This Wednesday, October 18, Kerf International, a multidisciplinary artists’ collective, will be holding its first opening-night reception at the Blue Star Cafe. The back room of the restaurant, normally adorned with the well-known and beloved vintage photos of historic Seattle, has, once again been transformed into an exhibition space for local artists.
For ten years, Kerf used unleased space in Wallingford Center for gallery exhibitions each month. Unfortunately, this long-standing arrangement came to an end in 2016. Since leaving Wallingford Center, Kerf has been exhibiting at the Home Realty office in North Seattle, and last summer they collaborated for the 45-piece art exhibit, “Art & Realty,” during a three-day open house for a large home in North Seattle, creating a whole new house-hunting experience for home buyers. More than 80 people attended on opening day.
They have also since partnered with Shunpike, a nonprofit arts organization that “provides independent arts groups in Washington State with the services, resources, and opportunities they need to forge their own paths to sustainable success,” and Kerf has established nonprofit status for itself.
Around 2008/2009 was the first time that the Blue Star used that space as an art gallery, featuring a different local artist every month and participating in the now-defunct Wallingford Art Walk. As the founder and curator of the original Blue Star Art exhibits, I am thrilled that the space will be used for that purpose again! Though I do love the old black-and-white photos, the space works really well for displaying modern artworks as well, and some of the more vibrantly colored pieces really brighten the room. The venue is perfect for opening-night receptions, with plenty of space to mingle and socialize, wine and other tasty libations available just a few steps away, and appetizers or full meals to please every palate. And the art will be viewed by the hundreds of patrons that dine in the restaurant every week. (And don’t worry–there are plenty of the old-time photos still on display in the other parts of the restaurant.)
The 
Kerf exhibit will be on display at the Blue Star for two months and features 10 member artists, mostly current Seattle residents, but from a diverse international background, including Japan, Indonesia, Anchorage, Spokane, and other areas of the US. Participating in the exhibit are Anthony Huss, Mariano Gonzalez, Patrick Wowor, Saraswati Sunindyo, Doriane Nieburgs, David Felker, Carol Christie Castaneda, Megan Hamp (Be sure to say hi when she pours your beer on the weekends!), Amy McCaleb, and Al Treder. Many of the artists will be attending this opening-night celebration, and the Blue Star will be extending its full happy-hour menu to participants throughout the event.
Kerf’s primary mission is to provide opportunity to local artists by offering business and leadership education for its members and is currently accepting applications for new membership and supporters. Kerf offers fine-art development, representation, and an opportunity for growth as artists envision themselves as prosperous entrepreneurs while igniting their artistic creativity and building community.
As Kerf’s founder, David Felker, puts it, “Art is the Heart of all Humanity. Every emotion ever felt and experienced throughout human history is the Gift of Art. From the first handprint to the first deliberate chip in stone is the healing gift from the Heart of Humanity.”
This first exhibit is somewhat of a trial run to see if Kerf and the Blue Star are a good fit for regular exhibits in the future. So, come on out on Wednesday to show your support for local art and an organization dedicated to supporting the Heart of Humanity!
For more information or to become a member, visit their website or send an email to [email protected]
What: Kerf International Art Exhibit Opening-Night Reception
Where: Blue Star Cafe, 4512 Stone Way N
When: Wednesday, October 18, 2017, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Why: Art! Beer! Community!
Contact: Dave Felker
Very cool…thank you!