Sample Lopez in Seattle

Here's some evidence that local events featuring the fruits and talents of the islands can have ripple effects. Part-time Lopez residents and Seattle pub owners, Dennis and Meg Ryan, attended the Labor Day Studio Tour. Then, Dennis claims on their way to the Bay Café's sampling of locally grown and produced food in October, they said, "Oh wow, we could do an entire Lopez Island sampling at our pubs." That weekend they began approaching Lopez artists and producers about having their work and products featured at the Hopvine and Latona Pubs during the entire month of December.

Both pubs will host opening receptions featuring wine from Lopez Island Vineyards, Linda Adams' Pickles, and sausages and sauces from Lopez Island Farm (November 29, 5-7 p.m. at the Hopvine, 507 15th Ave. E. and December 4, 5-7 p.m. at the Latona by Greenlake, 6425 Latona Ave. NE). And throughout December, all the artwork they feature will be from Lopez. The Hopvine will include works by photographer Steve Horn, collage artists Linda Koenig, potter Jeff Hanks, and book-binder Iris Graville. Patrons of the Latona Pub will see the art of painters Timothy Maxson and Moon, structural paper hangings by Debbie Collins, and photographs and collage by Brooks.

"For these two shows we're tapping into a very small handful of Lopez artists," says Meg. "We have small exhibit spaces at these little neighborhood pubs, so we couldn't begin to feature all the talented artists from Lopez. We hope, though, this will be the beginnings of an annual event." The Ryans hope to live full-time on Lopez before long, and their main objective with this sampling at their pubs is to provide a Seattle venue for Lopez artists and producers. "Dennis and I are totally dedicated to promoting local art and products," says Meg, "so we're inviting Seattle people who have connections to Lopez--and we're hoping for big crowds at these events!"

For more information about the pubs, visit the Northwest Brew Page website at http://www.nwbrewpage.com/wapubs/.

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