Arts Alive for Youth Scholarship

Last night I attended the annual Circle of Giving Awards ceremony at the Renton Senior Center, presented by the Renton Community Foundation in partnership with the City of Renton. The Circle of Giving was conceived in 2000 as a way to bring attention to the fine work of the Renton Community Foundation. Since then, the Circle of Giving has granted over $375,000 back to the community.
This is an inspiring event that shows the generous spirit of people in our community who work hard to make life easier for those in need – including Renton teachers, and many incredible non-profit organizations who reach out to help other people.
Allied Arts of Renton received a grant from this amazing organization, and also presented an award ourselves. Last year was the 50th anniversary of Allied Arts, and to commemorate the occasion, the group established a new scholarship program for youth in Renton between the ages of 12 to 19 called “Arts Alive for Youth”. This was designed to further the education of the youth in our community in all fields of creative endeavor.
Before the awards ceremony, fifteen year old McKenzie Fysh, who is a prodigal pianist and composer, entertained the attendees with masterful musical genius. And then, as president of Allied Arts of Renton, I presented McKenzie with our first scholarship award in the field of music.
To apply for a scholarship in arts, please visit our website at http://www.alliedartsofrenton.org.
To learn more about McKenzie Fysh, you can go to her website at http://www.hotzigity.com.

2013 Fall Family Concert – Standing Ovations!

Sunday’s Fall Family Concert at the Ikea was a rousing success! Great way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Allied Arts. Busloads full of seniors came with great appreciation to be able to see such quality entertainment at bargain prices. Here are some photos courtesy of Doug Kyes

Fall Arts Equinox – Music, Music – and More

The Renton Municipal Arts Commission and Allied Arts of Renton invite you be part of Renton’s growing arts and culture community by attending Fall Arts Equinox, a free event. Meet professional and amateur artists, learn what’s happening in the Renton arts and culture community, enjoy Renton-style Pechu Kucha presentations, and discover how you can help craft the future of Arts & Culture in Renton. The fall theme is MUSIC. Event will be emceed by Brad Brotherton and includes performances from several local artists. Wine and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

WHO: All members of the community are encouraged to attend, including creative entrepreneurs, arts supporters, and professional or amateur artists such as musicians,painters, sculptors, writers, dancers and actors.

WHEN: Thursday, September 19, 2013 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm

WHERE: Carco Theatre, 1717 SE Maple Valley Hwy, Renton, WA 98057

CONTACT: To RSVP or for more information, call 425-652-1236 or visit
ArtsCommission.rentonwa.gov or AlliedArtsofRenton.org.

Infinity Loop Art Project

“Opportunity for you to get your hands dirty for a public art project! Join artist Kristin Schimik at the Renton History Museum August 15th at 7:00 pm.” http://infinityloopproject.weebly.com/

Infinity Loop Project

Celebration of Life for Judy Johnson

Celebration of Life for Judy Johnson

For those of you who fondly remember former Renton resident, Judy Johnson, there will be a Celebration of Life gathering in her honor at the Renton History Museum on Saturday, August 10th from 3 – 5. Bring an appetizer to share if you wish. Judy was board president of the Valley Community Players, and active board member of Allied Arts for many years. She passed away early in July in North Carolina.

Renton River Days

It’s so exciting that Renton River Days is coming up this Friday July 26th- Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th! I will be helping with the Annual Art Show at the Renton Community Center on Friday, but this 53rd year event with such wonderful artwork will be open for viewing in the banquet room on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. King County’s 4Culture is one of the sponsors.

Then on Saturday, I will be helping out at the Allied Arts Chalk Art contest on the tennis courts at Liberty Park. Come out to enter the creative and fun contest or at least to see the artists of all ages at work, and vote for your favorite.

On Sunday, I will be at the Renton Art Commission booth which is always a crowd pleaser – and this year will be featuring a live-demonstration booth with local artists.

Hope to see you at some or all of these events!

Renton Annual Art Show

Renton’s Annual Art Show was started as a commitment to promote art and encourage artists to share their talents with the community. This is the 53rd year for this event and is open to the public on July 26th, 27th, and 28th in the banquet room at the Renton Community Center. King County’s 4Culture organization is one of the sponsors.
This juried art show has become one of the Northwest’s most outstanding art shows. Regional artists submit their work for consideration on Sunday, July 21st at the Community Center. Artists interested in submitting their art pieces can download the 2013 Artist Prospectus at http://www.rentonannualartshow.com. For more information you may also contact Vicki Faull, Committee Chair at 425.254.9934 or email vfaull@bannerbank.com.
The preview party, scheduled for July 25th at the Community Center, is always an enjoyable event as artists who have won prizes through the juried process are acknowledged and presented with their cash awards. One of the best parts of the evening is the awarding of prizes to the young artists of all ages who are on hand to receive their rewards. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase art pieces before the show in opened to the public the next day. Music, wine and a buffet table add to the pleasure of the evening. As an added bonus, live performers bring a special ambiance to the show as viewers stroll through the gallery of accepted pieces. There are also displays of jewelry, textiles and sculpture. All artwork is for sale. Many of the Allied Arts of Renton board members volunteer and enjoy the opportunity. If you need more information about volunteering, contact Linda Middlebrooks At 206.919.9746 Or email jmidbk@aol.com

Allied Arts of Renton’s 17th Annual Chalk Art Contest

You may have attended last year’s chalk art contest at Renton River Days and know what a great combination of artistry and fun it can be. This year, you and your children may want to sign up and try your hand at this creative project. Sponsored again by Allied Arts of Renton, it will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2013. Participation is free and all chalk art supplies are freely provided. Just show up at the tennis courts in Liberty Park in Renton. Sign up begins at noon and all drawings must be completed by 3PM.

Judging will then take place with awards being announced at 4PM. Cash prizes and gift certificates will be presented in several categories Professional, Adult (age 13 and up), and Junior (age 10 to 13). There will be 2 prizes for Barbara Nilson’s People’s choice in Adult and Jr. categories

For further information contact Vicki Navarro at 425.652.1236 or Sonja Kyes at 425.226.4315.

Email d.kyes@comcast.net

Web site: www.alliedartsofrenton.org

“Defining Spaces”: Best of Renton’s Art Collection

Join us on Thursday, June 13, 2013, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Renton History Museum for the opening of the new collaborative exhibit, Defining Spaces. With the assistance of the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, ‘Defining Spaces’ was designed to showcase the best of the City of Renton’s art collection. Curator Colleen Lenahan, a Master’s candidate in the UW Museology program, selected these pieces to explore how artists help us picture the places that are important to us. Whether park or theatre, family living room or beach, these places shape the people we become. The exhibit will also be enhanced by the STQRY app, which can be downloaded to your iPhone or Android to take you on a ‘Defining Spaces’ tour of sculpture outside the Museum. Meet the curator and members of the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, and enjoy light refreshments.
Renton History Museum
235 Mill Ave South
Renton, WA 98057
425.255.2330

Carco Theatre Presents Local Artists

The work of local artist Amanda J. DeSilver, will be on display through May 17 in the Carco Theatre Lobby.
Then, local photographer David Godwin’s work will be on display May 20 – June 28th.The public is invited to meet him there at a reception on Sunday, June 9th, from 3 – 5 pm.
David and his wife moved Seattle area about 11 years ago. David states, “ It is just a fantastic place to live and it’s filled with lots of wonderful places to visit and photograph. I began my hobby of photography about 5 years ago. Since that time I have been hooked and I really enjoy being outdoors with my camera. My main focus and real passion is nature, wildlife and landscape photography. This past summer my wife and I have gone on several hikes to see and capture images of many of the beautiful waterfalls found in the area. I am constantly seeking ways to improve my photographic skills. My goal in photography is to capture the beauty that surrounds us and it gives me great pleasure to be able to share those special moments with others.”

Carco Theatre, adjacent to the Renton Community Center, is located at 1717 Maple Valley Highway at the intersection of I-405 and Maple Valley Highway. Please contact the theatre for viewing times
at 425-430-6706 or at rentonwa.gov.
For more information about the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, visit ArtsCommission.rentonwa.gov.