Ruby Re-Usable retrieved her four plastic wrap and tape sculptures from the Snohomish County Arts Council Gallery in Everett on Thursday, and also went to see the Simply Recycling Art Show at the Arts of Snohomish Gallery in Snohomish. Confused? So was I, but it was fun to have lunch at Sisters in Everett with Susan R, Kim G-H, and Carie C, then visit Susan Russell‘s studio, home and the garage where she teaches art classes in Everett. The art show and the Farmers Market and the bakery that I forgot the name of in Snohomish were fun, too.

On Friday, Ms. Re-Usable hung out with Marita Dingus, who was teaching a 4-day mixed media sculpture class for teachers in conjunction with the “Anxious Objects: Willie Cole’s Favorite Brands” exhibit at the Frye Art Museum in Seattle. Willie even came into the class to speak, as well as giving a tour of the exhibit, and later that evening did the Artist Conversation with Pamela McClusky. I was awed and inspired by the artist and his work; favorite quote: “I don’t live for the label” when asked what made him a regionalist from NJ; favorite piece: anything having to do with an iron, especially “Mother and Child.” Regina Hackett was less enthusiastic than moi about the show; she compared his “Wind Mask East” hair dryer piece unfavorably to Picasso’s “Bull” made from a bicycle seat. I am surprised that she did not compare his “Air in Remission” circle of hairdryers with The Art Guys “Suitcase Wheel,” which was shown at TAM a few years ago.

Ruby and Marita also had the time to check out Jessica Geiger‘s solo show “Fallen Through the Cracks: Outsiders and Renegades” at Visions Gallery. Marita commented that the way Jessica’s sculptures depict the people at the fringes of society reminded her of Diane Arbus‘ photos. You don’t want to look, and yet you can’t look away. Very compelling.

Also compelling was Angela White’s cacophonous installation at Greg Kucera Gallery, which incorporates a variety of materials, including old turntables and string. Marita liked the way that it was conceptual and yet so low tech and utterly mesmerizing.

Stopped for coffee at the Top Pot, where we shared a pink feather boa doughnut before making an appearance at the Gage Academy for the Teen Intensive Art Exhibition reception. I was truly impressed by Marita’s students’ work and also by the fact that the live music for the event was a jazz trio that included Jherek Bischoff.

Now its back to the studio time: I have it all to myself while Jenny Macc is in Scotland for the Fringe Fest!