An Island resident since 2012, Suzanne Zahr has created a destination for art-enthusiasts who amble between the Island’s galleries during First Friday Art Walk. This Friday she will be marking the second anniversary of her eponymous design-build firm and gallery with a cotton-themed celebration and art opening.
Favorite place on the Island to eat? I really enjoy the food, wine and vibe at Mio Posto. My daughter and I eat out at least once a week, and we tend to frequent Pagliacci, Sushi Joa and Riviera Maya, depending on our cravings.
Favorite Island hangout? Caruccio’s is the place to be on Wine Wednesdays! On sunny days, we spend as much time as possible at Luther Burbank, Mercerdale and/or Pioneer Parks.
You are showing three new artists this weekend. What is your favorite piece? Hard to choose. … I really enjoy the collaboration between Laura Castellanos and Juan Carlos Castellanos, especially due to their creative process. They each work on a painting, then pass it back and forth until it’s done. I’m also enamored with Robert Wood’s Lost Gnome Luggage—so playful & prolific. His literary backstories of each piece make them that much more interesting.
“Lava Danna. Kliny Marina,” by Robert Wood. Courtesy of SZ Gallery
This weekend we will be seeing the gallery side. What is new and exciting on the architectural side of your business? We’re very excited about current residential, retail and commercial projects on the boards that we’re both designing and building. In addition, I’ve teamed up with two other Islanders, Michael Ross and Rob Spitzer, in forming Rêve Development. This has opened up new opportunities in creating thoughtful, transit-oriented, multi-family developments to the Puget Sound area.
“Quiet Strut,” by Laura Castellanos and Juan Carlos Castellanos. Courtesy of SZ Gallery
What is your favorite architectural marvel within a day’s drive of the Island? You don’t have to travel too far off the Island to marvel at Rem Koolhaas’ Seattle Central Library and Steven Holl’s Chapel of St. Ignatius at Seattle University. A bit further out, I’ve been smitten with the L’Angolo Estate Winery, designed by Lever Architecture. My team is planning a wine-tasting tour there later this month—consider it research…
What one artist influences your work more than any other? Eric Blum’s pieces consisting of ink & beeswax on silk continue to mesmerize me.
The theme for your anniversary is cotton. What does that look like? We’re planning on serving Cotton Candy Cocktails. This has turned into a festive, kid-friendly, carnivalesque theme expressed in fun finger foods, balloon-artistry and a fun selfie-booth.
The Cotton Anniversary Part will take place at Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste. 160, 206-354-1567. Friday, April 6, 5–8 p.m.
