Issaquah Arts
Issaquah Arts is a newly formed arts advocacy nonprofit organization on a mission to “enhance the arts and bring together the creative community.” The idea of creating Issaquah Arts emerged organically through the work of people connected through the Issaquah Arts Commission, Issaquah Schools Foundation, and the Issaquah Creative District. From different perspectives, each could see the need for a dedicated organization to support and revitalize Issaquah’s creative economy. Learn more and get involved visit IssaquahArts.org
Arts Sanctuary
The Arts Sanctuary is located inside a large and unused portion of the Our Savior Lutheran Church at 745 Front Street South just outside the historic downtown Issaquah Creative District. Arts Sanctuary and this series of autumn arts activations are a collaboration between Issaquah Arts and the arts-loving leadership and congregation at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Arts Sanctuary is a safe and welcoming space, inclusive of ALL people, locals and visitors.
Check out the September and October installations and activations meant to celebrate art, nature, and spirit, at Arts Sanctuary by visiting IssaquahArts.org
Meet Janice King, Artist in Residency, in her studio as she creates Trees of Memory Future. Her studio will be open to the public on September 17, 7pm-9pm, September 19,10am-12pm, September 21, 7pm-9pm, and a closing reception in her honor, featuring her completed work, will be hosted (open to the public) on October 4 from 7pm-9pm.
Labyrinth of Lanterns – Illuminated Nightly, September 21-October 6
The Arts Sanctuary will open to the public in September with an artist in residence (Janice King), art-making workshops, and a community art project called Labyrinth of Lanterns to celebrate the fall equinox, return of the salmon, and the season of creation. The outdoor labyrinth will be 60ft in diameter and located on the back of the church property. The outline of the labyrinth will be made from large aluminum cans collected from local restaurants. The lanterns will be created from the cans by the community. The community will be invited to walk the labyrinth beginning mid-September through October 6. This is a very grass-roots creative project that is introducing NEW art activations to both locals and visitors. It is not a polished, Disney-like experience. It is meant to have an up-cycled, repurposed, organic, yet awe-inspiring feel. Many local artists and community organizations are donating time and resources to support this Issaquah Arts inaugural initiative and YOU CAN TOO!
- September 5 – Come to the Arts Sanctuary between 1pm-3:30pm and work alongside local artists hammering and drilling holes in to hundreds, yes hundreds, of donated large aluminum cans that will be used to outline the outdoor labyrinth. This a FREE, volunteer project, open to all who are available and interested. Bring a hammer or your drill from home.
- September 6 – Take home a DIY lantern making kit while celebrating Issaquah’s beloved Jakob Two Trees Troll First Birthday on the Rainier Trail between 3:30pm-4:30pm. Celebratory treats will be served. This is a FREE family-friendly event and open to all.
- September 17 – Drop off DIY lanterns at the Arts Sanctuary between 7-9pm and experience the Harvest Moon Celebration and a sneak peek at the labyrinth installation in progress.
- September 21 – The Labyrinth opens to the public at 7pm and includes performances by the Issaquah Philharmonic Orchestra (yes, Issaquah has its very own!), tours of the Arts Sanctuary campus to see the Artist in Residence at work. and at 8pm, a guided yoga, soundbath meditation, and more!
- September 22 – Kim Ngo of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club will lead a themed walk through the labyrinth at 2pm encouraging reflection of the land preservation and advocacy work accomplished, and still to do, in our surrounding beautiful Issaquah Alps.
- September 29 – Pastor Kristin-Luana Baumann will lead a themed walk through the labyrinth at 2pm introducing Blessed are the Peacemakers ,an invitation to gather in the labyrinth and hold people in war torn areas in our thoughts and prayers.
In addition to the activations and installations at the NEW Arts Sanctuary there are many other arts programming events and activities happening in September. Please visit Issaquah’s OFFICIAL social events calendar at VisitIssaquahWA.com for more to see and do in our vibrant area.
