I arrived at Cascadia Art Museum at 5:06 PM, expecting to explore the exhibits during regular hours…read moresince Apple Maps had listed them as open until 6:00 PM. Unfortunately, the museum had already closed to the public. Luckily, Sydney kindly invited me to stay for a private evening event that was just about to begin. The $20 admission ended up being incredibly worthwhile. Before the event I was able to walk around and see the gallery entirely while the staff set -up. The event featured a guest lecture by Dr. Simon Lhopiteau, a Paris-based art historian who recently opened a studio in Seattle. His talk centered on Henry Saÿen, a chemist-turned-painter whose work is rarely acknowledged in mainstream art history. We discussed Saÿen's invention of the self-regulating X-ray tube, his move to Paris during the rise of the avant-garde, and the influence of Henri Matisse on his artistic development. Dr. Lhopiteau also spoke about how both Henry Saÿen and Henri Matisse were among the early artists to shape the foundation of modern self-portraiture. Their work explored internal perception just as much as external form, and this introspective approach helped redefine how artists captured the self. He also shared how abstract and impressionist art in the early 20th century was not just rejected by the public, but often met with deep hostility and even violence. One of the highlights of the evening was Saÿen's 1903 painting titled Primitive Agricultures. We also explored the legendary artist gatherings at Le Dôme café in Paris and discussed the deeper connection between light, geometry, and perception in modern painting. The entire conversation felt alive--intellectually rich, spontaneous, and deeply human. It was one of the most engaging experiences I've had in a long time. Before leaving, I visited the museum gift shop and picked out a beautiful orange floral scarf for my mom. The shop was just as thoughtfully curated as the rest of the space. I also had the pleasure of speaking with Nancy, one of the museum ambassadors, who was incredibly kind and insightful. She told me about her travels through the Balkan countries and the museums and art collections she visited abroad. I shared my love for Renaissance art and armor from the Middle Ages and she encouraged me to visit France to experience those collections firsthand. I mentioned that my niece is French and currently studying there, so now I have even more reason to go. Before I left, I met Julie, the museum's education director, and learned that her academic thesis focused on Renaissance art and the representation of women. It was such an energizing conversation. She even gave me a list of local spots to eat, which meant a lot since I needed to grab dinner for my family after the event. I have attached the photos part of the current exhibit to this review to encourage people to see art in person because it is of amazing quality and deserves recognition. Had I arrived during regular hours, I probably would have paid $12 or gotten in free with my student ID, but I'm honestly glad I came when I did. Cascadia is not just a museum. It's a place of conversation, discovery, and connection. Whether you're visiting for the art or open to the unexpected, it's absolutely worth the experience.

I had the pleasure of attending a curator talk at the Cascadia Art Museum, and it was phenomenon!!…read moreDavid Martin is a dynamic speaker and is a world recognized art historian of northwest style arts. He walked us through an exhibit called "Urban Scenes of Seattle: 1910-1960". Apparently in the "old days" and before the internet, Eastern U.S. arts are influenced primarily by European arts, while Western U.S. arts are influenced by both European arts and Asian arts. As a result, these mid-1900s regional arts has an intriguing amalgam of art styles from other parts of the world while serving as a historical data point of our area. I highly, highly recommend attending one of his "coffee with the curator" talks that give so much behind-the-scenes story of the artists, many of whom David personally knows. Other than the Urban Scenes exhibit, they are currently featuring a special exhibit of Christmas cards that are individually made by local artists that were sent to family and friends. No two are the same! The museum is modest size but packs a punch! It is definitely a local gem. Housed in an old Safeway building, it shares space with a bistro in the same building. Their museum store also has excellent pieces from artists and/or uniquely curated pieces. And they sell books written by David Martin. He'll autograph them if you want!

Zen dog is the best guy ever! This tea house is actually the house he is currently living in. He…read morewelcomes you not just a guest to a tea room, but a guest to his own happy place. He shows you to the upstairs and downstairs and the backyard. He offers you 3 tea for $10 and sometimes even for nothing. It is super traditional filled with Chinese calligraphy, paintings, teapots etc. And a ton of tea. I am amazed at his comprehensive collection of tea including all the well known Chinese tea like dragon well, tie guan yin, dian hong, da hong pao, even yellow tea and pu er. My favorite is Dong Ding from Taiwan and ZD Zest blend. He really tries to give you high quality yet fairly priced tea here. I will not hesitate to stop by when I am in the area. Just to sit down, have some tea and great conversations with this great guy!

I really like The man that runs this place! He's so peaceful and gives off a really really good…read morevibe! The second time, I went with a friend I was not seeing but zen dog assumed we were together... And asked if we wanted to participate in a game he created. He seemed so excited and we were in no rush so we did. Unfortunately, it made it really awkward because I was not interested in dating this guy so it was just awkward to ask such personal questions.

I went into Tsuga Fine Art earlier this year for a custom framing job. I was warmly welcomed, and…read morethe framing options were clearly explained to me. I specifically requested that the frame/mat not cover the low "g" (see photos) on my drawing, and this request was superbly honored. I remember that the time frame for the custom framing job seemed reasonable, and that I felt that the price was reasonable also. The price was around $200. I drew this drawing/doodle last year when my friend Sammar came over to my house for a virtual water tasting with Water Sommelier Martin Riese, but Martin cancelled the virtual water tasting at the last minute due to a personal emergency, so Sammar and I chatted and doodled spontaneously. I do consider this drawing and writing to be a doodle, and I would not have considered framing it of my own accord, but my Brother / Best Friend Ryan, who currently works as a Flight Nurse on a Helicopter (Critical Care Nursing and Emergency Transport Nursing) saw my drawing and he said that he really liked it, and he told me that he wanted it framed for his Birthday. I know that I can do much better with both drawing and calligraphy, so I wasn't sure how Tsuga's staff would react to this drawing/doodle when I'm sure that they deal with professional artists frequently. I didn't draw this with any intention to ever frame it. However, the staff member who handled my custom framing order was very sweet and genuine, and she had a very positive reaction to my drawing as soon as I showed it to her. Ryan loved his Birthday present. I don't remember the exact time frame that the Tsuga staff member said that they would have it ready in, I think it was 3 weeks or so. But I do remember that the custom framing job was done well in advance of Ryan's Birthday, and I also remember that Tsuga completed it within the time frame that they had promised me, which I appreciated. I am very happy with my experience at Tsuga Fine Art, and I would recommend them for custom framing. I would return any time if I ever have anything else that I would like to get custom framed.

This is a review of the artwork and gifts available at Tsuga. There is a lot of local artwork to…read morechoose from. You can get sizes from miniatures to a large canvas. Special gifts are easy to find. Pick from coasters, jewelry, hand-turned wood tools, interesting miniatures or finger puppets for the kids, to name a few. Yelpers love the quality framing and I highly recommend them for art and gifts.

Small but quaint little gallery. I've walked by many times and there's always something…read moreinteresting displayed!

From the owner: Gallery North is one of the oldest artist-cooperative art galleries in the nation. The gallery is…read more100% artist run, so when you visit the person helping you will be a professional artist. With more than 20 member artists in an array of mediums from painting and photography, to wood carving and mosaics, to jewelry and pottery this is a great place to shop. The shop is located in beautiful downtown Edmonds.

Reasonable turn around time. Good evaluation and recommendations. Will use again for future…read morerepairs.

I walked in. A half hour later i walked out with all three of my problems solved, plus two I didn't…read moreknow about, No pressure, just knowledgable service from a tech who knew what he was doing. This is an outfit that knows their trade and well worth the hour round trip.

This is an online business that really exceeded my expectations. I ordered a print of a Coast Guard…read morecutter that my partner had served on (it was to be his 42nd birthday present). Unfortunately, FedEx lost the shipment in a warehouse in Memphis. Mike at Chart Art was simply amazing in terms of his willingness to help, reship and deal with FedEx. He also promptly refunded the overnight shipping fee. And, when FedEx finally found the original framed print, it was exceptionally well-packaged and beautifully-framed. I cannot reccomend Chart Art enough. If you are a vet looking to order a print of your ship, call Mike. He will not let you down.

From the owner: We sell noted Pacific Northwest Artist Betty Vestuto paintings and prints. Our web site specializes…read morein US Coast Guard & US Navy prints. We also have NOAA, Bay Watch, NYPD prints along with several of Betty's popular prints including Light Houses. Click around our store and for sure you will find something that will want to hang on your wall or purchase for a gift.

Walked into the store with my partner and after a tense consignment negotiation left irritated and…read morewith a horrific taste in my mouth. Everyone has bias, but admitting you won't do business with anyone due to ageism is horrific, especially considering she had no idea of our age. Basically after a miscommunication on her part regarding consignment percentage (she wouldn't admit that 2 people heard her misspeak her own terms - fine it happens) she began insulting/gaslighting us: that we had an attitude, and that we're "younger than her children" (which is laughable because business is business). She also seemed to imply when we first discussed our consignment piece that we had a forgery or stole it. We've been buying and reselling vintage merchandise and antiques for years. so for her to assume before she had seen the piece was pretty funny. We're talking about a hand signed and numbered Robert Rauschenberg Lithograph here by the way. Normally I'd say it's a nice little shop in Edmonds if you're looking for a specific type of furniture and decor, but her attitude and bias tells me she has issues with anyone that doesn't meet whatever standard she holds. I wouldn't waste time with this place if you don't fit her demographic, because she absolutely will tell you about how you're rude and too young to do business with her.

This shop is fantastic!! My husband and I stopped in for the first time today, and walked out with…read morea pair of beautiful mid-century modern lamps; a teak serving tray; a gorgeous set of six MCM glasses; and a truly stunning vintage baking dish. The proprietor Hannah was kind, helpful, and knowledgeable, and held our items while we had dinner. The shop was chock full of meticulously curated vintage furniture, glassware, art, rugs, and more. Everything was in beautiful condition. We will absolutely be back.