Mike's adventures in art: Belltown Art Walk, Sophia Al-Maria, Day in Day out

If you're looking for tips on how to experience art in the Seattle area, you're in the right place. In this weekly post, KUOW reporter Mike Davis has suggestions for what to do around Seattle over the weekend so you can have your own adventures in arts and culture.

Arts Events

Belltown Art Walk is this Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There are plenty of options to explore the arts throughout the neighborhood, and this event is a free-to-the-public, self-guided tour of the art spaces in Belltown.

However, there is a specific location that I’m excited about — the Croc! For those who don’t know, the Croc is a long-standing venue in Belltown known mainly for live music from both locals and touring artists. But they recently did a major overhaul, and their space is now three venues and a hotel in one building.

During Art Walk, the lobby of the Croc’s hotel is open to the public with art on display, artists mingling, a DJ, and the bar is open for happy hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Madame Lou’s, the 300-person capacity live music venue at the Croc, will have live music going during the event.

But even after mentioning the art, the bar, and the live music, there is still one big reason why I will be at the Croc this weekend. Comedian, writer, and actor, Langston Kerman will be on stage at the Croc’s comedy venue, Here-After. So after enjoying everything above, you can cap your Art Walk experience with laughter. Kerman is known for appearances as an actor on HBO's "Insecure" and "South Side," on Amazon Prime’s "The Boys," and Peacock’s "Bust Down." What people may not know is that he also did a bunch of writing on "South Side" and on "Bust Down," which he co-created.

Belltown Art Walk, in Belltown 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11

Langston Kerman, performing at Here-After Aug. 11-12

Visual Art

"Sophia Al-Maria: Not My Bag," is showing at the Henry Art Gallery. I went to the opening, and it was spectacular. She’s an artist and a filmmaker and put both talents on display. Three short films play throughout the exhibit and I suggest taking time to watch.

Her collages are displayed in multiple galleries and their connecting themes are just as intricate as the pieces themselves. Each features handbags, but also items that speak to the larger message of her opposition of violence committed by the empire.

I always enjoy when the Henry allows artists into their space to create art in the exhibits on-site. Al-Maria created a lot of these collages at the gallery, and, as you walk from room to room, you will notice recurring theses and items. Her use of mirrors within these collages is a great touch. While she, as the artist, pulls these items from different generations and genres to show that empirical violence touches all people across time periods, tastes, and locations, and that we, as viewers, also play a role in this violence. So as we look at her art, we are also forced to look at ourselves because each of us is also complicit.

"Sophia Al-Maria: Not My Bag," showing at Henry Art Gallery until January 2024

Music

Day In Day Out Festival is this weekend at the Seattle Center. This indie music festival gained steam while Bumbershoot was on hiatus, and has become a local staple of its own. Blending lineups of local favorites and touring artists, the festival continues to create lineups music lovers want to see.

I would say the highlight this year has to be Enumclaw, the band from Tacoma that continues to rise in popularity. They have proven to bring crowds that include all types of people, and they always put on a great show. If you are looking for some fun in the sun this weekend, and you enjoy great music, this is the place to be.

Day In Day Out Festival, at the Seattle Center Aug. 11-12