Kitty's Scratch Pad

Back in the Saddle Again...

I started pottery again.  It has been a few years since I really spent a lot of time in the studio and I hadn't realized how much I missed it until now.  Luckily for me, it is sort of like riding a bike.  Muscle memory stays with me and I have no problem centering however, it took me a little while to get comfortable with form and function of my pieces but I think I am starting to get the knack again.  I managed to get through 75 lbs of clay this past quarter and I actually missed 3 out of the 10 weeks. 

I was super fortunate to find a studio near our house that is super cool.  Seward Park Clay Studio is in an old bathhouse on Lake Washington and in the summer, I can even ride my bike there. 

There are 18 or so resident artists and then 100 or so students that move through this place each quarter.  They run a tight ship and the studio is kept very clean and organized.  Having the resident work laying around is really cool.  As well, they have great open studio hours where tons of people come to work independently.  This is my favorite time.  I get to see what others are doing and share ideas and talk about different concepts and techniques.  It is also really cool to have others who are better than you around to challenge yourself.

Insiders' Guide to Seattle

Last Tuesday, KUOW's "The Works", had a show about your favorite spots in Seattle that people don't normally know about.  I thought this was a cool idea.  Sure Seattle is known for the Space Needle and the Pike Place Market but really, unless it is your first time here, there is no need to waste a second visit unless you actually live here.  I can't say I frequent the Space Needle, but we certainly patron the Pike Place Market often.  Actually, one of my favorite meals is at the market...  Humbow from Mee Sum which is in the Triangle Market and for dessert, donuts from Daily Dozen.  mmmmmm....delicious!!!  But what about the really cool places?  I like the idea of visiting a town and having a local, birds-eye view of the place.  The insiders' guide to Seattle if you will.  I would rather avoid the tourist trap altogether and see the places that are truly amazing.  I have put together a list and it is in no particular order.  Maybe you readers would like to add to it?  What are your favorite spots?

Sunset and BBQ at Golden Gardens

Burgers and Shakes at Red Mill

Hike up Little or Big Si

Eat yummy Cupcakes at Verite

Flea Market Shopping in Fremont

Bike Riding on the Burke Gilman

Fly a Kite at Gasworks Park

Go kayaking and then have dinner and margaritas at Agua Verde

See a show at the Showbox

Go climbing at exit 38

Drive through the Mt Rainier National Forest

Drive over the North Cascades Highway and stay a night in Winthrop

Check out the new Library

Walk, Shop and Eat in Belltown

Catch a film at the Big Picture

Catch a film at the Seattle Outdoor Cinema

Eat Belgian Fries from Frites

Spend a couple of hours checking out one of the cooler bookstores Elliot Bay Book Co.

Alex added these to the list:

Fly or Drive to Orcas Island & Spend an afternoon inside the galleries in Pioneer Square

Ballard Fetherston Gallery

Ballard Fetherston Gallery

Review of: Ballard Fetherston Gallery

By: Kat Korab

Rating: 4

Read review on Judy's Book.

This is definitely a favorite. Some of our favorite artists are Jane Richlovsky, Michael Schultheis, Frank Huster & Jane Burns. Benton Peugh, another artist at BFG, has helped us hang some tough to get to pieces and did a super great job for a very reasonable price.