Come by anytime throughout June to see this amazing exhibition!

CELEBRATING A LIFE IN ART

Seattle Creative Arts Center’s June Artist of the Month Lael Cohen

A Retrospective and Exhibit

The exhibit features Cohen’s unique photo collage which involves a three-step manual process : 1) Photographs are taken of discrete items: oil slicks on pavement, the undulations of water off of Alaskan Way, prisms glancing off storefront glass, a tattoo on a woman’s arm, thistles in a neighbors yard. 2) The photographs are cut into a variety of shapes and composed into free-form, multi-dimensional pieces, no one of which is like the other. Each piece stands alone as a type of jewel-like paper sculpture, but many are laser color copied in preparation for a third step. 3) The color copes are cut up into squares and assembled in kaleidoscopic variations of symmetrical patterns. All work is done by hand; no computers are involved at any stage of the process. (Although Ms. Cohen’s compositions reveal extremely sophisticated eye-hand coordination, she has never been able to learn how to use a mouse and hasn’t typed in 40 years.)

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In honor of Cohen’s 80th birthday in June, the exhibit’s opening reception will also feature a one-time retrospective of her work over the past 60 years.  Cohen has created in just about every medium, and a variety of examples will be showcased, from weaving, macramé, and kogin (Japanese) needlework (all free-hand from original patterns and designs) to sketches, oils and pastels; to ceramics and mosaics. Some of Cohen’s work reflects Judaic themes and ritual objects – such as incorporating Hebraic numerology and symbolism into the needlework on prayer shawls or challah covers. A wimple done in needlepoint commemorates the births and bar or bat mitzvahs of three of her grandchildren. It shows the Hebrew alphabet, Jewish holidays (color coded by season), and excerpts from Torah portions coinciding with the children’s birthdates – all in Hebrew.  A triptych of mosaics completed in 1963 depicts women of three religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – in acts of devotion. One blesses Sabbath candles, another prays, the third washes her hands.

 Photography has always been a medium of choice for Cohen, who calls herself an “image maker.” A percentage of the proceeds from exhibit sales will benefit Alpha Supported Living Services, a Seattle-based non-profit organization caring for adults with developmental disabilities, including Cohen’s grandson, who is autistic

 

Need a beautiful, unique space to hold your upcoming event?

Whether it’s a surprise party, graduation party, wedding, workshop, conference or rehearsal, the Seattle Creative Arts Center can help! This exciting new venue is built to fit all your needs. Our newly renovated space is equipped perfectly for theater and music groups looking for a clean, quiet place to rehearse or perform, private events such as a wedding reception or 40th birthday party, speakers or teachers looking for an intimate yet roomy space to hold their next workshop or class. If you can dream it, we can provide the perfect space!
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Specs:
Approx 2000 sq ft. Space has stage, carpeted and concrete open floor area (can seat approx 75 people), private meeting room (approx 200 sq ft), kitchen with full size freezer/fridge, P.A. and lighting systems, projector, podium, 2 8ft tables, 4 5ft tables, 50 chairs and support staff

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Rates as follows:
Rehearsals- 25/hour
Workshops and classes- 35/hour
Performances- 50/hour
Private Events- 75/hour 750 Day Rate (noon-midnight)

Contact us today for more information and availability

206-297-6001 or meleahgibson@gmail.com

Another Amazing Reason for Children to Take Piano Lessons!

Research has shown that both listening to music and playing a musical instrument stimulate your brain and can increase your memory.  A study was done in which 22 children from age 3 to 4 and a half years old were given piano lessons.  A control group of 15 children received no music lessons at all. Both groups participated in the same preschool activities.  The results showed that preschoolers who had weekly piano lessons improved their spatial-temporal skills 34 percent more than the other children.  Not only that, but researchers said that the effect lasted long-term.

Contact us for your free lesson consultation 206-297-6001

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