by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid
SGN A&E Writer

Some may call this time in August—past July 4th, before school starts, for most people—‘the dog days’, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun in the sun.  Or, you can go inside and see some art, and if you’re new in town, or just don’t know where to find some pieces to noodle over, here are a few suggestions.

First on the menu, you need not wander any further than the place across from SGN offices (and around a corner, up some stairs), Sweatshop, to see their exhibit called ‘Gray Space: Exploring the Seattle Experience’, which features nine local artists.  The theme pretty much says it all, but the ways the theme is explored vary from photography to something resembling installation art.  Just go see it and meet the lovely folks who run the place.  It is located at 1202 East Pine in Seattle.  Look for their sign and you’ll find it, or you could e-mail them for more info. at info@sweatshop.com.

And not much further away, check out the new exhibition ‘I’d Like To Thank All The Little People’, with some interesting paintings by Neil Vandervloed.  And while you’re checking these out, at the new Bazr, (located where the old General Store used to be), you can scope out their collection of local jewelry, clothing and other fun stuff.

Then, further down the hill, you’ll find some more delightful drawings, by artist Jessixa, in an exhibit called ‘Robots and Cupcakes’.  I really liked the exhibit because it just made me feel good.  With simple, almost childlike drawings accented by watercolor, the piece harkens to an innocence so lacking in most pretentious art being displayed these days.  I’d give it my seal of approval (if I had a seal). Take my word for it, this work is worth a looksee.  Find it at Bluebottle Art Gallery and Store, and while you’re there, you can pick up something fun from their interesting collection of stuff.  It is located at 415 E. Pine in Seattle.

And finally, do check out the newest exhibit at Art/Not Terminal Gallery, located at Westlake in Lenora.  With digital photos by Raymond Deslauriers in the main gallery and a delightful show by different artists and more work in the Subterranean Room, the show has something for every taste.  Heck, you might even want to buy some pieces to save for later this year, to give as gifts.  Yes, I know it’s awfully early to think of that, but you never know, someone might have a birthday or get married, or something before December.  At any rate, just go over and wander through the gallery.  You want be disappointed, I promise.