BY KATY SHANER
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
April 29, 2015
Welcome to the weekend on Whidbey. “What’s Happening” is a collaborative information guide project between the The Visitor Information Kiosk and Whidbey Life Magazine.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
WHALE WATCHING Gray whale migration is anticipated to be the largest in local History. Whale-watching excursions aboard the 100′ M/V Mystic Sea will depart from Langley three days per week, increasing to five weekly tours in April through May 10! Approximately 250 Gray whales will find their way into our inland Salish Sea. Departure time: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday, April 1 – May 10 at 11 a.m. Additional cruise on Saturday & Sunday at 3 p.m. Reservations www.mysticseacharters.com or call 1-800-308-9387 or 360-588-8000. Monte and Cindy Hughes, Mystic Sea Charters, mysticncia@seanet.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 1
WHIDBEY ART TRAIL opens its new season on Friday, May 1. Now in its fifth season, Whidbey Art Trail offers free, self-guided tours through the thriving visual arts community of Whidbey Island. This year, 24 artists and galleries are featured along the Trail. Visitors will find a unique and exciting experience creating their own art adventures through some of Whidbey’s most beloved galleries and the personal studios of painters, sculptors, weavers, glass artists, potters, and other members of the rich and eclectic Whidbey Island arts community. Whidbey Art Trail brochures are located on the Mukilteo/Clinton and Pt. Townsend/Keystone ferry routes, as well as visitor centers and businesses across Whidbey Island—from Clinton to Oak Harbor, WA. or visit www.WhidbeyArtTrail.com for a complete roster of artist studios and galleries on the tour with hours of operation, contact information, and directions to the locations. Whidbey Art Trail, working in partnership with the Whidbey Island Arts Council, is a non-profit arts organization promoting the arts on scenic Whidbey Island. www.WhidbeyArtTrail.com.
ALL DAY BOB DYLAN DAY AT OTT-MURPHY All day on May Day (May 1) everyone is invited to play at Ott & Murphy Wine Tasting Rooms (OM) first annual BOB DAY (Dylan turns 74 in May). This May Day Celebration begins at 1 p.m. with the inspiration of the labor protest that Guthrie’s songs express. All day we’ll ramble through the great range of Bob’s canon with events at 6 p.m. and the BOB DAY Caberet at 7:30 p.m. featuring Beverly Graham, Karin Blaine and Joni Takanikos (there is a $10 cover for the evening cabaret only and reservations are suggested). Reservations: 360 221-7131. Ott-Murphy Tasting Room is located at 204 1st Street, Langley, WA 98260.
MEET GLORIA KOLL, The Author of Skipping Stones at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 1 at the Langley Library. Enjoy Gloria’s reading from her novel encompassing Scandinavian mass migration, the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and the home front of World Wars I and II, with energetic families and tender moments making it through happy and hard times. The Langley Library is located at 104 2nd St., Langley (360) 221-4383 www.sno-isle.org.
WHIDBEY ISLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS WICA Family Series Presents: Living Voices Theatre-Northwest Passage. Discover a unique combination of theatre, video, and live interaction that creates a high impact experience and an unforgettable journey through history with Seattle’s award winning Living Voices Theatre. WICA Family Series Presents: Living Voices Theatre: Northwest Passage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1.
Witness the dynamically changing Northwest at the turn of the century. The expansion of the railroad, the discovery of gold, labor struggles, and world war – these are the passages experienced by a young Swedish immigrant and her community. As she interacts with her African, Asian, and Native American neighbors you’ll discover the diversity of the American experience. Tickets: Adult $15 / Youth $12. Call (360) 221-8268 or visit www.wicaonline.org to order. Whidbey Island Center of the Arts is located at 565 Camano Avenue, Langley, WA 98260.
ROB SCHOUTEN GALLERY presents “Beauty in the Moment — the Pastels of Annette Hanna” from May 1 to June 1 Friday Night Reception is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 1. Hanna is a member of several pastel societies both nationally and regionally, and has been featured in American Artist Magazine, the Best of Pastel II, International Pastel Artist magazine and the Best of America, Pastel Artists, among her other notable achievements. Please join us for light refreshments and a chance to see this fresh, new show during Greenbank Farm’s “First Friday at the Farm” event, when the Farm’s galleries, shops and cafe welcome visitors to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of fine art, good food, lively conversation and natural beauty. Rob Schouten Gallery, a premier showcase for Whidbey Island and Northwest artists, is located at 765 Wonn Road, #C-103 at the historic Greenbank Farm. Gallery Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For further information, call (360) 222-3070 or email info@robschoutengallery.com.
ARTWORKS GALLERY Celebrates 10 Years at Greenback Farm with a First Friday Reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1. Join the artists and enjoy snacks, punch & a special anniversary cake. Live music will be provided by guitarist Quinn Fitzpatrick. Come join the fun & Celebrate as Artworks begins its next 10 years! Artworks Gallery is located on Greenbank Farm. Gallery Hours are weekdays 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and weekends 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays. (360) 222-3010. www.artworkswhidbey.com.
RAVEN ROCKS GALLERY Presents Sanctuary: Trees of Life, new paintings by Mary Jo Oxrieder & Windwalker Taibi May 1st – June 4th, with an opening reception 5-8 p.m. , Friday, May 1st. A perfect expression of the circle of life is the tree. It takes from the earth what has come before and with it creates what will be. Its body provides homes for living beings, its fruit, leaves and sap nourish us and it keeps us safe from sun and storm. Raven Rocks Gallery is located at Greenbank Farm at 765 Wonn Road C-101, Greenbank, WA 98253. (360) 222-0102. www.ravenrocksgallery.com.
BLOOMS WINERY TASTING ROOM Invites you to the opening reception for their new Collages and Metal Art Show 5:30-7:30, Friday, May 1. Blending is important in wine, and also in art. Blending together printmaking, drawing and painting, fine artist Jamie Greene’s work deals with themes of memory, family, home and the ephemeral. Jonathan Bartholick was raised with art. His mother was a potter, and his father an architect. Jonathan has explored many aspects of the arts, including film making and set building. While working on a landscape project he found an old rusted shovel, and an abstract pattern was revealed. This show will open on May 1, and run through June 31. Blooms Winery Tasting Room is at the Bayview Corner Cash Store. Hours are Thursday noon -5, Friday noon 8, Saturday 11-6, Sunday noon -6 and Monday noon 5. 5603 Bayview Rd, Langley, WA, 98260. 360-321-0515. http://www.bloomswinery.com.
THE 16TH ANNUAL WHIDBEY JAZZ CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 at the South Whidbey High School Auditorium. The annual assemblage includes High School and Middle School Jazz Bands from Coupeville, South Whidbey & Oak Harbor. Proceeds from ticket sales provide college scholarships for selected seniors who are graduating to continue their musical education. Sponsored by the Whidbey Island Jazz Society, these yearly concerts have generated over $80,000 in scholarships! In addition, large donations from jam sessions at Flyers in Oak Harbor have helped generate jazz enthusiasm for all. Tickets are available at Click Music and Whidbey Party Store in Oak Harbor, and at Moonraker Books in Langley. Tickets will also be available at the door before the show. For additional information, contact Jerry Jones at: (360) 679-2066.
MAY IS NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH Visit Whidbey’s Historical museums. The South Whidbey Historical Society Museum 314 Second Street, Langley (360) 221-2101 Saturday 1 – 4 p.m. Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. www.southwhidbeyhistory.com/ The Island County Historic Society Museum 908 NW Alexander St, Coupeville,(360) 678-3310 Open today · 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
SPRING PLANT-TASTIC SALE! South Whidbey Garden Club from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. Hwy 525, just north of Sebo’s Hardware. South Whidbey Garden Club members have been hard at work getting ready for this year’s annual PLANT-TASTIC SALE. In addition to great plants with great prices, you’ll also find gardening items and books, freshly baked goods, garden art, and donated raffle items from South Whidbey businesses. Also, local artists and specialized growers will be participating at this year’s plant sale. Garden club members will be on hand to answer plant and gardening questions. From the proceeds of the plant sale, grants are given out for horticultural programs, projects and scholarships throughout our community. For more information call Pat at: (360) 321-4346 www.southwhidbeygardenclub.com/.
DEAN TILE SALE! 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2. The Bowls half price! The Light Switch Covers half price! The Planters 50–75% off! Large Flower Tiles Normally $125, now $50! Art Tile Seconds 2 x 2s are $3 each 4 x 4s are $6 each 4 x 6s are $12 each Larger Tiles (normally priced from $36 to $48) are just $18! Jewelry is half off! At Dean Tile 1660 Roberta Ave, Freeland (We’re in the same building as the WAIF Thrift Store, behind Whidbey Island Bank) (360) 331-1295 info@deantile.com.
BRACKENWOOD GALLERY “New Directions”. Four amazing artists explore new ground. On display through the month of May. Gallery artists Pete Jordan, Francy Blumhagen, Rene Flynn-Federspiel, and Craig Kosak exhibit work reflecting new explorations. Join us for an artist’s reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. Join us for our reception events during Langley’s Artwalk, every first Saturday, where you’ll meet artists and patrons alike at our fair town’s galleries. Brackenwood Gallery of Fine Art. 302 First Street Langley (360) 221-2978 Thursday-Monday, 11 -5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. brackenwoodgallery.com.
OPEN HOUSE AT STADLER STUDIO Join us in celebration of the new studio and gallery space at 222 Anthes Avenue in Langley. Reception 4:30 – 7 p.m. May 2. Showing through May: Transcending Youth: Following the growth and changes of time with a Whidbey Island Waldorf class from first to eighth grade through an 8-year journey of consecutive portraiture by Michael Stadler. Stadler Studio • Photography, 222 Anthes Ave., Langley (360) 221-6030 www.stadlerstudio.com.
MAY AT THE WHIDBEY ART GALLERY Features works by Frances Wood, Ela Winstanley and Tammi Sloan. Guest artist Frances Wood will show watercolors from her series “Spring Flight” including bird portraits and birds in flight. Guest artist Ela Winstanley will show hand-painted silkwall hangings and scarves. Our featured member, Tammi Sloan, will share an original painting series called “Life’s a Journey” – working with pattern, texture and color. Join us at the Whidbey Art Gallery for an artist’s reception 5 to 8 p.m on Saturday, May 2nd. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Whidbey Art Gallery is located at 220 Second Street, Langley, WA 98260. 360-221-7675. www.whidbeyartists.com.
THE POPPYBANK GALLERY Join us for the Langley debut of Seattle photographer Pam Bolig’s series “Bottlescapes.” In it, she uses the interplay of intense, natural light coupled with unique compositions of simple items such as full beer and wine bottles at a macro scale. The results are images that challenge the classic notion of the landscape scene and give them a contemporary twist. Join us for an Artist’s reception 5 to 7 p.m. for wine and cake. (It’s Pam’s birthday that night!). Also featuring paintings by Ryan Gunn that run the gamut from meticulous renderings of mechanics and transportation to emotion-driven abstract expressions of life’s wonders. The gallery is open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m, closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays and is located at 107 B First St., Langley, WA 98260 (360) 221-4878. www.poppybankgallery.com.
MUSEO Presents the Grid Show, nine Seattle artists who have been meeting every month for ten years to critique each other’s art, offer advice and network have created works on the same theme – The Grid. Also participating will be a selected group of gallery artists. Artists’ reception 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. The exhibit will continue through May 31, 2015. Museo Gallery is located at 215 First Street, Langley, WA 98260. 360.221.7737. http://www.museo.cc.
MAYFAIRE 11 a.m. – 3 p.m Saturday, May 2. Whidbey Island Waldorf School 6335 Old Pietila Road, Clinton www.wiws.org.
BENEFIT DANCE WITH LIVE MUSIC at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Live Music by John Leaser and Triptych band 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. Highlights include: Tango and Belly Dance demonstrations and East Coast Swing lesson with fun Seattle instructors, Lilli Ann and Claire Carey from 8-10 p.m.. Dance to live music of swing, waltz, and Latin tunes. $10 admission goes to the Guatemalan program, Lets Be Ready, to establish much needed preschools. The Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 20103 SR 525, Freeland, WA, 98249. www.sno-isle.orghttp://letsbeready.org.
OTT & MURPHY WINES CABARET ROOM Steve Trembley’s Newest Band Returns! Saturday, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. May 2. Music by the fabulous ZILLA, whose array of dance tunes in a jazzy rockin’ style will tickle your fancy & your toes – so anything goes! Enjoy award-winning Ott & Murphy wines along with selections from a small plate menu. Cover charge: $10 per person Limited Seating ~ Reservations recommended. Ott & Murphy Winery Tasting Room 204 First Street, Langley (360) 221-7131 www.ottmurphywines.com.
SUNDAY, MAY 3
NEED A MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEA? 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3. Let your mom know she isn’t the craziest one of the bunch! My Mother Is Crazier than Your Mother Book reading & Signing by the author, Cameron Castle. Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland. Food will be served. Proceeds from book sales to TLC. Questions? Contact Cam at camcastle@whidbey.com.
SOUTH WHIDBEY TILTH FARMERS’ MARKET Opens this Sunday, May 3 and will be open through October 25. Cultivating a variety of opportunities for local market gardeners and farmers, artisans, and concessionaires. www.southwhidbeytilth.org.
BLOOMS WINERY TASTE FOR WINE & ART No cover, no minimums. Just fabulous wines and great music! The annual Mother Earth Art Show has opened, with paintings by Sharon Tryon and Anna Davis, photography by Elizabeth Atly, and pottery and shell art by Carol Rhodes (and many more) runs through April 27. Hours: Thursday 12 to 5 p.m., Friday 12 to 8 p.m., Saturday 11 to 6 p.m., Sunday 12 to 6 p.m., Monday 12 to 5 p.m. Blooms Winery Taste for Wine & Art at the Bayview Corner Cash Store. 5603 Bayview Rd., Langley (360) 321-0515 www.bloomswinery.com www.tasteforwinewhidbey.com.
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The Visitor Information Kiosk is funded by the Greater Freeland Area and Langley Chambers of Commerce and What’s Happening is prepared by Katy Shaner, Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, contact Katy at ktshaner@whidbey.com.
Got an event you’d like to see on What’s Happening? Make sure to put it on the Whidbey Life Magazine Calendar https://www.whidbeylifemagazine.org/submit-your-event/.
Since 2008, the Visitor Kiosk has welcomed over 22,000 visitors to Whidbey. The island offers a wealth of activities, places to stay, eateries, shopping and an abundance of the natural environment to enjoy and appreciate. Welcome and enjoy your visit. Do come back.
Event contributions from Katy Shaner, Whidbey Life Magazine www.whidbeylifemagazine.org and drewslist drewslist@whidbey.com.
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