants and save 50% on 1 0% di s cou n t on a l l merch p f i g ure s . w hen you men ti on Fi rst Fridays. a second pair. Extended F r idays. AD SPACE hours. W E N A T C H E E F I R S T F R I D AY S . C O M 3 . G r o u n d C o n t r ol t 6 - 1 0 PM 6. T he Time Ca psule Boozy Book Fair! 11 AM-7 PM n. Roll a D20 and get up WPar E N A T Cticipating H E E F I R S T F R I D AY S vendors: .COM Understor y Book Shop, to 20% off your entire Fable Books & Blooms, purchase. 30% off Funko local author Sue Pepper. Pop figures. ING R 13,ROOM & BOTTLE SHOP 4 . T h e Or ig in a l Childr en’s ting S h o p | 1 0 A M-5 P M 10% discount on all ifer merch when you mention es First Fridays. ion. VISITWENATCHEE.ORG SS

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ONSORS AND SUPPORTING PARTNERS

THE BIG REVEAL CENTRAL WASHINGTON’S BIGGEST INDOOR MURAL UNVEILED AT NEW YMCA Join the Wenatchee Valley YMCA for a special First Friday celebration on November 6, featuring the unveiling of the largest indoor mural in Central Washington!

Stop by to experience the mural up close, celebrate local creativity and explore the new space during the Wenatchee First Friday Art Walk.

Created by muralist Kealani Yamamoto, the massive artwork is a centerpiece of the brand new YMCA facility.

Friday, November 6 5–7 PM Wenatchee Valley YMCA 315 Electric Avenue, Wenatchee

MUSICBOX:

A HEADBANGIN’, TWO-STEPPIN’ FOOT-TAPPIN’ GOOD TIME. By Pamela Farrington

fter months of planning and one smoky postponement, MusicBox 2026 finally kicked off at Warehouse 3 Design Centre on October 2. Around 600 people joined us for seven hours of music, poetry, art, and dance across three stages, featuring 10 musical acts, 6 poets, 12 visual artists, a dance crew, and a DJ. Sixty volunteers helped keep everything running smoothly, and together we kept 30 pounds of compost and 5 large bags of recycling out of the landfill. Rock came in three flavors: the hard rock of Defiant, the indie rock of The Timely Tragedy, and the power pop and psychedelic rock of Wide Eyes. The folk side ran from alt-country and Americana to bluegrass and spoken word, with Fallen Oaks, Mike Frazier, SumGuy, and The Welter Brothers. Valley Boyz mixed rap with cumbia and corridos in bilingual hiphop. Danbert Nobacon, a founding member of Chumbawamba, brought punk-folk theatrics, and Deep Green Sea added indie dream pop. DJ Tanner kept the energy up between sets. Warehouse 3 isn’t a typical event space, and that was the point. The crowd wandered between the stages and a maze of working art studios. The outdoor main stage gave people room to mingle and dance on a perfect fall evening, a welcome change after the smoke. Inside, the indoor stage hosted everything from singersongwriter sets to high-energy rap and psychedelic rock. The NCW Arts Members Lounge featured spoken word, poetry, and folk music. It was open to everyone until 6 p.m. After that, it became a place to thank the members who make our work possible, with special performances, fancy drinks, and treats. Beyond the music, Cashmere Records and Apple Valley Vinyl Record Expo let visitors dig through crates of records, a free photo booth captured the joy of the evening and Pinnacles Prep ran a family-friendly fun zone with Lotería games and prizes.

Danbert Nobacon - all photos by InnHouse Photography

Fallen Oaks

Sumguy

Defiant

Mike Frazier

What’s next MusicBox is our second Box event. We launched the series with ArtBox last December at ARTWORX, another underdeveloped space. Since then, every studio has been rented, improvements have followed, and it’s now a thriving home for artists and small businesses. We want to showcase the full range of arts in the valley: theatre, writing, design, film, music, visual art, and more. We also want to put empty buildings to work. ARTWORX and Warehouse 3 showed how buildings we already have can bring people together through music and art. Across the valley, warehouses and other buildings with character sit empty for years, and too often their next chapter is demolition. We think they’re worth saving because they preserve the personality of our downtowns. We’re searching for our next venue. Finished or unfinished, if you own

or manage a space, we’d love to talk about hosting an event or pop-up. It’s a way to show the community, future tenants, and investors what a building could become. Contact us through our website: NCWarts.org. Thank you MusicBox happened because a lot of people said yes. Special thanks to A.P. Gerspach and Warehouse 3 Design Centre for hosting us and helping bring our vision to life, and to Joel Myrene for helping us source the musical talent. Thank you to the Warehouse 3 resident artists for opening their studios, to every musician, poet, and artist who shared their work, and to our 60 volunteers. We’re also grateful to our sponsors and community partners who made the night possible.

Wide Eyes

THANK YOU for supporting us and showing up for the arts in the valley. This was your night.

Timely Tragedy

Deep Green Sea

Valley Boyz