The ID Art Walk

As a north-ender, I’m years away from having a light rail station anywhere near my home. Maybe that was why I didn’t share the excitement of this weekend’s opening by actually hopping aboard Still, I couldn’t be happier that this very, very long-awaited train has finally left the station.

What I did do was head to the International District for another first—the neighborhood’s first summer art walk, held on Saturday evening. Streets were busy as locals and tourists popped into shops and what looked like impromptu galleries (in a couple, you could still smell the new paint on the walls), including one  “gallery” set up on the walls of an alley. More established spots like Kobo  had live music; next door, the crowds at Lei Ann Shiramizu’s exquisite little shop, MoMo , had to elbow their way out.

I peeked into the little gallery within The Canoe Club  (right next to the Theatre Off Jackson), an inviting space that (in words from its Web site) “provides a social gathering place for artists, arts supporters and science professionals,” and was just in time to see a charming four-minute film next door—Cookies for Sale—at the Theatre Off Jackson.  I wrapped up the evening with a quick tour of the gorgeous new Wing Luke Museum . Next time, I’ll come earlier to take advantage of the best deal of the weekend: a handful of ID restaurants offering $5 art walk specials. And there will be a next time. Put August 15 and September 19 on your calendar—the dates of the next two art walks (5 to 8 p.m.; don’t be late).