A new art walk is coming to Bothell.
Launched by three local artists, Charlene Freeman, Ken Stodola and Hannah Waters, the art walk will feature work from several local artists each month.
Several surrounding cities have art walks of one kind or another, Stodola, owner of Tsuga Fine Art & Framing, said. However, there wasn’t one in Bothell.
Stodola and Freeman have known each other for years. She used to teach out of his business until she opened her own art school, Cloud 9 Art School.
“Charlene and I have always talked about starting an art walk, though I wasn’t sure we’d have the energy to do it,” Stodola said with a laugh.
Then one day they decided to go for it. In October 2019, Stodola, Freeman and Waters — who works at Tsuga Fine Art & Framing — launched Bothell Art Scene.
“We really want to bring different ways to get art to the people,” Stodola said.
The Bothell Art Scene will launch March 12. Held at businesses in downtown Bothell on the second Thursday of March, May, June, July, August, September and December, the art walks will take place from 5-8 p.m.
“We hope to have about seven art walks this year,” Stodola said. “We’re excited to be able to help bring more art to the area. It’s a great way to get people out and about and get in touch with the local pool of art.”
About nine businesses are signed up to host artists for the first Art Scene event on March 12. Businesses include Zulu’s Board Game Cafe, Tsuga Fine Art & Framing, Social Grounds Coffee & Tea Co., Room to Craft, Leela Yoga Studio, First and Main Design Market, city of Bothell Arts Commission, Birch Tree Academy and Cloud 9 Art School.
There’s still room for more businesses to sign up, Stodola said. Participating businesses can pay an annual fee of $35. Businesses can also be a sponsor for $125.
The Art Scene is free to the public and there’s no commission or sign-up fee for artists.
“We feel like these things are important,” Stodola said. “It’s so fulfilling to have the arts in the community. I’m always so blown away by what people create and we want to spread that to the community.
To learn more about Bothell Art Scene, visit the website www.bothellartscene.com.