What’s Good in Seattle: The Kids are Alright, June 19, 2014

Posted on June 19, 2014, 11:02 pm
4 mins

Slide

School’s out and the weather looks good for plenty of outdoor events, including the Fremont Fair this weekend (which is fairly family-friendly if you don’t mind naked cyclists on parade). Here are some of the best things in Seattle this week.

A Drink for the Kids supports Vera Project this weekend

A Drink for the Kids supports Vera Project this weekend

A Drink for the Kids (Supporting the Vera Project)

If you haven’t yet checked out The Vera Project then you really should look at their calendar and see some of the great events, workshops and classes they offer. Vera is a unique, creative and supportive space for youth in Seattle and a known incubator for musical and artistic talent. This weekend is the twelfth annual A Drink for the Kids event series, which invites the community to come out to bars and socialize. All of the proceeds of sales of specific drink sponsors will go to support Vera, as will a raffle and—for the first time—a silent auction tonight at Linda’s Tavern (707 E Pine St) on Capitol Hill. The drink sponsors are Ninkasi Brewing (Beer), Tito’s (Vodka) and 3 Howls Distillery (Whiskey).

The event tonight (June 19) is hosted by local arts and music luminaries, including James Keblas, Kate Becker, Shannon Stuart, Midday Veil, members of Audioasis on KEXP and Sub Pop Records. The event tomorrow (June 20) will be at the The Redwood (514 E Howell St) with hosts Sasquatch Music Festival, Hollis Wong-Wear, Cairo Seattle, Andy Fife and more. The final, festive night is at the newly renovated Comet Tavern (922 E Pike St) with hosts including Capitol Hill Block Party, David Meinert and Mikhael Mei. The fun officially starts at 6 PM every night.

Lambert House

It’s Pride month, and besides the parades and pageantry of it all, the overall message that I find most valuable is to LGBTQ youth—one giant rally to say you are not alone. That message is great, but it isn’t enough for many youth who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, rejection by family or all of the above. Now in its third decade of service, The Lambert House is a local nonprofit organization serving LGBTQ youth ages 22 and under. Among its programs and services are support groups, mentoring by community leaders, arts and athletic activities, health education and above all a safe and accepting space.

Beyond donating money, you can support Lambert House in a number of ways, including volunteering and donating items like paper goods. Learn more on their Web site and consider helping to make a difference in the lives of marginalized youth.

One of many watercolor portraits by Zachary Culler at Hedreen Gallery

One of many watercolor portraits by Zachary Culler at Hedreen Gallery

Artist Zachary Culler at Hedreen Gallery

Pablo Picasso famously said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Artist Zachary Culler of SuttonBeresCuller has put his artistic talents into dozens of excellent watercolor portraits now on display at Hedreen Gallery, variously playful and stoic, all quite expressive. The subjects include many members of Seattle’s community and creative scene. Seeing face after face, young and old, rendered so faithfully and isolated on a crisp white background is a visual delight. If a good portrait captures people not as they were in a moment but always are, then many of the portraits are great, as the certain wise weathering of the face yet gleams with a youthful curiosity, gentility and impishness. The portraits will be on display through July 5.

 

T.s. Flock is a writer and arts critic based in Seattle and co-founder of Vanguard Seattle.