Pink Hard Hat Chats (Ep.1): Nicole Faith [Electrical Foreman, McKinstry]

Today is International Women's Day! In celebration, we're highlighting Women in Construction by kicking off a video series called Pink Hard Hat Chats. Earlier, I had the pleasure of sitting with one of our key sub-contractors, Nicole Faith, Electrical Foreman of McKinstry Construction. She is a former Marine, proud mother of four, and Communications Officer for Q Missions (a non-profit organization founded to help support veterans and their families). Nicole is leading a team of Electricians on a first-generation Tenant Improvement site for Caruccio's Culinary Event Space, on Mercer Island.

First Thursday: ALTERNATE VIEWS [03.02.17]

The Opening Reception for ALTERNATE VIEWS was especially delightful. This curated photographic journey sparked a vibrant rapport as admirers explored the collections of Donatella Lombardini, Joe Iano & Laurent Bourscheidt. The medium of photography and how it's expressed in this digital age was heightened as these three distinct exhibits were displayed side-by-side.

ALTERNATE VIEWS : March 03 - May 03

Laurent Bourscheidt.

"You can't take a great picture if you aren't in love with the subject you are trying to capture"
- LB

Joe Iano.

Form is emptiness, emptiness is form...
- Heart Sutra

Donatella Lombardini.

"There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask "What if I fall?"
Oh but darling,
What if you fly?
- Erin Hanson

Special Thanks to Mike Donnelly of Bell-Anderson, miked@bell-anderson.com, for event sponsorship & being such a charming bartender! 

First Thursday: Art with Heart Founder's Celebration [02.02.17] w/ STEFFANIE LORIG

Another successful showing for Steffanie Lorig, Artist, Creative Consultant & Founder of Art with Heart, took place at the SZ Gallery during February's First Thursday event. This especially heartfelt evening was not only an opportunity to explore Steffanie's impressive collection of mixed media paintings, it was also gave way for her community to pause & raise a glass in gratitude for Steffanie's immense accomplishments. After more than 20 years of dedicated leadership, Steffanie proudly hands over the reins as CEO of Art with Heart to Heidi Durham and their growing team. Here's a brief interview with these two impressive women:

Those interested in learning more about the meaningful work of Art with Heart were warmly greeted by Jake Abbott, Development Manager, and Lisa Caldwell, Data & Development Coordinator, who presented various books & curricula currently offered. Both Art with Heart's new CEO, Heidi Durham, and their Board Vice President & Treasurer, Kato Wade, offered these kind words:

In addition to the usual wine tastings being poured by our event sponsor, Mike Donnelly of Bell-Anderson, a spectacular spread of delicious & vibrant hors d'oeuvres was generously provided by Caruccio's Culinary Events Center (coming to the Mercer Island Town Center this Summer). But more on that bit of exciting news in future posts... Stay tuned!

Steffanie Lorig's work will be on display at the SZ Gallery until March 1, 2017. 10% of all art sales will be donated to Art with Heart. Her work is selling fast, so catch this show while you can!

About Art with Heart (in their words):

Art with Heart is a nonprofit based in Seattle, WA, dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of children adversely affected by hardship, using creativity to lead to inspired possibilities. Since 2002, we have created healing, therapeutic books that bring together the best in therapy with the best in illustration to help children and teens facing distress and hardship. We offer trainings and programs to help children locally as well.

We believe that despite the many challenges children and teens face – illness, rape, divorce, separation, grief – their hearts can mend and they can thrive once again.

Our well-researched and evidence-based methods allow them to express their pain and their power so they can move beyond hardship and uncertainty to a lifetime of confidence and courage, so they can re-write their future.

First Thursday: Art & Wine [01.05.17] w/ STEFFANIE LORIG

We enjoyed a truly heartfelt art opening for Steffanie Lorig at the SZ Gallery this past First Thursday.  Such a pleasure to exhibit almost 50 of her most recent mixed media paintings, each with it's own vibe & hidden treasures. 

Steffanie has just recently retired from her 20+ years as the Founder & CEO of Art with Heart, a non-profit dedicated to helping children, who have experienced trauma, heal through creativity.  She's kicking off 2017 with more independent pursuits as an Artist & Creative Consultant.  In celebration of her immense accomplishments, SZ is donating 10% of all art sales during Steffanie's exhibit to Art with Heart.