Every Third Thursday from Seattle Restored Pop-Up shop to Hellbent on Lake City Way NE. Roughly 5-8PM.

Lake City Pop-Up Shops & Artist Residency:
12325 Lake City Way NE

Includes The Pour Haus Art Studio, Rocks & Clay Ceramics Studio, and Lake City Artist Residency with Robin Arnitz (paintings), Nikki Jabbora-Barber (printmaking), and HeZza FeZza (performance).

The post Lake City Art Walk appeared first on Seattle Restored.

January 18 @ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Create your own custom-printed mini tote bag and cards in this hands-on printmaking class at The Pour Haus Art Studio. In this beginner-friendly workshop, students will learn the basics of block printing by designing and carving stamps using Speedy-Carve, then mixing inks and hand-printing their designs onto cotton mini tote bags and paper cards. One-on-one guidance is provided throughout the class, making it perfect for all skill levels. A fun way to explore printmaking and create giftable artwork.

Date: Sunday, January 18 | 1:00-3:30pm
Location: The Pour Haus, 12315 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA
Price: $138.19

Price includes 10.55% sales tax

The post Printmaking Class: Custom Mini Tote Bags & Cards with Nikki Jabbora-Barber appeared first on Seattle Restored.

Q: Tell us about your artistic focus. where do you draw inspiration from?

My work focuses on the emotional and physical spaces women inhabit—both the ones we build around us and the inner worlds we retreat to. I paint in acrylic, weaving together realism, expressionism, and abstraction to tackle issues of womanhood and parenting.

I’m inspired by the complexities of everyday life—the quiet moments, the contradictions, and the beauty that can coexist with exhaustion or uncertainty. Much of my work draws from self-portraiture as a way to question ideas around gender, domestic life, and beauty, but I often abstract or fragment the figure so that it feels both personal and open to interpretation.

Visually, I’m drawn to layered surfaces, patterns, and small surrounding details that hint at the subject’s identity. Conceptually, I’m influenced by the feminist artists of the 1970s and by contemporary artists like Wangechi Mutu and Mickalene Thomas, who use collage and texture to reimagine representation. I also look to the emotional immediacy and tactile quality of paintings by artists like Philip Guston and the Expressionists—artists who weren’t afraid to let feeling guide form.

Q: Why did you apply for Seattle Restored? how will this opportunity help you reach your goals?

I applied to Seattle Restored because I’m interested in connection—both with other artists and with the public. So much of my work is made in solitude, so the idea of creating and sharing art in a more visible, communal space really excites me. Having a space outside my home studio allows me to experiment with how my paintings interact with people in a retail setting that’s more casual than a gallery.

I also see this as an opportunity to bridge the gap between studio practice and public engagement. I’m planning on hosting events at the space this winter. (Keep an eye out for these on the Seattle Restored Events section!) Long-term, I hope these experiences help me grow not only as a painter but also as a community-based artist who contributes to the creative life of Seattle.

Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR CONNECTION TO THE SEATTLE ART SCENE. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES, AND WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST ABOUT CREATING ART IN SEATTLE?

I’ve been really fortunate to build deep connections within Seattle’s art community. Over the years, I’ve found a network of artists, art lovers, educators, and nonprofit leaders who genuinely support one another. My time as a member at Shift Gallery helped me grow both artistically and professionally. Teaching at places like North Seattle College, Cascadia College, and previously at Pratt Fine Arts has connected me with incredible students whose curiosity and energy always renew my own. There’s so much thoughtful, innovative art being made here.

That said, being an artist in Seattle isn’t without its challenges. My work can be difficult to sell—it’s personal, layered, and not always pretty and easily commercial—and the city’s high cost of living makes it tough to balance everything. Like many artists, I’m constantly juggling parenting, work, and studio time. It’s a hustle, but it’s one I believe in, because the creative community here makes it worth it. Seattle has a way of reminding me that art still matters—and that there are people here who believe in supporting it.

Q: Do you have any events or collaborations coming up?

My show at Shift Gallery is happening November 6-29, 2025. The Lake City Artist Residency will also be participating in Lake City Art Walk events.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?

Support local artists! Shop locally when you can—the art you find here is more meaningful, unique, and more connected to your community than anything you’ll get from a big box store. It may even be more affordable! Even if you’re not buying, go see the work that’s being made. Taking a moment to really look at visual art is such a healthy counterbalance to our fast-paced, screen-filled lives.

Also, talk to artists. I can’t speak for all artists, but I love hearing people’s reactions to our work, even when it’s critical. Those conversations and connections are what keep the creative energy in Seattle alive—they remind us that art is a shared experience.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?

The end of 2024 and all of 2025 has been a whirlwind for me with wonderful opportunities and challenging personal transitions. I’m looking forward to ending this year and starting 2026 with less busyness; I want to focus on delving deeper into making and improving my work.

ROBIN ARNITZ at Lake City Artist Residency

Address:
12325 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125

Open hours: Window Displays (Viewable Anytime); Residency open Tuesday-Friday (visit the residency profile for specific hours)

Dates: October 3, 2025 – February 9, 2026

The post Participant Spotlight on Robin Arnitz appeared first on Seattle Restored.

Q: Tell us about your artistic focus. where do you draw inspiration from?

Hello, I’m Ebony Watts. Most people just call me Joy. If we’re talking focus, to be honest, that’s a trick question. I’m a mom, so focus comes and goes, but my children inspire me in my life—my past, present, and future. Above all else, there’s Mother Nature. I’m a braider, sculptor, and crochet specialist.

Q: Why did you apply for Seattle Restored? how will this opportunity help you reach your goals?

Well, my partner helped a lot. We were strolling Downtown Seattle—he’d never been—and his charm bespoke a fellow who took akin to our company. One thing led to another and he mentions Seattle Restored and its advocacy for underrepresented artists such as myself. Being a POC, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t a lot of things you can do to get the exposure for your art. When he told us, we knew it would be a great opportunity. 

Since joining, I’ve met so many amazing people and patrons; individuals who, like me, need the shine and platform this program offers in droves.

In the future, I aspire to own a hybrid studio/shop/supply store. Think a funky place you can get all your artistically beautiful needs brought to you by GenJah brands.

Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR CONNECTION TO THE SEATTLE ART SCENE. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST ABOUT CREATING ART IN SEATTLE?

My connections are…well…connective. What I mean is, I’m rather new, but familiar. There are so many places you can meet fellow artists—from coffee shops to the mall, or my favorite: the park. I’ve met so many talented artists like myself who need more peers. 

One thing I gotta be honest about in terms of value in this Emerald City is the scenery. Seattle’s green as all outdoors. Being “outside” helps me be more free.

Art is where I’m my truest self. Seattle has been a breeding ground for my work. Unlike my hometown, it has earth tones that fit my life (at least right now).

Q: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR ART?

GenJah isn’t just a shameless plug. I am the plug. My skills are honed through my life. It’s authentic, it’s Baltimore, it’s me. Unfiltered and free. 

I came a long way from home like a Black Dorothy to make this dream come true, and I can’t click my heels out of this.

So come join us at GenJah, engage in my craft and family vibes. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and gain a different perspective on art.

Q: Do you have any events or collaborations coming up?

As of now, my website is currently under reconstruction. There’s continued fellowship with Seattle Restored as one of the few Black women in this space and these types of spaces.

It would mean so much to evoke solidarity in my budding business. So stay tuned for more GenJah goods!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?

My biggest piece of advice would be something that’s always been true to my heart: be kind.

I pull this from the adage of “A person never forgets how someone treats them”.

This just means you build a bridge to cross it. Not burn it down. Be nice and everything will be alright.

Q: What’s your favorite Seattle Restored activation, and why?

Full disclosure: My own. Why? Because I feel it is safe to say a lot of effort and “focus” went into picking the art I create. I weave hair, braid, clay work, crochet, and do so many other things. All of which get a canvas in my residency and window art display in Lake City.

Assembling that, whilst raising two kids, moving, and maintaining my integrity is no small feat.

Lastly, what patrons and Seattle residents get is one of the most accomplished self-taught Black female artists around. Showcasing her hand-crafted art. That to me speaks volumes. And looks good, too!

Q: Where would you take visitors or a group of friends for a fun, relaxed experience in Seattle?

Fun and relaxed? Probably the park—there are so many to choose from. Probably the waterfront, too. Who doesn’t like to bird watch?

Q: What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?

What I’m looking forward to most in this coming year is helping to restore Seattle. This opportunity has greatly affected my worldview. With this opportunity stoking my fire of creativity, I plan to pivot this into the beginning of something greater than it is now.

GenJah at Lake City Artist Residency

Address:
12325 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125

Open hours: Window Displays (Viewable Anytime); Residency open Monday-Saturday (visit the residency profile for specific hours)

Dates: April 26 – September 15, 2025

The post GenJah: Participant Spotlight on Ebony Watts appeared first on Seattle Restored.

Q: Tell us about your artistic focus. where do you draw inspiration from?

As a mixed media artist with roots in India, my work is a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, reflecting my cultural heritage and personal experiences. My work has vibrant colors, rich layers of texture, and deep jewel tone patterns that are a reflection of being born into a culture that is radiant with festive and celebratory color. I love the process of art making. As an art teacher, being around kids, having fun, playing and not taking myself too seriously when I’m working in the studio is important. Exploring with different mediums, like acrylics, inks and collage to visually express my ideas on canvas also inform my art practice.

Q: Why did you apply for Seattle Restored? how will this opportunity help you reach your goals?

My goal has always been to have a sustainable art practice. I applied to Seattle Restored’s artist residency program mainly because I was looking for a studio space to explore working on bigger canvases and scaling my work. The residency program offered a studio space for 5 months rent-free in a Seattle neighborhood, which as an emerging artist is super helpful financially and even to start building a community with other artists in the residency program. When I applied, I thought I’d just get a studio to work out of, I never would’ve thought that it would also come with a retail/gallery space and that I’d have space to even exhibit my work through the 5-ish months! It ended up being a dream opportunity with learning how to run our own gallery while building our art practice, and also getting instant feedback on our work from the people who walked into the gallery space.

Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR CONNECTION TO THE SEATTLE ART SCENE. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST ABOUT CREATING ART IN SEATTLE?

I absolutely love being part of the Seattle art scene! I’ve exhibited and vended during the art walks in galleries in the Belltown and Pioneer Square neighborhoods. I’ve also been part of Seattle’s suburban art scene, by being a member of Woodinville Arts Alliance and showing my work at a few wineries in Woodinville, and have also participated in Bothell city’s art walks. 

What I value most about creating art is that I get to birth something beautiful that wasn’t there before and get to share it with the world. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is to create visibility for my work and getting consistent income from it to be a full-time practicing artist.

Q: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR ART?

The 1st Ave Artist Residency is a collection of five different artists, all creating beautiful work. We also offer workshops in our gallery space. The 1st Ave location is open Tuesday – Sunday, 11am-6pm. We are open late till 8pm on Fourth Fridays for the Seattle Downtown Art Walk and usually have our studios open for the public to see, peek into our processes, and ask us questions. Please follow us on Instagram @eleventwentyone.store to stay updated with all our events and stop by our space to see and support our work.

Q: Do you have any events or collaborations coming up?

I do have a mixed media Chai and Paint workshop coming up at the residency, located at 1121 1st Ave. If interested, please use the sign-up link for Cut Paper Floral Collage held on Sunday, May 18th from 2-5pm.

Stay tuned for more events in the space!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?

Get out and explore the city more! Arts and cultural scenes in a city can only thrive if people actively support it, and it’s also what makes every city unique.

Q: Where would you take visitors or a group of friends for a fun, relaxed experience in Seattle?

My favorite place to take out-of-town visitors is to the Chihuly Glass Museum & Gardens. It’s always a crowd favorite! Then a stroll to see the Ballard Locks and see the ships and boats go up and down the waterways. Finally, end the day with some finger-licking Mexican food at Agua Verde!

Q: What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?

Mostly looking forward to growing my art practice with this residency and hoping to inch forward on my goal of being a self-sustaining artist. I’m an introvert and can lead a hermit life, but using this opportunity to get out more and connect with other artists and peers. Also looking forward to exhibiting my work in any exhibitions I get to participate in.

vISIT TARRANG ART

Address:
1st Ave Artist Residency
1121 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98101

Open hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am – 6pm

Dates: January 24 – June 9, 2025

The post Tarrang Art: Participant Spotlight on Charmi Shah appeared first on Seattle Restored.