Columbia Citizens

your Wikli-fix: walk this way

Looking for a brisk walk in the fresh air? Is this a good time to learn a new skill? How about some thoughtful time with the work of local artists? Would you like to share what you know with neighbors looking to learn? Follow us — or better yet, we'll follow you.

artists reception and Sumi painting demo

The Columbia City Gallery has just opened two new exhibits. In the Main Gallery, "(un)stuck: mixed media collage" highlights new work by Gallery artists Dianne Bradley, Christian Gollub and Lita Kenyon. In the Guest Gallery, we present "Sumi-e: East Meets West", painters from the Puget Sound Sumi Artists. The Artists' Reception for both exhibits is on Saturday, January 19, 5 – 8pm. There will be a live Sumi painting demonstration beginning at 6pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Become a master urban naturalist at Seward Park

We're accepting applications for the Master Urban Naturalist program.

Through a series of field and classroom-based workshops focused on the wildlife, plants, ecology, and the natural history of Seward Park, Seward Park Audubon Center's Master Urban Naturalist Program provides local community members with interpretive skills and scientific knowledge to share with Park and Center visitors. Space is limited and reservations are accepted on a first come first served basis.

For more information about the Master Urban Naturalist Program and to download the course catalog & application please e-mail program coordinator Ali McCarthy, gro.nobudua|yhtraccma#gro.nobudua|yhtraccma or call 652-2444 x107.

Columbia City mural unveiling

Sunday, January 20 at 2pm. 5021 Rainier Ave S. The wall of LEMS Bookstore, in the parking lot next to Full Tilt Ice Cream.

Community Arts Create (CAC) has started the installation of what is known as the Columbia City Mural Project. CAC and artist Emily Taibleson have worked alongside various South Seattle organizations and groups, gathering stories, personal reflections and imagery, in an attempt to conceptualize, design, and paint a mural to capture the past, present and future of Columbia City. With help and support from local businesses and the many, many community residents, CAC is proud to finally unveil this piece of art, truly created by the members of the South Seattle community.

Join us afterwards at 3pm for pizza and refreshments at Tutta Bella.

film showing: The Coat Hanger Project

From a feminist underground abortion service in 1960s Chicago to the 2006 fight against an abortion ban in South Dakota, this documentary explores the pro-choice movement and profiles dynamic and diverse warriors for reproductive justice. Thursday, January 17, 7:30pm. $2 door donation. Dinner, with vegetarian option, available at 6:30pm for an $8.50 donation. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S. Hosted by Radical Women. Information or childcare: 722-6057 or moc.gnirpsdnim|elttaeSWR#moc.gnirpsdnim|elttaeSWR. Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible

free training program for walkers age 50+

Are you age 50+ and ready for a fitness challenge? Try a free training program to prepare for a 5K, 10K or half marathon walk, offered through Seattle Parks and Recreation's Sound Steps program. Saturday morning training walks will gradually increase in distance from February through June.

South End Orientation Session: Saturday January 26, 10 am - 12 noon.
Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave S
RSVP to Mari Becker 684-4664, vog.elttaes|rekceb.iram#vog.elttaes|rekceb.iram

Invited, you are.

Our master class, taught by Arts In Motion's own "Jedi Musicians" will help you. Students are welcome who are already enrolled in music lessons and who want small group help. Ask questions, learn new techniques, and get to know new resources in your community.

Saturday January 12 & 19, details are here

new fired arts studio

Emerald City Fired Arts is opening soon in SE Seattle. We'll specialize in paint-your-own pottery, clay art, mosaics, and glass fusion. We'll welcome walk-in business, offer classes & workshops, host birthdays, fundraising events and other parties. We'll provide "gallery" space for locals artists to display and sell their work and offer classes taught by said artists.

We'll be located at the corner retail space at "The Claremont", where the old Chubby & Tubby used to be, on the corner of S Walden St and Rainier Ave S. We anticipate opening our doors by March 2013.

organize: Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

Mark your calendars! International Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is coming up on Saturday February 2nd. Want to help organize this year's Columbia City celebration? Join us for an organizing meeting at Full Tilt in Columbia City at 2pm on Saturday 1/19.

For more info on ICFBD and to see photos from last year's celebration, visit our site.

silent auction of artwork at Columbia City Gallery

The Columbia City Gallery is hosting the 6th Annual Silent Auction (by Secret Bid) of Artwork by Gallery Artists. This is a unique opportunity to collect work from your favorite local artist. You can view artwork in the auction in the gallery between January 16 and January 27. The artists will set minimum bids. We'll accept bids January 16 through 27, 2013. You may bid in person, on the phone or via email. We'll notify winners by February 1.

More details are here.

technology center

The Rainier Vista Technology Center is looking for volunteers to assist during our classes. Please join an already dedicated team of volunteers who are helping to bridge the digital divide and support community programming.

• Job Seeker Club
• Open Lab
• Basic Computer Skills
• ESL Class
• Digital Connectors youth program

Volunteer "Tech Team" members should be interested in helping people learn computer skills so they can expand their future possibilities.

Please contact the Rainier Vista Technology Center with any questions: 4410 29th Ave S, 461-4568 x 202, gro.awhn|dnosam#gro.awhn|dnosam

this week at Seward Park Audubon

Tales & Trails for Little Tykes (ages 0-3)
Wednesday, January 16 & Saturday, January 19
10 -11am

Tales & Trails for Preschoolers (ages 4-5)
Saturday, January 19
11am - noon

Bring a Buddy Guided On-Leash Nature Walk
Saturday, January 19
1 – 2:30pm

details are here