Artists in the news

Arlington stone sculptor, Verena Schwippert’s large work, “Water, Precious Water,” is one of 39 pieces in the city of Bellevue’s ninth biennial sculpture exhibit, “Sculpted Green.” The outdoor exhibit is located in and around Bellevue’s City Hall and downtown park. This year’s works were selected for being surprising, thought-provoking, humorous and beautiful.

Schwippert in

“Sculpted Green”

Arlington stone sculptor, Verena Schwippert’s large work, “Water, Precious Water,” is one of 39 pieces in the city of Bellevue’s ninth biennial sculpture exhibit, “Sculpted Green.” The outdoor exhibit is located in and around Bellevue’s City Hall and downtown park. This year’s works were selected for being surprising, thought-provoking, humorous and beautiful.

“The widely varied inspirations, techniques and materials behind this collection provide broad and deep commentary on all manner of environmental issues,” said Betina Finley, chair of the Bellevue Arts Commission and of the exhibit planning committee.

Bellevue Mayor Grant Degginger believes the exhibit is important considering the growing awareness of environmental concerns across the nation.

“Incorporating the ‘green’ theme into this year’s exhibit brings an added importance to our biennial show,” Degginger said.

“Sculpted Green is not simply an exhibit of amazing art. It is an event that can inspire and broaden people’s thinking around how they live and treat their surroundings,” he added.

Schwippert explained her thoughts in creating the piece.

“The high polish covering the entire upper area surrounds the small indentation that holds only a bit of water. This sculpture speaks of the preciousness and life-giving qualities of water.”

The exhibit features 33 artists and continues through Oct. 5. For more information on “Sculpted Green” go to the Web site at www.bellevuewa.gov/sculpture_exhibition2008.

McLean at Matzke

Fine Art Gallery

Kirk McLean’s sculpture, “Crystal” is located next to a metal sculpture by Lance Carleton in the outdoor sculpture yard of a new gallery on Camano Island, the Matzke Fine Art Gallery. McLean created the piece as part of a proposal for Sound Transit in 2001. The piece is a combination of a multicolored conglomerate with jasper and other things on top of a recycled granite curbstone, McLean said. Matzke’s gallery opened for the Mother’s Day Art Tour on the southwest side of the island, at 2345 Blanche Way. For information call Matzke at 360-387-2759 or e-mail to her at matzke@camano.net.

Vistaunet, Feeney in

“Art of Pastel”

Marysville artists John Vistaunet and Helen Feeney join Janet Hamilton, Karla Matzke and Joe MacKechnie in “The Art of Pastel” at the Solovei Art Gallery at 2804 Grand Ave. in Everett through June 28. Images by Vistaunet and Matzke feature nudes that glisten like warm skin and landscapes by Feeney and Hamilton glow with evening sunlight. For information about this show or about the gallery, call 360-258-8100 or visit the Web site at www.soloveiartgallery.com.