The Stars come out at Water Works Studio

Waterworks Studio always puts on a stellar show for the Vashon Island Holiday Art Studio Tour, but for 2014 it’s a virtual meteor shower of Island artists. The stars come out on Friday, December 5 between 6 pm and 9 pm for the Waterworks Preview and continue to shine December 6 & 7 and 13 & 14 from 10 am to 4 pm each day. And each of those stars offers something to fulfill every holiday wish list.
This year Waterworks welcomes to its galaxy Megan Minier and Ellen Parker of Cowbelle Industries, Sarah Drew of Sudzology, woodworker John Moore and painter/ sculptor Donna Romero. From Cowbelle Industries come eclectic Vashon images on T shirts and hand towels while Sarah Drew has created an enormous variety of soaps in fabulous textures and scents. Then there’s John Moore’s treasured spoons… gotta touch’em, gotta have’em in your kitchen! And Donna Romero’s oil paintings, collages and sculptures ranging from perfection to whimsy.

The familiar Waterworks stars will appear for this tour as well; Lindsay Aickin with banners and calendars, Kathleen Webster’s photographs that capture the eyes and hearts of Vashon, Julie King working her magic with recycled materials into bird houses, signs and simply fun stuff, Zoe Cheroke keeping you warm with hand knitted items and Dana Illo’s fabulous kimono silk apparel.

But wait…stars continue to appear and now it’s the incredible painters- perfect paintings and sketches by Mike Maher, Jayne Quig’s lush pastels, acrylics created by Bob Horsley, yet more sumptuous acrylics by Terry Jansen, and wrapping them all together is Darsie Beck, watercolor painter, author and art bag creator.

And just when you thought this celestial group was galactic enough, the very Vashon stone jewelry of Kate Rutherford will appear as will photographs, note cards (and more) by Ray Pfortner, fabulous and fun felted apparel created by Susan Bates, and the subtle celadons of Christine Beck’s functional porcelain ceramics for table and decoration and her new porcelain bells and wind chimes.

When you visit, don’t forget the handmade ornaments on the Artists’ Tree- unique and affordable ornaments made by our artists for your holiday home. And buy a ticket for the raffle! The basket this year is huge, filled with wonders created by each of our artists with all proceeds benefit Vashon Youth and Family Services.

Join Waterworks (#16 on your Tour brochure) for the preview featuring music by superstars Richard Person and Jim Hobson on December 5 and meet each of the stars or shop December 6/7 and 13/14 while you sample cookies, spiced cider and tea. And be sure to visit ALL the studios on this year’s Tour- they are each and every one the artist stars of Vashon. Waterworks can be found at www.waterworksonvashon.com and at 7012 SW 240th Street (Maury Island. The Vashon Art Studio Tour brochure is available at your Island merchants and at www.vashonislandartstudiotour.com