September 14, 2023

Today’s Forecast

🌳 Heads up, outdoor art lovers

A projected video of a human face appears on a tree in Seattle's City Hall Park at night with the Smith Tower looming in the background

It’s totally fine to stare — “Monuments” has a hypnotic quality. | Photo via Seattle Parks & Recreation

If you’re looking for larger-than-life public art, stroll on down to City Hall Park. Local officials just unveiled a new video projection art installation called “Monuments” by Australian creator Craig Walsh.

The faces displayed are three individuals from First Nation tribes. You can watch the projections appear against the backdrop of the park every night from 8:30-10 p.m until Sunday, Oct. 1.

How did these moving portraits land here? Glad you asked.

Sights to behold

For the past several years, Walsh has created multimedia displays across the US in cities like Houston, TX and Chapel Hill, NC. Each work reflects the history and cultural background of the chosen public site, specifically highlighting communities that have been historically marginalized.

Here in Seattle, the three featured individuals were chosen by the Windz of Change Alliance, a local organization that seeks to strengthen Indigenous presence in our parks and public spaces.

A GIF that shows a video projection of a human face swaying with the background greenery — “Monuments” interacts with the installation’s environment.
|
Photo via @craigwalsh_monuments

Walsh filmed his interactions with each person and developed the colorful projections which look like they’re moving with the environment — almost like the park itself is coming to life. Whoaaa.

Park emphasizing rec

“Monuments” is part of the larger effort to re-invigorate City Hall Park, which reopened to the public in June after being shut down for two years.

The City of Seattle committed $300,000 in 2023-2024 for public programs in the park, which have so far included drop-in crafts workshops, outdoor movies, and now “Monuments.” There’s also a free jazz concert on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 12-7 p.m.

Seattleites can still give feedback on how they’d like to see the park utilized in the future as upgrades are being planned for 2024 and beyond.

Asked

You can tell us, too: What kind of stuff do you want at City Hall Park?

A. More artsy projects
B. Free concerts
C. Fitness activities like yoga
D. A farmers market

Let us know

Events

Thursday, Sept. 14

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Selling Your Greeting Cards | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Monster, 1716 NW Market St., Seattle | $49 | Pro Sarah E. Miller teaches the tricks of the trade, whether you’re into writing or making illustrations.
Tango Basics and All-Levels Milonga Series | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 7-9 p.m. | Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle | $180-$550 | Learn a collaborative and connected approach to the Argentine Tango in this eight-week course.

Friday, Sept. 15

Myriam Gurba | Friday, Sept. 15 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Third Place Books, 5041 Wilson Ave. S., Seattle | Free | The artist and activist talks about her essay collection “Creep: Accusations and Confessions” that delves into the sociology behind dark personalities.
Local Sightings Opening Feature: “Fantasy A Gets A Mattress” | Friday, Sept. 15-Sunday, Sept. 17 | Times vary | Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave., Seattle | $7-$14 | Catch the flick about local hip-hop artist Fantasy A and enjoy a live performance from the man himself.

Saturday, Sept. 16

Festál: Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias | Saturday, Sept. 16-Sunday, Sept. 17 | Times vary | Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle | Free | Enjoy live music, folk dancing, and activities for kids at this celebration that commemorates the independence of Latin American countries.
Herbie Hancock | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 8 p.m. | Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle | $49-$149 | The legendary jazz artist is so versatile, he can make a keytar look cool.

Sunday, Sept. 17

Bite of Phinneywood | Sunday, Sept. 17 | 1-5 p.m. | Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle | $25-$75 | Munch on snacks from local favorites like Autumn, Coffeeholic House, Nutty Squirrel, and newcomer Ben’s Bread.
“Singles” | Sunday, Sept. 17 | 9 p.m. | The Crocodile, 2505 First Ave., Seattle | Free | Cameron Crowe’s grungy 90s romcom movie stars Campbell Scott, Bridget Fonda, and members of Pearl Jam.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Concert

Other cities are going to have serious “jealousy, jealousy” now that Olivia Rodrigo is coming to Seattle. The pop megastar is stopping by Climate Pledge Arena on her GUTS world tour next summer on August 6. You can pre-register for tickets through Sunday, Sept. 17.

Announced

Amazon announced a new $40 million investment for affordable housing projects in Seattle and two other US cities. The company plans to partner with three local nonprofits to build 240+ homes, form a down-payment assistance program for families, and fund various operations. (GeekWire)

Transit

Seattle’s prepping for Queen Bey’s royal arrival. In advance of Beyoncé's sold-out Lumen Field concert tonight, Sound Transit, King County Metro, and the Water Taxi are all adding extra service. Construction on I-5 will also be delayed until two hours after the show. (Seattle Times)

Environment

Seattle Public Utilities is giving residents free compost on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Magnuson Park. You can pick up a half-yard of bulk compost at the Sand Point Park and Ride Magnuson Frog Pond from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day, or until supplies last.

Health

Seattle Children’s has secured property for a new Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic in the Central District at 1711 S. Jackson St. The provider is part of a network that has aided communities of color for 50+ years, offering acute care and other services. Its previous Central District clinic closed in 2022. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Drink

Bellevue residents may want to sip on over to Main Street today for the city’s Wine Walk from 4 to 8 p.m. The area from 101st to 103rd avenues will be closed to cars starting at 1 p.m. while pedestrians enjoy outdoor seating, a selfie station, and live music while sampling local vino.

Closing

Madison Valley’s longtime shopping favorite Village Mart will close on Saturday, Sept. 30. The corner store has been in business for 20 years and is known for selling a wide variety of snacks, ingredients, and housewares. The owners could not renew their lease and are pondering retirement.

Award

Roll out the red carpet. Seattle Southside announced the winners for its Hospitality Heroes awards, recognizing hospitality workers in the region. Honorees included Museum of Flight lead housekeeper Jessica Martinez, Sound Transit station agent David Payne, and 10 others.

Traffic

The Seattle Department of Transportation is about to begin a big street project in Roosevelt. Work starts up this winter along 11th Avenue NE and 12th Avenue NE to freshly pave the road, repair sidewalks, and add a 1.2-mile protected bike lane. Construction is expected to continue through 2025.

Fitness

Taking one step at a time, local climbing gym Vertical World has signed a lease for a new space in Interbay. Its future outpost at SKB’s Commodore Interbay Industry Center is across the street from Vertical World’s current gym and will take up 42,337 sqft. Look for it to open in 2024. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Cause

Bidder up — the Mariners are hosting their annual Favorite Things Basket Auction during Sunday’s game against the Angels. The auction will take place in Section 128 and feature items like Dylan Moore’s fave music and Marco Gonzales’s beloved candy. Net proceeds go to the Mariners Care Foundation.

Try This

Getting kids excited about the natural world is key to stimulating their creativity. The Tiny Tots Development Center in South Seattle, which allows preschool-age kids to explore and learn about the wilderness through a one-of-a-kind outdoor classroom, is about to celebrate its one-year anniversary. Take a peek at what the classroom looks like + see how to tour it yourself.*

Festival

🚙 The best laid vans

A small group of people gather in a tented area outside a van with several other vans parked nearby.

The community event welcomes DIY van builds. | Photo via Rydawell Builds

If this van’s a-rockin’ you can absolutely go a-knockin’. Ballard Van Jam will be back for its third year on Saturday, Sept. 16, catering to groovy folks who love long road trips. After all, recreational van life is a sacred thing around the PNW.

Run by local van outfitter Rydawell Builds, the free event features lots of souped up vehicles, food trucks, live music, and swag. It will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 324 NW Bowdoin Place. You won’t be able to miss it with all the sweet rides parked around the street.

Rydawell’s van upgrade offerings will likely be prominently on display, but everyone who has a cool van can swing by to show it off, give tips on customization, or maybe even argue on whether or not “Nomadland” was good.

It’s all about the love, people.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Gabe

From the editor

If you’re looking for a moody, low-lit bar in Greenwood, stop by the Dark Room. I recently enjoyed a citrus-y rye cocktail made with carrots — and the meatballs were delish. Just maybe bring some night goggles.

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