Tuesday, December 28, 2010

HOW THE TWAC DID WE GET HERE?



Coming up on our 6th year anniversary, I thought it appropriate to write about how Twilight Artist Collective all came to be.

Erin, Cheryl and myself (hi, it's me, Mary!) were all independently headed to this place for years before we even met. Cheryl had studied ceramics in Arizona and had been living in Seattle, expanding the funk of her wardrobe and learning about bizness via her years of work at Carmelita and her personal business venture as a commissioned chalkboard artist for a number of years.

Erin, after growing up with art all around her, continued her lifelong pursuit and studied visual arts at the University of Washington. Erin's grandfather was an amazing painter and her mentor, Kal, taught Erin how to express herself artistically from a young age.

I had always dabbled in art myself, but it wasn't until I was in college that I actually started thinking that I need to pursue art seriously. Simply because I had an overwhelming desire to express myself and make. Falling into the sculpture program, however, was circumstantial. I fancied myself a self taught painter, but when I couldn't get into a painting class I took a class from Norm Taylor who was then head of the UW sculpture program. I realized that I needed to most certainly spend $30,000+ learning how to make molds, melt metal and turn my ideas into 3-d.

In 2003, Erin and I both applied to the UW studio art program in Rome. Previously, Erin and I did not know each other, but it wouldn't take long for us to be bonded in our new ancient home. In our program we traveled North and South throughout Italy. We saw abandoned cities, breathtaking structures, the new built atop the old. Our minds and hearts were expanded. Our job was to make art!

Upon our return in December we continued to meet for our daily cappuccinos and reminisce about the world we had left. I began a little business producing goods from my then studio in the Fenpro building in Ballard. I was essentially making purses all day and then selling them at the various markets. That summer, I took on a gig working for the Special Projects team for One Reel. Cheryl had worked for One Reel in the past and came on the crew as a veteran member of the Bumbershoot SP production team. I had noticed Cheryl but we didn't actually meet until the week of the festival when we both got in the elevator together. I made a ridiculous comment and with Cheryl's response I knew we were from similar planets. We proceeded to spend the next few weeks joined at the hip. Daily, after we clocked out, we would hit the local bars and talk and talk and talk about this place that we needed. We spoke about the harsh reality artists face after school ends and you find yourself trying to make the same caliber of art in your basement, with limited tools, all ALONE.

meanwhile...

Erin was still getting coffee with me and wondering who this new friend of mine was. I think it would be accurate to say that Erin was even a bit jealous of my new friendship.

and then...

a gentleman named Mischa who Erin and I had actually met in Rome (he was our professors husband) approached me with some very interesting news. Mischa had been selling my purses in his Pike Place Market shop for about a year and he had decided he wanted to sell his business and focus on a film project. I listened with interest and bit my tongue. Five minutes later I called Mischa back to tell him that I would like to buy his business with some other artists and that as soon as I figured out who these folks were, he'd be the first to know.

AND THEN....

12 people became 3. I approached several people about buying the business and running it as a collective together. During this process Cheryl and Erin met for the first time, we talked, we talked, we talked. The other interested parties opted out. Three weeks later, in January of 2005, Erin, Cheryl and myself, signed various documents and checks and BAM!, just like that, we were business owners.





THEN WHAT?

Well this is where TwAC began. We realized that the business we purchased was not what we needed it to be and so we threw it all out. We changed our name to Twilight Artist Collective, we asked for a new website, we painted the walls and we played new tunes. In these early days we were ELATED when we sold $60 worth of goods in a day. We didn't know what we were doing, but we were doing it because we knew it was right.

And well, that's how it's continued to play out. I think it's safe to say that we now know what were doing and I think we do a pretty good job, but really we don't feel like the choice is ours. We need more places filled with things that are made with thought and care. We need more places that help support the folks that choose to create, inspire and communicate ideas visual.

SO in answer to the question, HOW THE TWAC DID WE GET HERE?, the answer is faith, desire, trust, alcohol, community, and perhaps good luck.

Thank YOU for being a part of our lives and supporting Twilight and the greater artist community. We are grateful.

Love,

Mary + TwAC

Friday, December 17, 2010

Twilight's Toy Drive for TreeHouse ends THIS SUNDAY DECEMBER 19TH @ 5pm!!!


This Sunday is the last day of our Toy Drive for TreeHouse. Get you're toys in here by 5p.m. to get entered for a $50 Twilight gift certificate just in time for Holiday shopping!!
For more info check out our previous post here.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

December show 2010: The Twelve Days of Christmas






Thanks for coming everyone! TACKY and festive was splattered ALL over TwAC last Thursday ~ and an extra special thanks to our featured artists for a solid show. HO HO HO, YO. http://westseattleblog.com/2010/12/tis-the-season-for-creativity-west-seattle-art-walk-report-1


The show is up until January 7th.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Shop Late on Thursdays and finish up the night with a Christmas Cocktail for charity!!



Twilight, as well as a great list of other businesses in the Junction, are staying open till 9p.m. every Thursday till Christmas to help out those holiday shoppers with busy schedules and anyone else who likes to do things late at night.

So get yourself to the West Seattle Junction to get your holiday shopping done and after wards check out the list of great West Seattle bars who are spotlighting special Christmas Cocktails! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the special drinks will go to helping the West Seattle, White Center and South Park food banks!

Drinking for charity, what a brilliant idea!!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Roll out the green turf. Twilight is in print!

That's correct folks! We have rolled out the astro turf in honor of our inclusion in the 2011 CRAVE Seattle book.





















"CRAVE Seattle innovatively connects urban gals to the sassiest, gutsiest, most inspiring people they need to know in Seattle. Our modern marketplace of soirees, gatherings and online networking serves as your ambassador to everything there is to CRAVE about the Emerald City.
Please come get your copy from Twilight and learn what women entrepreneurs have created here in Seattle!" ~Crave


TWO THUMBS UP!











Linus in da haus.


Last month, I was lucky enough to be contacted by the hilarious and talented Linus Von Moos of Switzerland, via couchsurfing.org, where I have been a participating member for a few years now. Couchsurfing is awesome! It is a network for travelers enabling them connect and share resources. Specifically, a place to sleep.

Linus is a visual artist and during the week he has been staying at my house in the CD, he has completed 3 paintings and learned to play the clarinet. This go-getter volunteered to paint this mural on our storefront over the past few days! He wanted to give back and also thought it might help his international celebrity status. Click here for the WSB video interview with Sir Linus

Have fun in Hawaii, Linus. Seattle will be a little less sparkly without your completely ridiculous comments and contagious excitement!

Love,
Mary, TwAC and Casa de 939

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Kick off for Twilight's Toy Drive for Treehouse TONIGHT!


2010 Holiday Toy Drive at TwAC!

The holidays especially can be tough for foster children - many who face the season without relatives, siblings, even parents. Sometimes the BEST gift is simply to wake up and find a gift with your name on the tag. Please join us in our effort to help Treehouse provide countless local foster kids with new toys and warm clothes this holiday season!

EACH TIME you make a donation to our Treehouse bin at TwAC in West Seattle you're name will be entered to win a $50 gift certificate and goodie bag from Twilight Artist Collective! Give a little, get a little... spreading cheer is the name of the game.
Our Holiday Donation Drive will kick off on Thursday, November 11th (also Art Walk, 6-9PM) and will officially close at 5PM on Sunday, December 19th so we can get the loot back to Treehouse for Christmas. Please see the attached wish-list for donation gift ideas.

For more information about Treehouse check out: www.treehouseforkids.com
"Treehouse programs offer kids in foster care what ALL children so desperately need: a safe place to dream".

PLEASE help us make this holiday season truly count!
With love and warm wishes,
Twilight Artist Collective
www.twilightart.net

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Twilight's November show - NW Anvil 2



SHOW: NW Anvil II: A survey of Contemporary Northwest Ironwork,

WHERE: TWILIGHT ARTIST COLLECTIVE / WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION

WHEN: Opening Reception during the West Seattle Art Walk, November 11th, 6 to 9PM! Show runs thru December 5th, 2010.

WHAT: A compilation of contemporary ironwork by members of the NWBA ~ Northwest Blacksmith Association, curated by Twilight’s own, Andy Blakney and Lisa Geertsen.


The Northwest Blacksmith Association's membership spreads through Canada, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and beyond. For over thirty years, its members have been committed to the pursuit of education and preservation of the craft, passing on their knowledge to others to create this large group of talented smiths. This show is a small representation of the membership, but it includes some of the most talented smiths in the Northwest and even the country. Our goal for putting this show together is to bring awareness to the community the possibilities that lie within the art of forged metal.

FEATURING: Bill Apple, Elija Burnett, Jeff Holtby, Jorgen Harle, Larry Langdon, Dave Lisch, Andrea Lisch,Peggy Gudgell, Scott Szloch, Bart Turner, Rick Wintch, Mark Manley, Bruce Crittenden, Erica Gordon, Dean Mook, Rick Crelia, Kayla Blincow, Ben Czyhold, Hunter Dahlberg, Joe Elliot, Ken Mermelstein, John Paul, Ries Niemi, Alan Flashing, Jack Frost, Gary Eagle, Darryl Nelson, Lisa Geertsen, Andy Blakney

These people and the NWBA have been the largest inspiration to our pursuit in this art form and we wanted to share their talent with you. ~ Lisa Geertsen

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

September 2010 show: Hands on, curated by EGO


SHOW: Hands On

WHERE: TwAC Gallery / WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION

WHEN: Opening Reception during the West Seattle Art Walk Thursday, September 9th, from 6 to 9PM

MORE: beers and bitchezzz

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Come check out the sweetest finger paintings on the West Side - the works were all limited to a strict no brush, no tools, no spray paint diet. Hands On is a group show featuring Seattle's best and brightest - Augie Pagan, Ego, Jeff Taylor, John Osgood, Jose Rodgrigues III, Justin P. Farquar, Parskid, Solace, Weirdo, and many more!

Show runs until to Saturday, October 9th

October 2010 show: CANDYLAND by Kelly Lyles

SHOW: Kelly Lyles presents CANDYLAND

WHERE: Twilight Artist Collective

WHY: You need more CANDY!

WHEN: Opening Party during West Seattle Art Walk Thursday, October 14th, from 6 to 9PM. Show comes down 11/7.


About the Show:

West Seattle Artist Kelly Lyles has turned our back gallery into her own CANDYLAND. This show will include 50 small candy "portraits" in addition to a floor piece that will take you onto the board game we all remember from our childhood.

Artist Statement:

Life is fun - I'd like viewers to share that.

With assistance from a 4Culture grant, I've completed a new series, an interactive themed show called CANDYLAND. CANDYLAND, a popular board game for children originally created over 70 years ago (and continually revised, reiterating the timelessness of the theme).

Candy is universal and International, every country has a favorite packaged sweet and a love of sugary treats. In this political and economic climate, I think play and humor are much needed antidotes, so this grouping exemplifies our simple commonality. Candy is colorful and visual; nostalgically evoking childhood memories (whether rewards, even bribery, or conversely the "forbidden") in a lot of adults, encouraging playfulness and happiness. This is also a personal theme for me - I always keep candy only in my studio as a lure to begin work!

~Kelly Lyles

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Twilight artist Marty Gordon is getting some good press!!


Collage artist Marty Gordon is featured in the latest issue of Delirio, a cultural e-zine from Spain. The article is on pages 134 - 140.

Article: http://issuu.com/augusta/docs/delirio7pecados

Marty's art can be seen locally here at Twilight Artist Collective and soon at La Familia Gallery. He currently has shows hanging at Skylark Club and Cafe in West Seattle and Mars Bistrot in the U-District.

GO MARTY GO!! Woot woot!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

CAR SHOW in the Junction!


Come out and play! See some killer cars, hit up the Sunday Farmers Market across the street, and pop into TwAC ~ lots of funky & fresh new art!

XO,
TwAC
www.twilightart.net

Monday, September 6, 2010

TwAC Closed for Labor Day!

We're observing. See you tomorrow 11-7. Have a great holiday!!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

August 2010 show: JOHN Y CA$H


SHOW: John y Cash
WHEN: Opening Reception during the West Seattle Art Walk Thursday,
August 12th, from 6 to 9PM
MORE: Opening night promises to be full of cookies and cookies!

ABOUT THE SHOW:
Two of Twilight’s favorite urban contemporary artists, John Osgood and
Curtis Ashby unite for this two-man collaboration.
Osgood’s collection of colorful & odd characters are inspired by life and the
uncomfortable, forlorn and many times humorous circumstances that happen
within it. Cash’s paintings reflect the textures of the city as well as the
colors and spontaneity found in nature. For this show, John & Cash, will
bring their individual styles to create artworks which intermingle their
unique imagery.
Show runs until to Monday, Sept 6th.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Summerfest!


AND ALL WEEKEND LONG: SUMMERFEST!!!!!!!!!!!!



The streets are closed off, and there's Elephant Ears and Sweet Roasted Corn on the Cob, where you ask? WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST!

Twilight is gettin' into the action with live painting by John Osgood, Sensei 23 and CASH starting around 1p.m.

COME OUT AND SAY HELLO!!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

July 2010 show: S3A


Up in the back gallery for you're viewing pleasure are some of the finest Urban Artists in Seattle! S3A assembled this amazing group for the W3AVE collaborative painting event at the end of April and Twilight is featuring a them all, as a group show, for the month of July!

Opening tonight, Thursday July, 8th 2010 from 6-9p.m.

FEATURING: Ego, Augie Pagan, Weirdo, Solace, Sensei23, Zach Bohnenkamp, CASH, Mat Savage, PaperMarbles, Jeremy Gregory, John Osgood, Ninjagrl, Joe Vollan, Mike Capp, Mike Gardner, Justin Hillgrove and dear earthling.

WITH LIVE MUSIC BY:

Musick Ward

Dick Valentine - tenor sax
Kyle Doran - drums
James Hunter - electric bass

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Twilight Featured on UrbanWallCandy.com WOOT WOOT!!


Check out our feature on Urbanwallcandy.com and while you're there have a look around the coolest site out there featuring all things Urban Art, everywhere all the time!!
http://www.urbanwallcandy.com/galleries-exhibitions/twilight-artist-collective/

Thursday, June 10, 2010

June 2010 show: Art by e, turns 40


Tucson born, self-taught artist, Eric Osborne is turning the big four-oh!
In honor of this event Eric has produced a new body of multi-media works, 40 sketches and a sculptural cherry on top. Come join us!

Thursday June 10th 6-9p.m.
Twilight Artist Collective
4306 SW Alaska St.

Sunday, June 6, 2010


Featured Show
Check out Twilight Artist Collective artist RyAnn Morris at Coffee To A Tea!

June 10th, 2010 from 6-9pm
(During the West Seattle Art Walk)
4541 California Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
coffee2atea@quidnunc.net

LIVE MUSIC | ART | WINE | COFFEE & CUPCAKES!
30% of sales will be donated to March of Dimes

For more info contact:
rybuy@yahoo.com
rybuy.net

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

June Stables Show 2010: Summerbabes and Art


When: Saturday, June 12th 2010 from 6-9PM.


***FREE***LIVE MUSIC***BBQ***FRESH ART***


Art Walk & BBQ with the Summer Babes
Music by Consignment
BYOB/Grill-ables
BBQ: 6-7 p.m.
Bands/DJs: 7-9 p.m.
During the Georgetown, second Saturday, Art Attack! Bring your flask or grab a beer on your way through Full Throttle bottles. Mosey on back through this historic space to the lounge where you will find good company and new art from a handful of Twilight's multi-talented members.

May 2010 show: Denizens of the Forest King



SHOW: Denizens of the Forest King: An epic group show with Justin Hillgrove, Eva Funderburgh and Mike Capp

WHERE: TwAC Gallery / WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION

WHEN: Opening Reception during the West Seattle Art Walk Thursday, May 13th, from 6 to 9PM

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Come glimpse the Forest King's realm and the creatures and oddities under his stewardship. New works by Justin Hillgrove, Eva Funderburgh and Mike Capp.

Justin Hillgrove (http://www.impsandmonsters.com) grew up in Snohomish, WA and has been enjoying artistic expression since he was old enough to color on the walls. He studied Design and Illustration at Seattle Central and has since enjoyed many years of freelance illustration and design, working on everything from collectible card games to toys. He paints monsters, imps, robots and other oddities in satirical, sweet or uncomfortable situations he finds amusing, many of which are inspired by his children. Justin has showed at galleries and shows all over the country, with collectors all over the world.

Eva Funderburgh (http://evafunderburgh.com) is a Seattle artist, who makes strange and slightly whimsical ceramics monsters. While technically a native Seattleite, she has spent most of her life so far in Kansas and Pennsylvania, but is glad to now be back in the land of rain and delicious salmon. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, she's been working on art full time for the past few years, and has created a world of fat, elegant, and clumsy beasts. Her sculptures are finished in a wood fired kiln, an anachronistic process more connected with the Japanese tea ceremony that with the present art world. The end results are beasts that share influences from comic books to Greek myth to Japanese anime, but yet are truly unique.

Mike Capp (http://www.yessy.com/mikecappart)is an accomplished artist who finds inspiration for his artwork through his children's creativity and pop imagery. His paintings don't really mean anything dangerous, angsty or irksome. There's no bubbling social commentary. His paintings which incorporate his young children’s' drawings aren't meant to provoke the unarticulated terrors of childhood. They're just drawings of monsters, superheroes and robots. Even though there's plenty of angst behind his humor, more so there's a playful, impish, boy's mind, full of cartoons and KISS memorabilia. His technique is solid and clean, so he affords himself the privilege of choosing subject material that is loose and silly, while still keeping a close eye on small details of color and composition. He paints what feels good and what results are paintings that are funny and frivolous, in a good way. It's not as important to understand what his paintings mean, as it is to understand that they are just what they appear to be.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

First night of w3ave going on right NOW at the Henry!

Get here! But if you can't you can start bidding early here: http://w3ave.s3attle.com/

Saturday, April 17, 2010

TAX FREE at TwAC!



Hey all ~ Participating businesses in West Seattle are offering TAX FREE deals today... We're open 'till 6PM. Come get awesome art for cheap, cheap, cheap!

Follow the red balloons on storefronts in the Junction to find the hot spots!

XO,
TwAC

Thursday, April 8, 2010

April 2010 show: W3 Collective puts on a RAD show at TwAC and SELLS OUT!!


Cascade Living is SOLD OUT!! It's a Twilight first! We could get used to this. The W3 Collective (Cory Little, Mark Fankhauser, Brandon Ramirez) guys hung an amazing show, and there's not a one left. NICE WORK BOYZ

SHOW: Cascade Livin’ by W3 Collective

W3 Collective: We’re north of Oregone and South of Canadia.

WHEN: Opening Reception during the West Seattle Art Walk Thursday, April 8th, from 6 to 9PM

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

W3AVE COLLAB LIVE




This is a must see event:

S3A Presents W3AVE: A Two Night Collaborative Art Event

WHAT

S3A presents a two night/two neighborhood event called “W3AVE”, bringing together 18 Seattle urban artists for a live collaborative art session the first night, followed by an opening reception and auction the next night.

The live painting event on the first night will take place at the Henry Art Gallery for their “Open Floor” program on Thursday, April 29th from 7-9pm. The reception and auction for the finished collaborative pieces will take place on Friday, April 30th from 6-9pm at City Hostel Seattle in Belltown. Both events are free and open to the public.

The artist line-up includes: Ego, Stacey Rozich, Augie Pagan, Weirdo, Solace, John Osgood, Kevin “Sensei23” Sullivan, Zach Bohnenkamp, CASH, Ninjagrl, 179, Joe Vollan, Mat Savage, PaperMarbleS, Jeremy Gregory, Justin Hillgrove, Mike Capp & Mike Gardner. The artists have been divided into six teams of three. Each artist will show up to the live event with a 12”x16” canvas that they have already started to work on. During the live event, they will swap their canvas with each of their team members and contribute to their canvases while the audience watches. By the end of the live event, each team will have three completed collaborative pieces to be auctioned off the following evening.

In addition, both events will include: DJ EMC and the Acid Unicorn dropping contemporary beats, cooking up an engaging blend of dance grooves and known and loved favorites - from yesterday, today and tomorrow.

WHY

S3A has partnered with Henry Art Gallery’s “Open Floor” program to bring more awareness to an under-represented genre of art and artists in the Seattle area. The Open Floor program is a monthly laboratory of ideas coordinated by the Henry Art Gallery staff. Each month Henry Staff, local artists, musicians, performers, and filmmakers present work with the hope of generating new creative relationships.

LIVE EVENT

Thursday, April 29, 2010
7:00 – 9:00pm

Henry Art Gallery
15th Ave NE & 41st St
Seattle, WA 98195

AUCTION

Friday, April 30, 2010
6:00 – 9:00pm

City Hostel Seattle
2327 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

WHO

S3A is a group of artists and galleries committed to raising awareness of the alternative art scene in Seattle and the Northwest by chronicling and promoting events, artists and venues. S3A is also a website that focuses on local, urban art happenings, and must-see exhibits: s3attle.com

"W3AVE" was brought to life by S3A founding members Bherd Studios (bherdstudios.com), Twilight Artist Collective (twilightart.net) and Halogen (halogengallery.com).

City Hostel Seattle home of the “let there be art!” project, featuring Seattle artists exclusively to showcase the city’s talent to the world.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Marty Gordon on Stranger cover!


Congrats to Marty Gordon ~ his artwork is on the current Stranger cover!

Get his original collage art and prints right here at TwAC in West Seattle.

Colorful, sharp, hilarious, and bold.
We love it!

Friday, March 19, 2010

STOLEN ARTWORK!!


This piece by John Osgood was stolen from the Mural Apartments exhibition space. If you see this work hanging in someone's home, take note it was acquired by dubious means. Call Twilight (933-2444) if you see it out in the world and help us catch a thief!!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

March 2010 show: 10 and Change Show curated by Kate Protage


Come check out the new show in the back gallery! It's good stuff folks. Opening starts @ 6p.m. See you there!!

Friday, March 5, 2010

John Osgood @ the TwAC!! THAT'S RIGHT!


Mr. Osgood is a fresh new member of the TwAC attack!! Come git you some!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Whoo? Whoo? New goods at TwAC!!


Pop in and check our new work by Debbie Bianchi and Mucho Designs by Pamela Davis. Those plushie owls are only $16, pretty sure you need to have one... just sayin'

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

February 2010 show: Bad Words, curated by Chris Crites

Come check out the February Art Walk opening tomorrow from 6-9 pm! This month's show is curated by Chris Crites and is all about bad words! According to Chris,

"It is the human imagination that generates a context in which certain words are frowned upon in common usage. These words vary from region to region, but every language seems to have some. There is really nothing wrong with a word. It can't harm anyone literally, but again, the human mind can take words very seriously at times and can create its own damage from them. Despite all that, they can come in handy and express things good words just can't."

Featuring work by: Nat Damm, Kevin McCarthy, Kelly Lyles, Kamala Dolphin Kingsley, Troy Gua, Molly Norris, Kristen Ramirez, Sara Lanzillotta, Lisa Geertsen, Shaun Kardinal, Warren Dykeman, Mary Enslow, Michael Alm, Aubrey Nehring, Gail Howard, Erin Frost, Andrew Drawbaugh, Sharon Arnold, Sierra Stinson

*WARNING: This show contains language that could be considered offensive and is intended for mature audiences.