For dancer Tomas Sauceda, art is more than just about cool moves, it’s a way to help children cope with life’s challenges and to build-up community ties. The 30-year-old Wenatchee-born street dancer, hopes to one day open a studio, as well as make a name for himself in the world of dance.

Marlene Farrell is a longtime member of and volunteer with Write On The River; you’ve most likely seen her at Four Minutes of Fame, WOTR’s open mic event.

WENATCHEE—It’s easy to spot a Rollie Schmitten signature: Just look for the fish. Rollie draws a fish’s head, complete with a sly smile and air bubbles, then wraps the ‘S’ in Schmitten into an underbelly, crosses the ‘T’s’ with a long swipe and extends the end of the ‘N’ to create a sweeping backfin.

Violinist Blaise Magniere slowly lifted his bow; the hall he stood in was nearly silent. He paused. Then slowly, articulately, Magniere began playing to his audience — six cameras.

Willie Kunkel is the winner of Two Rivers Art Gallery’s annual Plein Air Paint Out competition. Kunkel is a self-taught painter from the Wenatchee Valley.

Wenatchee Valley College students painted murals in Wenatchee’s “Art Alley” as well as one by the Garden Terrace apartments as a part of an illustration class project.

WENATCHEE — Local artist Martha Flores has been painting signs in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and freely giving them away. Her recent expressionist work includes portraits of African Americans such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

In an attempt to express how quarantine has affected them, Wenatchee middle school students masked their fears, anxieties and angers behind a paper bag.

Joyce Williams is a local writer and member of Write On The River. Recently, we caught up with Joyce about her books, her passions, and her creative process.

The Numerica Performing Arts Center has announced the nominees for the second annual Apple Awards, a program that honors the achievements of local, participating individuals and schools that have demonstrated excellence or innovation in theater. Winners in eight categories will be announced …

Local photographer Reed Carlson will teach a virtual nature photography workshop hosted by the Wenatchee River Institute on June 4. As a part of the class, Carlson will give photography challenges that students can complete over the weekend, according to a WRI press release.

Leavenworth Summer Theater is postponing two of its three summer shows until next year due to statewide shutdowns and for the sake of community safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Central Washington Modern Quilt Guild will host a Pop-Up Outdoor Quilt Show along the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail between Pybus Public Market and Walla Walla Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 30.

Cashmere

Wenatchee

WENATCHEE — When crafting a song, one might start by reaching for an instrument. Mike Bills starts with his soldering iron. He often conjures up sounds from scratch by melting together homemade audio effects.

Artists in the Wenatchee Valley are taking advantage of their new abundance of free time. For some, self isolation means learning new skills; for others, it’s provided more time to create.

In these strange and uncertain times, Write On The River would like to help you take a breath. Even in darkness, creativity abounds, and we want to tell you about some of the people in our community who contribute to the arts scene.

One strum at a time, Wenatchee-born artist Adam Bristow is looking to be heard.

Somewhere, nestled in the Cascades in the tiny town of Leavenworth, lives a pair of authors who share more than an abiding love for stories — Suzette and Clint Hollingsworth are married.

Update: Stage Kids has temporarily postponed or canceled all rehearsals and classes.

After looking through dozens of different submitted artworks, judges for the 41st Annual Regional High School Art Show selected winning pieces to be sent to Olympia for the state competition.

UPDATE: The Ale Fest event has been canceled due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

LEAVENWORTH — Icicle Creek Center for the Arts is premiering its Locals Only Series with a trio of short films starting at 7 p.m. March 27.

St. Patrick’s Day is near, which means a week of green-themed celebrations and an excuse to stay out late next Tuesday.

This week: Embrace your creative side.

WENATCHEE — Join the Wenatchee River Institute's Science on Tap! at Badger Mountain Brewing, 1 Orondo Ave., from 6 to 7 p.m. March 26 and learn about the Cosmic Crisp apple as presenter Kate Evans talks about the fruit that was 20 years in the making.

Living art, abstract thoughts and post-impressionist scenes will be open for viewing during March’s First Friday Artwalk. At the MAC Gallery, viewers will be able to take on a sensory experience, tapping into their sense of smell and hearing.

This week: Look back, look forward, look up. Enjoy.

TONASKET — Washington State University piano instructor Yoon-Wha Roh will present a piano lecture and recital featuring selections from the 24 Preludes of Chopin and Scriabin.

LEAVENWORTH — The Wenatchee River Institute is bringing botanist Jennifer Hadersberger to the Barn Beach Reserve and Black Bird Island from 9 to 11 a.m. March 20 to help guests learn about identifying trees and shrubs during the winter.

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center’s annual “A Night at the Museum” fundraiser is 6-9 p.m. March 21, featuring four experiences in one.

EAST WENATCHEE — A fairy godmother, talking mice and magic are hard to resist.

Need something good to read? Of course you do. Five new paperbacks, coming right up.

TWISP — Three mean farmers, a gaggle of curious creatures, a witty family of foxes and one fantastic hero are all part of “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” which opens March 20 at The Merc Playhouse.

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