Renton, WA. Evergreen City Ballet will offer the public different versions of dance classes for fall. Artistic Director Bennyroyce Royon says “to address the varying needs of the community, [Evergreen City Ballet] has created new programs and expanded them.” Students have the option of taking classes in-person, virtually, or through a hybrid model, in which class groups alternate between in-person and virtual classes every week. Currently, in-person classes are limited to five students per class group, but this may change following local and state requirements. Virtual classes will be conducted entirely through Zoom. Evergreen City Ballet is also instating various protocols in its studio to ensure the health of its students and staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These protocols include providing physical distancing markers, wearing face masks, administering daily temperature checks, and frequent hand washing. Information about class tuition at Evergreen City Ballet is available here. Watch the video below to see an overview of Evergreen City Ballet’s offerings:
Evergreen City Ballet is a nonprofit pre-professional ballet school located in Renton, WA. Royon, a Julliard alumni and former dancer on Broadway, says that since 1994, Evergreen City Ballet has been a “small but mighty” school that provides dance education for people all around the Pacific Northwest. The ballet school offers programs for dancers of all ages and abilities, from 20-month-year-old children to adults. In addition to its classes with live accompaniment, Evergreen City Ballet also showcases an annual production of TheNutcracker that tours to several cities in the greater Seattle area. Evergreen City Ballet’s The Nutcracker aims to provide the community with an “affordable and accessible” production to enjoy.
A pre-pandemic performance of The Nutcracker at Evergreen City Ballet.
Royon shares that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Evergreen City Ballet “had to close and shut down” its classes earlier this year, as well as cancel rehearsals and productions. Following ECB’s closure, staff had to quickly “learn new ways of teaching through Zoom.” Royon shares that this transition was a “challenge,” as Evergreen City Ballet’s “education of students is hands-on.”
Students train at the ballet barre in a class prior to COVID-19. Photo by Michelle Smith-Lewis Photography
Fortunately, Royon shares that the dance community is equipped to “problem solve, create systems, and move forward,” which was an asset for Evergreen City Ballet’s online transition. And despite the loss of revenue stream from ECB’s productions, the ballet school was grateful to receive support from past and current families that take classes, as well as receive grants. Royon says Evergreen City Ballet is “really lucky and thankful for funders.”
Young students dance in a pre-pandemic dance class.
Royon reports that ECB’s program modifications are managing to “bring people together in strange and unexpected ways,” and even spark innovation. Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, ECB will closely follow local and state news and mirror its offerings with what is happening in local school districts. Royon hopes to maintain the school’s “open-door policy,” as Evergreen City Ballet is a “second home to a lot of families and students.” Moving forward, Royon wishes for people to “reflect and connect deeper within themselves and with people in their environment” and utilize the arts as a way to heal.
From Evergreen City Ballet:
Evergreen City Ballet accepts any kind of support or encouragement people can offer. Anyone is welcome to make financial donations, and Royon shares that no donation amount is too big or small. People are also encouraged to keep an eye out for future virtual productions on ECB’s website.
ECB’s mission is to provide high-quality dance education and performance opportunities to students of all ages and to enrich the diverse communities in the Puget Sound region through performances, outreach, and community engagement initiatives. Our long-term vision is to be a nationally recognized, premier, pre-professional ballet school with a studio company that cultivates excellence, diversity, inclusiveness, and innovation.
Seattle, WA. Gage Academy of Art is offering a variety of online art classes for the public in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Gage 360 online classes, people can connect with instructors and peers to learn art skills, receive feedback, and conduct discussions about art from the comfort of their homes. Gage is also offering online summer programs for kids and teens through differing subscription plans. Check out this video introducing Gage 360 to the public:
Gage Academy of Art Registrar Morgan Patten shares that Gage’s goal as an organization is to “provide an array of classes and offerings to not just adults, but youth and teens.” When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Seattle, Patten shares that Gage aimed to still have its regular classes and “maintain connections” through an online model.
Director of Global Marketing, Communications Technology, and Community Engagement Joanne Levy shares that Gage “went from never offering online classes to creating two-quarters of online and free learning” for the public. Patten says that so far “free offerings have been great” and Gage has been able to “maintain the same quality of instruction” as well as “achieve global reach.”
Patten says, “engaging in hobbies and activities that let [people] be creative at a difficult time is important.” She also shares that “the arts is something that needs to be protected and invested in, especially at times like this” to “help those who are struggling.” Through online art offerings, Levy says that Gage wants “people to keep art alive” so that the organization “can be there for another 30 years.”
Among the Gage 360 offerings, Gage Academy of Art is conducting Art Bites, which are $25, hour-long art classes taught by various instructors. People may also partake in the Art to Go series, which is free to the community and offered twice each week. The Art to Go series features free art tutorials, demos, and lectures from Gage instructors through Zoom.
A promotional photo for Gage’s Art Bites online program
A promotional photo for Gage’s Art to Go with instructor Kathleen Moore
There is also an option of Art to Go for teens, which is an online version of Gage’s Teen Art Studio (TAS) program. Teen Art Studio is a free program that increases art access for individuals ages 13-18 who may face barriers to creative outlets. This includes teens who experience homelessness, LGBTQIA youth, or those who speak English as a second language. The program is all about providing teens with a safe space for self-expression. Through TAS, teens receive free online art classes every Friday night from professional instructors in a variety of subjects and mediums, such as drawing, sculpting, painting, visual storytelling, cartooning, and more.
A promotional photo for Teen Art Studio online, featuring art by TAS instructor Scott McCall
Gage has also shifted its youth summer program to an online subscription model. There are monthly and summer-long subscription plans for children ages 6-11, in which participants receive art and movement lessons from professional teaching artists for two hours each day. There are also online summer classes for teens, in which individuals ages 13-18 dive into their art passions in two-week-long drawing, painting, and digital animation intensives. Or teens may explore a variety of new art skills in one-week classes on printmaking, sculpture, and illustration. More information on scheduling and pricing for the different weeks of teen programming is available on Gage’s website. Check out the video below promoting Gage’s summer classes for teens:
An example of printmaking and ceramic art creation taught in Gage’s teen summer program by Nicholas Nyland and Klara Glosova. This work, created by Nyland, combines painting techniques with printmaking and sculpture.
There are also countless online art classes and weekend and week-long workshops for adults to explore. These include Gage’s Plein Air classes, in which participants meet with Gage instructors at a social distance at one of Seattle’s parks or outdoor spaces to learn and create art.
Art by Crystal Soojeoung Shin from a past workshop at Gage Academy of Art on creating “Handmade Cards with Botanicals,” taught by Shin.
For 30 years, Gage Academy of Art has provided contemporary art instruction and personal mentorship for artists of all skill levels. The organization is especially known for its Gage Academy of Art Atelier programs, in which artists pursuing mastery in painting, drawing, or sculpture may receive guidance from accomplished teaching artists.
From Gage Academy of Art:
To support Gage Academy of Art, people are encouraged to take a class this summer, as well as check out upcoming workshops and lectures. People are also welcome to donate.
An innovative and accessible contemporary art school, Gage Academy of Art is unapologetically independent and fiercely committed to excellence in the fields of painting, drawing, sculpting, and printmaking. Celebrating 30 years of service to the community, we believe in personal mentorship and skills-based studio instruction, delivered by brilliant teaching artists with charcoal dust under their nails. Whether you are a curious newcomer or a professional artist, a working creative or a retired passion-seeker, Gage is open to anyone with the desire to learn.
Seattle, WA. Museum director Sylvia Wolf says the Henry Art Gallery still has a lot to offer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum on the University of Washington campus has shifted many of its offerings to a virtual format through #HenryAtHome. Sylvia Wolf, says #HenryAtHome is a “suite of digital offerings to stay connected to contemporary art and ideas.”
Sadie Barnettes 2019 “Room To Live” is a mixed media installation with holographic vinyl sofa, metal flake TV, archival inkjet prints, and metal flake security cameras. Photo credit, Mark Woods.
Through Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, the Henry is giving the public “insights into artwork, interviews with artists, stories about objects in [the Henry’s] collection, and ways to make art at home.” The Henry’s website features a variety of online presentations, including works from its collection and in-depth information on its exhibitions. The Henry Art Gallery has moved ArtVentures, a free art-making workshop for intergenerational groups, online. The Henry’s In Plain Sight film series, created in collaboration with Northwest Film Forum, has found a new home online as well. Watch the video below to hear more about artist Oscar Tuazon’s contributions to the Henry’s In Plain Sight exhibition.
The Henry Art Gallery closed its doors on March 10th when COVID-19 cases began increasing in Seattle. Since the organization’s closure, the Henry’s staff has been working remotely, except for essential personnel working onsite to ensure the safety of the Henry’s building and the art within it. Wolf says that moving to remote work was “a fast pivot,” but “one that staff responded to with grace, flexibility, and inventiveness.”
Wolf, whose title includes a nod to donor John S. Behnke, says that the online programming featured in #HenryAtHome has “generated an extraordinary amount of interest from people around the world.” Specifically, the Henry’s Re/frame program has transitioned to an online format and drawn in global attention. Re/frame is a recurring program in which items from the Henry’s collection are brought under one theme and presented to the public to view. According to Wolf, the widespread interaction that Re/frame sparked has “encouraged broader conversations and deepened engagement with the works and how they relate to today’s times.” In response to this feedback, Wolf says that the Henry’s staff hopes “to offer this and other programs onsite and digitally as [they] go forward.”
Beatriz Cortez’ work for the exhibition, In Plain Sight. Photo by Mark Woods.
In response to the Black Lives Matter movement transpiring throughout America, Wolf says that the Henry Art Gallery “stand[s] in solidarity with Black and brown artists, colleagues, and community members.” Moving forward, Wolf says the Henry will “deepen [its] commitment to confronting overt and systemic racism.” The Henry will also “actively support the shifting of power from those who have benefited from structures of racism to those that have been oppressed by the cultural climate and practices within the art world, and by institutional racism in general.”
william cordova’s work for the exhibition In Plain Sight. Photo by Johnathan Vanderweit.
Within the Henry Art Gallery, Wolf says that staff is “taking time to listen and reflect on what [they] can do to become a more anti-racist organization.” This means looking closely at how systemic racism plays out within their organization, taking steps to create structural and systemic change, and diversifying staff, management, and board governance to represent the greater-Seattle region. The Henry Art Gallery will also continue “diversify[ing] programming to amplify the voices and views of many, and to celebrate art in a broad variety of forms.” To learn more about the Henry Art Gallery’s commitment to racial equity, people may read its full Pledge to Racial Justice here.
Hayv Kahraman’s work for the exhibition, In Plain Sight. Photo by Mark Woods.
Wolf recognizes that “art has the power to incite, challenge, heal, and to imagine new possibilities.” Thus, Wolf shares that the Henry is “encouraged by the response to [its] programming” and that the organization “look[s] forward to continuing a multitude of offerings.”
From the Henry Art Gallery:
To support the Henry Art Gallery, people are welcome to follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, subscribe to its YouTube channel and sign up for its e-newsletter to hear updates on the Henry’s latest content and programming. People may also support Henry’s efforts to build future programs and partnerships by becoming a member, which helps the Henry make free art content for the public.
The Henry is internationally recognized for bold and challenging exhibitions, for pushing the boundaries of contemporary art and culture, and for being the first to premiere new works by established and emerging artists. Through individual experiences with art, we inspire visitors to upend their expectations and discover surprising connections.
Kirkland, WA. Kirkland Performance Center has launched KPC At Home: Livestreams, a series of ongoing performances from local artists streamed free for the public. KPC will stream weekly performances from 30+ local artists through the rest of the year and going into 2021. All of these streams are free to the public and can be viewed on KPC’s Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. More information on KPC At Home: Livestreams is available on KPC’s website.
Kirkland Performance Center’s marquee prior to COVID-19
Kirkland Performance Center has operated since 1998 and each year over 85,000 people attend shows and events at its theater. Being a 400-seat theater, KPC typically books about 250 shows of wide variety each year, including comedy shows, musical performances, graduations, and diverse cultural expressions from all around the world. Executive Director Jeff Lockhart says that KPC’s mission is to be a “gathering space for people to come together as a community connected by culture.” KPC aims to be more than just a site for entertainers, but a place for connectors who seek to bring people together through creative expression.
Eastside Community Musical’s production of Mamma Mia! at KPC before the COVID-19 pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., Kirkland was one of the first cities in America to suffer a significant outbreak. Thus, Lockhart shares that Kirkland Performance Center shut down in early March and “completely put the brakes on everything” as “safety is paramount” to the organization. Nearly half of KPC’s Curated Presenter season was canceled and the organization put a pause on its plans before deciding how to move forward. Ultimately, Lockhart and the rest of the KPC team realized that “just because the stage is postponed, doesn’t mean [KPC’s] mission is postponed.”
KPC rebranded as “KPC At Home” and launched several ongoing programs to connect with the Kirkland community virtually. These include “Throwback Thursdays,” in which KPC shares videos of past performances and “Staff Picks,” in which KPC staff members create music playlists for the public to listen to on the organization’s Spotify channel.
However, KPC’s livestreams have gained the most traction in the last few weeks. KPC has collaborated with various artists, including Stephanie Ann Johnson, Erin Rae & The Heartbeets, and Geoffrey Castle, to stream performances from artists’ homes and the KPC theater. Many of these streams receive upwards of 1,000 views. Future livestreams will include artists such as Drew Martin, DownNorth, Lucien LaMotte, and many more. In August, KPC will partner with artist Alec Shaw and chefs and wine tasters from The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland. Chefs and wine tasters from The Heathman will pair food and wine with each of Shaw’s songs. The public can order paired food and wine and enjoy a culinary experience paired with music in their homes.
Geoffrey Castle performing at Kirkland Performance Center
Lockhart hopes that Kirkland Performance Center’s new offerings allow the organization to dive into “a whole new line of expression.” In addition to livestreams, KPC is looking into launching a lecture and book series program and music lessons for children in the fall. KPC recognizes that streaming is a great platform for up and coming artists and the organization wishes to utilize it to share more art with the community and connect people through culture. Moving forward, Lockhart and the rest of the KPC team wish to “be there for the community” and use art as a way to “hope, inspire, and help people be better people” throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Kirkland Performance Center:
People may view KPC’s livestream performances on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch, as well as access them through KPC’s website. People may also donate to KPC through their website, by contributing one-time or recurring gifts. Lockhart shares that even a recurring gift of $5.00 a month “goes a long way” and is “profoundly appreciated” as the organization is “living on donations” at the moment.
KPC provides a gathering place where people come together to express themselves creatively, exchange ideas, share culture, and connect with one another.
Seattle, WA. Seattle Arts and Lectures is launching its new season of literary events and providing online access to the public. Throughout next season, Seattle Arts and Lectures have 20 events booked, and all will go on whether they take place in-person or online. There are several subscription options available to the public to view these events. People may choose the “Create Your Own Series” option and choose four literary events to view. Or people may select the “Super SAL” option which provides access to 15 events of their choosing. Either subscription option will provide digital access to all events selected. More information about pricing and event options are available on SAL’s website.
Check out this video revealing SAL’s 2020-21 season of literary events:
Seattle Arts and Lectures is a literary arts organization that has presented the public with talks from various writers, poets, and scholars in large lecture and classroom settings for over 30 years. Associate Director Rebecca Hoogs says that when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Seattle, SAL “quickly shifted events and teachings online.” Authors who were booked to speak in the spring recorded their talks and readings from their homes and SAL packaged and produced them for people to view online. Despite the change in formatting, Hoogs says that many viewers “appreciated the intimacy of the events” as it “felt like they were sitting and talking with the authors.” Hoogs shares that the “direct connection” viewers felt with authors was a “silver lining” for audiences despite the change in event formatting.
Moving forward, even if events happen in person next year, Seattle Arts and Lectures will still offer livestreams for people who feel more comfortable viewing talks online. Hoogs suggests that it will likely take time for people to feel comfortable sitting in large lectures again, so providing livestreams will allow SAL the opportunity to expand its audience and provide widespread access to its talks.
Photo from a pre-pandemic literary event from Seattle Arts and Lectures at Benaroya Hall
In addition to its upcoming literary events, Seattle Arts and Lectures has announced its 2020-21 Seattle Youth Poet Laureate: Bitaniya Giday, a first-generation Ethiopian American poet who explores the “nuances of womanhood and blackness” through her work. The Seattle Youth Poet Laureate Program annually selects a young writer dedicated to poetry, social justice, and community engagement. Laureates gain various opportunities to share their voices, work among a cohort of poets in workshops, and even publish their work with Poetry Northwest Editions.
SAL’S 2020-21 Youth Poet Laureate Bitaniya Giday
Watch Giday read her work “Hyphenated Identity Crisis” here:
Seattle Arts and Lectures also connects with young people through its Writers in the Schools program. Through WITS, SAL connects professional writers and public-school students around the Puget Sound region. According to SAL’s website, WITS teaches students how to develop “authentic writing and performance voices” and “become authors of their lives.” Currently, SAL is working with teachers in the WITS program to plan how they will adapt their programming for the fall. Hoogs projects that the program will be conducted “either entirely or partially digitally.” Hoogs shares that due to the uncertainties underlying the global pandemic, it is especially “important to provide teachers and students with art right now” as a source of expression and storytelling.
WITS writer and YPL mentor Arianne True at a free online reading with SAL from July 10
Through its online lectures and various youth programs, Hoogs shares that Seattle Arts and Lectures will continue to “inspire people to read and think and be connected to writing and writers.”
From Seattle Arts and Lectures:
To support Seattle Arts and Lectures people can subscribe to different event packages, as well as purchase tickets to individual events. SAL emphasizes that there will be a digital component available for everyone, as well as flexibility for those who need to change their tickets or need refunds. Donations are always accepted, especially for SAL’s Writers in the Schools program.
Seattle Arts & Lectures champions the literary arts by engaging and inspiring readers and writers of all generations in the greater Puget Sound region.
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