The Fall City Stimulus Art Fair

On November 14, a special event will be taking place at the Miska Studio Gallery. Local artist Miska, a veteran of the Seattle art scene who has been painting since 1995 and showing in galleries since 1997, is organizing the Fall City Artists’ Economic Stimulus Fair. This festival aims to help local artists sell their creativity to the local community and since Meylah has a similar mission, I felt compelled to give you a heads up.

First, a bit about Miska. She attended the University of Washington art school, but mostly taught herself over the years by studying the “great modern masters" daily. Her paintings have a Roman Catholic and Russian Greek Orthodox influence, with colorful and unique figures that she refers to as “one-race people.” Her art work captures a lot of symbolism from the Pacific Northwest, from umbrellas to coffee and music to the outdoors, she expresses this through rich and inviting colors.

In anticipation of the art fair, I interviewed Miska to learn more about her initiative.

Meylah: How did the idea for the event come about?

Miska: The Fall City Artists’ Economic Stimulus Fair started last year when the economy went down. Sharlet Driggs, my co-organizer, and I were having coffee and came up with this idea. It was very spontaneous. When we talked with local artists, they loved the concept. Sharlet and I put the event together and it was a great success. This is our second event. We will have 20 local artists featured. We are really excited. It will be fun and energizing for the local community. The Fall City art community is sponsoring this event.

Meylah: Who is the target of the event in terms of artists? Who is the target of the event in terms of attendees?

Miska: The focus of this event is for local residents of the Snoqualmie Valley in Seattle. We are featuring 20 local artists of the Snoqualmie Valley, who represent fine art, glass work, jewelry, pottery, photography, metal work and many more.

Meylah: What do you hope for artists to get out of the event?

Miska: We are creating an environment that is gallery-like while still being comfortable. We have a space where artists can share their stories, inspiration and a place to sell their art and craft to communities of the Snoqualmie Valley.

Meylah: How important are such events to the artistic and greater community?

Miska : These events are very important to local artists. They help bring artists and their supporters closer together and encourage next-generation artists in their practice.

Meylah: Can you give us an idea of how the event will unfold (in other words, tell us about the schedule?)

Miska : The event is from 10AM to 5PM on Saturday November 14th. We have 20 artists that will display their artwork. There are 5 major highlights for kids and adults to participate in. Here is the list:

• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Creative Children for Charity - Art Session (8 kids)
• 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Cup Cake Art Decoration (10 kids)
• 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Artists connecting and selling their artwork
• 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Historic Farm Tours around the property
• 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Silent Auction

Best of luck to Miska and her team on organizing the Fall City Artists’ Economic Stimulus Fair! Check out the flyer below for more info: