First Thursday: Art & Wine [09.01.16]

Since we launched this monthly tradition in May, each event has been special in its own way. This past gathering had a more intimate tone, rooted in a well-rounded appreciation of good wine, music, visual & wearable arts.

Victoria Johnson's artwork is both formal & lyrical. Free-flowing, organic forms drift in and out of her canvas' planes, creating enticing visual rhythm & movement. A perfect pairing with 12-year old harpist, Carla Mory's performance of 'Les Adieux du Menestrel au Pays Natal' by John Thomas, in our very first Living Room 'concert'.

Jennie King of J|King Styling introduced her Fall Collection of ASH + AMES Jewelry - simply stunning. Mary Herzog of The Paper Beadery presented her unique, handmade statement necklaces out of paperbeads - gorgeous. Both have generously offered to donate 10% of sales to Art with Heart.

Isaac, The Islander's Sommelier, once again introduced a wonderful selection of wines for tasting, all available for sale by the bottle or case at wine club prices.  

First Thursday: Art & Wine [08.04.16]

What a wonderful turn-out, thank you all! If you haven't already, swing by the SZ Gallery to view Elissa Eng's & Gitte Peters' beautiful works.

http://www.suzannezahr.com/artists/ 

Elissa combines traditional and non-traditional oil painting techniques to create a sense of depth and movement. Elissa graduated from Cornish College of the Arts with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Art. Additionally, Elissa completed a residency at The International School of Painting, Drawing and Sculpture in Umbria, Italy.

Her art is in both private and corporate collections nationally and internationally.

"Elissa is master of understating her true self. She is a woman of immense depth and complexity beyond her years and training... Owning a piece of Elissa's work is not only a privilege but a rare porthole into one's own soul as she shares her own travails through her art.”   -Toronto Art Collector

First Thursday: Art & Wine [07.07.16]

From the 4th of July fireworks to our Mercer Island Summer Celebration, this month's Art & Wine event was especially festive. What a wonderful turn-out, thank you!

Of local artist, Paul Laws' featured work, I'm most intrigued by Wicked Thicket. His paintings are ephemeral, drawing you into its intricate textures. Paul's artwork will be featured at the SZ Gallery until August 3rd. 

Of Gitte Peters' beautiful oil paintings, Love of Nature has been my recent obsession. This peaceful oasis has offered me tranquil repose during my busy days. Gitte's considered our European Artist in Residence. We're incredibly lucky to have this Danish-born's stunning work imported all the way from her studio in Monaco.

The Islander treated us to a vast selection of tastings from his Stock Your Wine Cellar Event, offering wines at only 10% above cost. Of the those I tasted, I was most impressed by the Domaine Chandon Etoile Rose. Chef Scott out did himself with an impressive cheese platter, baked brie, an olive tapenade & bruschetta, which made from incredible pairings!  

To add to the evening's beauty, we enjoyed a fabulous trunk show of Mary Herzog's Paper Beadery. I'd also like to thank our Mercer Island Florist for providing our stunning arrangements.

Thanks, Mike, for tending bar! We're so grateful to our event sponsors, Bell-Anderson & PURE Insurance. 

First Thursday: Art & Wine [06.02.16]

What I'm loving most about our First Thursday tradition is that each gathering has its own unique personality. This is largely due to the spirited turn-out of such wonderfully diverse enthusiasts. So nice to take a pause & enjoy this light-hearted, summery evening!

Of Scott Simmonds' featured work, I'm most drawn to his six smaller paintings displayed together (Kiss, Fire Island, Let's Play, Thrill Me, The Lake Shore & Menage). My hope is that an interested buyer keeps this collection intact, as they seem to play off each other nicely. Scott's artwork will be featured at the SZ Gallery until July 7. 

Though all of Isaac's Oregon wine tastings were a treat, I was most impressed by the Gran Moraine Chardonnay - my new summer favorite! In fact, this wine sold-out before the end of the evening. Isaac promised to restock quickly, so anyone interested in picking up bottles or cases at wine-club prices can do so at The Islander.

As if the art, wine, cheese, sunshine & friendly faces weren't enough, SZ hosted an impromptu trunk-show of Mary Herzog's Paper Beadery jewelry. Thank you, Rebecca Laws Nemetz, Founder of 5 Elements Pilates, for making the connection - I'm smitten with my new necklace!

Congratulations to this month's Wine Raffle winners:
Gudund Berge, Aljoya resident
Luigi Rechhi, Ittalian-born artist

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ART:  
Paintings & Prints, by Scott Simmonds, Mercer Island Artist
"We live in a time of paradox when computer and television screen acuity is paramount and yet reality is seldom seen, it is scanned. My painting is an attempt to slow the eye, allowing a personal impression to be formed, a thought beyond thinking to take place that is less ephemeral than electronic media."

WINE:
Angela, Clawson Creek – Pinot Noir (Oregon)
Distinct aromas of plum, cola nuts, and bing cherries on a back drop of wet cedar. Flavors of stewed cherry, plum skin, nutmeg and forest floor with a hint of white and black pepper. This Pinot has an exceptional finish with a soft sexy mouth-feel. 
Gran Moraine - Pinot Noir (Oregon)
Scents of huckleberry, european plum and lavender dance in your nose with a subtle touch of black pepper and pipe tobacco. A rich velvety mouth-feel with balanced acidity provides the perfect setting for flavors of marion berry, cranberry, french roasted coffee and black truffle.
Gran Moraine - Chardonnay (Oregon)
In addition to a lovely floral bouquet this wine is rife with white peach, navel orange, and lemon curd. The palate enjoys a crisp lemon mineral mouth-feel with flavors of Nashi pear, honeydew melon, and Golden Delicious apple. A summer day in a glass!!!