Amy Jones, Ensemble Contributor
Whether you’re after the perfect piece to accent and personalize your home or just a fun and inspiring night out, art walks are a frequently overlooked treasure. You’ll connect with fellow art and design fans, and often with the artists themselves – a rare chance to get both the story behind the art and a deeper appreciation of any piece you bring home. Art walks are launch pads for special exhibits you might otherwise miss and a meaningful way to discover and support local creative talent.
PIONEER SQUARE: First Thursday of each month, 6-8 p.m.
Fun fact: Pioneer Square’s First Thursday Art Walk is the longest-running art walk in the U.S., and an enclave of Seattle's artistic community that plays host to renowned galleries, innovative exhibition spaces, and working artist studios. Visit this one-mile-square center of the city’s art scene for paintings, photography, mixed media, sculptures and more.
BELLTOWN: Second Friday of each month, 6-9 p.m.
Belltown’s art walk showcases and specializes in Seattle-based artists, offering a great way to discover and support emerging local talent at affordable (for art) prices. It’s also a great way to check out Belltown’s trendy bar and restaurant scene – often at an art walk discount – while you’re at it.
GEORGETOWN: Second Saturday of each month, 12-10 p.m.
Like many art walks, Georgetown’s Art Attack offers free, open access to galleries that otherwise require viewing appointments. Many working artist studios are also open during the walk, a chance to check out spaces housed in the neighborhood’s historic buildings. The 20+ participating spaces feature new and established artists, many known for avant-garde installations and multimedia works.
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT: Third Friday of each month, 6-9 p.m.
Taking place mainly along University Ave., this is a walk on the younger, funkier side of the visual arts scene. Some participating galleries open are only during the walk, and this being the U-District, expect your visual arts with a side of poetry readings, live music, and other cultural happenings.
BALLARD: Second Saturday of each month, 6-9 p.m.
Supporting the local Ballard artist community since 1997, this walk is a hyper-local event for the neighborhood’s thriving visual and performing arts scene, with unprecedented access to artists eager to interact with patrons, discussing their work and creative process.
WEST SEATTLE: Second Thursday of each month, 5-8 p.m.
Spend the evening cruising from Alaska Junction north to the Admiral Junction and south to Morgan Junction exploring works that reflect the neighborhood’s diverse arts culture, with a special emphasis on crafts. It’s a long walk, so don’t forget to take advantage of food and drink deals from restaurants along the way.
