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Art Outside is Underway; Highlands Day is on its way!

By July 16, 2014July 17th, 2014Art, Front Page

 

Family Village Issaquah (YWCA) nest build.

Family Village Issaquah (YWCA) nest build.

This year’s Highlands Day theme “Art Outside” inspired the planners at Highlands Council along with artEAST to extend the experience into a week-long celebration. On Monday, the HY (Highlands Youth) built human-sized nests, the first of many, therefore commencing the Third Annual Heron Rookery Project. Their nest was sponsored by Safeway. Today’s nest was constructed by the kids of the Family Village Issaquah (YWCA), sponsored by Highlands Realty. AtWork! will build a nest on Wednesday, sponsored by the Issaquah Press and on Thursday come watch the Issaquah School District !mpact Program try their hand at the craft, sponsored by Highlands Dentistry. Come by Village Green and see how it’s done! Artist Karen White will show you how, too! The nests remain on display through Highlands Day.

The Plein Air Paint-Out is next on the schedule, beginning with an artist’s reception on Friday at Blakely Hall and the actual “Paint-Out” beginning on Saturday. As the names imply, this art style involves setting up an easel outside and painting directly from what the artist sees. Artists from the Plein Air Painters of Washington will descend upon Issaquah Highlands at our many picturesque setting beginning 8 am on Saturday. They welcome you to come paint alongside them, or just to watch. The weather forecast is ideal: still sunny and a little cooler.

Dorothy Bonneau poses for Connections cover.

Dorothy Bonneau poses for Connections cover.

Also on Saturday Grand Ridge Plaza hosts Music & Art Outside from 11am – 6pm. Lots of opportunities for kids to explore their artistic side combines with a live painting session with Issaquah’s Ricco Distefano and the great music of Levi Ware to assure fun for everyone.

And then there’s Highlands Day! On Sunday, July 20th from 3pm to 7pm Issaquah Highlands puts on its big neighborhood party. Gather up the kids, pair up with a friend, or come on your own. Walk on over to Blakely Hall / Village Green Park, or ride the free shuttle! (Parking will be scarce.) The shuttles will be picking up festival goers frequently at many stops in the community. Look for the A-Board signs at Grand Ridge Plaza, West Highlands Park, Discovery Height Apartments and Grand Ridge Elementary.

The festival begins with Nature on Parade. This parade replaces the patriotic-style kiddie parade of years past with one that’s fun for all ages. Come dressed as your favorite animal, insect, plant, fish – anything from nature! Staging begins at 2:45pm at the top of Village Green. The parade begins at 3pm.

Giggle your way through Highlands Day enjoying the carnival-type rides or try your hand with art activities throughout the festival venue. Listen to Fred the DJ’s ever-popular playlist, visit with friends and neighbors or just enjoy the vibe. Blakely Hall will feature a lovely Plein Art landscape show for those who prefer to stay indoors.

It’s only once a year – don’t miss it! More information here: Highlands Day 2014