North Bend’s Centennial theme, “The Arts in North Bend Are Alive and Growing” is coming true.
Created for the North Bend Block Party, a live demonstration area and gallery, dubbed “Arts Right Down Our Alley,” will be presented in front of Centennial Mural and in the alley between North Bend Way and Second Street, behind Bank of America.
The Snoqualmie Valley ARTS organization put out a call for artists to contribute to the Block Party this summer. ARTS member Sallie Burhans said artists from across the Valley explored North Bend, capturing local scenes for the party, now in its second year.
Last year, a handful of members of the ARTS organization set up easels at the Block Party and sketched participants from their vantage point at the Centennial Mural.
This year’s alley event brings in many more artists, crafters and entertainers.
“People want to be a part of it,” Burhans said. “It’s a great way to showcase local art.”
“Arts Right Down Our Alley” features lively demonstrations of weaving and pottery making, visual arts and expertly made hand-crafted items. New this year will be the display of a 20-foot hand-carved totem and on-site wood carving at the head of the alley.
Members from the Snoqualmie Tribe will offer unique jewelry; Valley artists will show and sell original art; hand-made quilts and cultural story cloths by made by members of the Hmong community will lend an international flair to the celebration.
At the end of the alley, near Bank of America local musicians will entertain on their own stage. Valley Bluegrass players, Susanna Fuller from Cascade Jazz and The Valley Dolls will round out the day.
North Bend’s Centennial Mural, which is mounted on the Glazier building on North Bend Way, features artists including North Bend cross-stitcher Richard Buchmiller and potter Jeff Griswold. Buchmiller and Griswold will give live demonstrations of their crafts in front of the mural.
Art displays in the alley were created by Mount Si alumnus Jake Huber for last year’s Festival at Mount Si.
According to ARTS group, artist participation in the upcoming Arts in Festival Hall expo at North Bend’s Festival at Mount Si has more than doubled.
