Summer Outdoor “Artists Market”

Summer is blazing its way to Vashon in a whole new way, at Ignition Studios, starting May 4th! Not only is Ignition on the May Studio Tour map with artist David Blad in residence, but new plans are in place for a summer outdoor "artists market". The Gallery is also now enrolling for two May Weekend Portrait Painting workshops and a huge new space has opened up in the garage area for art parties throughout the year—birthdays, "girlz nite", bridal or baby showers, you name it! All of these things will debut on this week’s First Friday Gallery Cruise, which will include the usual festivities—La Zamarana’s Taco truck (come before they sell out!), s’mores at the outdoor fire pits, new artists in the gallery, music, refreshments—plus this Friday one of Ignition’s newest artist market members, Sara Drew, will be selling GELATO!

February, March, and April saw amazing growth for Ignition Studios & Gallery with huge turn outs at each First Friday, and a warm outpouring of Vashon community support; and, new things continue to happen there every month. The owner of this new enterprise, Lisa Hurst, envisions the historical auto shop and garage as a new artistic community space for the production, exhibition, and sales of fine art; as a gallery space for emerging area artists; an enjoyable warm weather local for local artisans to share their wares; and, as a space for lessons and learning exchange throughout the year. The old 1940’s four-bay garage and auto parts store has had a facelift and been recognized by major local magazines, and arts calendars as part of what defines Vashon as a summer destination.

May welcomes stunning portraiture in the Gallery by Seattle artist Ryan Finnerty. Ryan will lead two Saturday workshops during his exhibition, with a live model, all tools and supplies provided, plus a catered lunch—on May 12th and May 19th. Classes are small. Minimum age is 14 and all experience levels are encouraged to attend; bring nothing but your enthusiasm, everything is provided. At the same time during May, local steel sculptor, Randy Kirk, will exhibit in the Studio side of Ignition; his robustly textural post-industrial sculptures—made from old Chevy trucks, steel drums, and other found materials—resonate perfectly in the historic garage!

During June and July in the Gallery, Vashon artist, Anelecia Hannah, will host a show entitled "You and I" in collaboration with her partner, Charles Bishop. Summer classes will be offered in still-life, encaustics painting, plein air, and more as June approaches. Curriculum is under continuing development and classes will be posted on the website for Ignition as they open. So, stroll by any Friday evening, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon to see what is sparking at Ignition and be a part of Vashon’s unique artistic energy; Ignition is located at 17630 Vashon Hwy. S.W. in the middle of Vashon, across from Express Cuisine, just behind the Red Bicycle Bistro. Call 206-856-6906 or visit www.ignitionartists.com for a complete calendar, information, and enrollment options.