Category Archives: Art

The Lego Booth of the SDCC

The center of attention of this years San Diego Comic Con’s massive Exhbit Hall, literally at it’s center, at the Lego Booth. The Lego company always deliver’s impressive setups at it’s booth, with a different theme dispay every year. This year, somw lego artists outdid all previous years with a miniature abridged scale of the entire SDCC Exhibit Hall, and some panels, and the outside entrance, and so much more with more than 200,000 bricks.

Truly amazing, and here are some shots of the it’s massive display.

– Orion T

Madness of the SDCC Exhibit Hall…

The San Diego Comic Con Exhibit Hall floor is the center of arguably the largest pop-culture gathering in the world. It is immersion. It’s main showroom interior is huge, with over half a million square feet, testing the limit of how many thousands it can hold throughout its four days. To walk from one end to the other is a slow walk through crowds, interecting lines for experiences and exclusives, and many, many distractions. During the event, I foretell others I need at least 20 minutes minimum to walk through area A to area H.

Through it all is beautiful madness with its many merchants, studios, publishers, creators, and much more, all sharing attention. Here are a few snapshots with matching notes…

That last picture hides something wonderous, of which I will share next.

– Orion T

Justful Improvisation…

Where some see piles of wood, pallets, discarded metal sheets…others see canvases, ramps, blocks, connecters, stuff needing to be assembled in some unintended order. It’s all shapes with variances of density, waiting for some direction. Figuring some of that out is part of the fun!

After all, arent all tangible things just shapes with variance in density, just waiting for purpose or repurpose? Waste is so very unnatural.

Don’t thing about that above statements too much. That would be a poor use of your time. Find stuff to put together instead!

– Orion

The above picture is from Cal Anderson Park, Capital Hill district, Seattle. It was a day of light peaceful rain, shortly after the new year turn from 2024 to 2025. I regret not doing a new year’s post. Maybe I should do a late one. Hmm, I am late on a lot of things.

CRAZIE DAYS

IS THIS SURREALISM

VISUALIZE THIS

I AM A SAMURAI

LAZY LETTERS

I took time to ponder this moshing of letters in the back of an abandoned supermarket, during the recent Punk Rock Flea Market in the heart of Seattle.

Orion T

Building art through an old city…

Love a good mural!

Yet, I am sad to see more empty buildings in the Emerald City we call Seattle. I worry aboutf their use and eventually de-use, as many are torn down and replaced with sky high overly modernized apartments catered to high earners of the snobbish variety.

Then, I cheer up to see many of their shells painted upon to display a vibrant image not everyone will understand, but anyone can appreciate.

Each great used canvas becomes a reminder of what helped build this great city, and we should also be preserving: our past rich with creative visual talent who dared to take the more difficult path daring what they love, loving what they do, in those buildings built to better welcome them from kinder decades… Kenneth Callihan, Guy Anderson, Veronica Sauer, Ryan “Henry” Ward, Mark Tobey, and many more.

The art upon these old mostly abandoned buildings I find beautiful, where I am fortunate to see the parts of Seattle I want to keep seeing, from those who don’t this for money, those I hope many are paid well, do they can keep making this city beautiful, where it needs it most.

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The picture above is in the Belltown district of Seattle. The art is recent, though I could not identify the artist. But I do now the significance of Zanada, Years ago, Zanadu was a mighty comic book store I would often visit. I do miss it, along with many other stores around here.

Orion T

Leave a message…

You don’t need a phone to reach out. Just leave a message.

Someone will get it, eventually.

– Orion T

The picture above was taken in the heart of the Capitol Hill district of Seattle, where the pay phones are gone but voices can still be heard.

As the Summer Solstice Parade passes by…

It’s been a while..

Since I stood by among cheering folk and enjoyed a good parade. Not just any parade, but the annual (33rd!) Fremont Solstice Parade, here in north Seattle.

To those not familiar with this local tradition, the Fremont Solstice Parade is celebration of raw art and talent, produce by the Fremont Arts Council. The floats and costumes are all home-made, of the highest creative spririt and imagination. No corporations or logos, as funding is propelled by the locals. Spectators join in cheers as positive messages of love, peace, laughter, inspiration, expression, culture are welcome through the streets of Fremont.

It’s all vibrant, beautiful to witness. Here’s some pictures, sharing in my joy…

– Orion T

Staring down at the pretty circles…

Flying periodically between Southern California and Washington, I constantly look down with awe and wonder. I love a good view, and window seat delivers well. Then, comes two usual questions as I stare down; where am I, and what is that?

I often notice these large man-made circles upon rural flat farmlands of the western U.S. These circles are large and many, very even, and filled with variances of light-dark earthy tones, often adjacent to each other. In clusters, the perfect geometric shapes are wonderous to behold, unreal as part of some gigantic artwork in the grand museum that is our modern world. Or if I imagine hard enough, a surreal game of Connect 4 played by giants.

I learned these man-made wonders are actually center-pivot irrigation circles, where farmland is watered in rotation from a rotating sprinkler anchored at the center. This supposedly cuts down on labor costs and remains an alternative to ground irrigation. I can’t say I understand much more. Irrigation is a complex subject with debates on what is best and the future for our world challenged with climate change and continuous droughts. But, seeing the patterns from above, I see the impact humans have upon the very landscape, where they are microscopic in comparison. Our impact for better or worse, is its own unintended art.

– Orion T

Back from the Short Run Comix and Arts Festival, 10th Anniversary

I love small press and homegrown creativity, especially from the Short Run Comix and Arts Festival.

This recent annual event, at its 10th Anniversary in Seattle, drew hundreds of people to a big room to share in that support to meet and shop. Through the many tables, a chance to buy small and limited runs of books, zines, prints, stickers, and a lot of other cool oddities mostly from Pacific Northwest residents. To partake in the joy of creativity and discovery of fresh literature and art, especially the sequential, is delightful.

I have missed this much, as the Covid pandemic has kept the Short Run away for over two years. Now, it’s back to the Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center, bigger than ever.

There was an awesome variety of homegrown material for anyone, any age to take in on pretty much any subject. However, much of it is not cheap, as creators often take a difficult path in their devotion to their craft, often taking sacrifice in time and funds of their own. The best we can do to keep them going in offering such driven creativity, is support by paying the extra bucks. The opportunity through the Short Run is most grand.

Also, the Short Run Comix & Arts Festival is a free event. I think that’s a big reason for the support. Accessibility for all, feels more open and inviting. Though the lines during the prime hours to get in were quite long, with at least 15 minutes wait to get in…worth it.

So here are some great moments of the show, including some of the wonderful people I chatted with, and some purchases from me (last picture).

And now, looking forward to the next Short Run.

– Orion T

Sand castles outside the San Diego Comic-Con

I love sand castles.

I appreciate the forming of whatever can be made from any loose and building dirt. The natural process can be mesmerizing, but often slow for those impatient. That’s where the artfulness come in, with an instinct built from childhood, to shape from the imagination into reality. To look at a pile of the most basic of supplies, build with their own hands to shape and create anew, to create create work is what humans are meant to do.

So here, are my initial pics of my most recent trip to southern California for the San Diego Comic Con. This show, I will write much about and finally share, after a very busy two weeks. But for now, enjoy my pics of these temporary sand castles just outside the SDCC, promoting new original audio books from Amazon’s Audible service.

Promoting Impact Winter by Travis Beacham
Promoting The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
Promoting Moriarty: The Devil’s Game by Charles Kindinger

That’s all for now. Look forward to more pics and notes of my recent adventures soon.

– Orion T

The favorite comic book, graphic novels reads of 2021

I love reading new comic books and graphic novels, which has been a constant for over three decades now. I support the sequential arts industry, its creators, the publishers, and all that moves this form of storytelling.

For my annual tradition, I share again my list of the best comic books and graphic novels, released and fresh last year. The list is on strangerworlds.com, a site I contribute too.

Click here or pic for my best of 2021 list:

If you have any favorite comics, graphics novels of 2021 that I missed, or just books I should read….please tell me below (or in the link). And I would love to hear your opinions on my reads, or if you add them to your list.

But most of all, keep on the book shelves and enjoy those new reads!

Gazing upon the Fence of Doors of Vashon Island

Doors are important in most stories. These are transitive devices, that hold the way to one world as small and familiar as one’s own home, or to another world as vast and ready to explore as our universe itself. Either side, is a new story waiting to be told.

That said, is my highlight of a favorite little spot on Vashon Island to the west of Seattle), celebrating the awesomeness of doors in pop culture, with a fence made of many to the side of a house bordering a small alley. For a visitor to find, is to either stumble upon it or be learn of it. This spectacle is not easily noticeable otherwise.

Each colorful, styled door is in reference to some iconic pop-culture staple. Here is a closer look. Try and figure them out.

From left to right, I believe (might have a couple mixed up) we have Sherlock Holmes, Muppet Show, Harry Potter, Twilight Zone, Friends, Shrek, Hobbit, Doctor Who, Winnie the Pooh, Lord of the Rings, Monsters Inc, Napoleon Dynamite, Mystery Date, Christmas Carol, and Chronicles of Narnia (out of frame).

Upon my visit with a couple friends, we had a chance to chat with the artist, and builder of these doors, John “Oz” Osborne. He is a local resident, also very friendly and welcoming toward admirers of his work. He shared a little history, which began as a plan to keep his yard less visible to the local business activity across the alley. His wife, Jenny developed the idea further, as both worked together to expand each part of the fence, one door at a time. The work is still continual, with more space left for more doors.

John explained the most curious of doors, in the picture of the above on the right (him to the right taking a break from painting his own house). This door is in reference to an old board game intended for young girls, Mystery Date. The idea of the game was to gain a desirable date, but avoid the “dud.”

For those visiting Vashon Island, the Fence of Doors is worth personally checking out. Also, see what’s been added with the passage of time. It’s open for all to see, from a small side street. Location is 100th pl SW and 174th street, behind Luna Bella’s consignment boutique.

For those who may never get a chance to visit the little obscure area of the Pacific Northwest, here’s my little video posted on Instagram…

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Just sharing some comic books today…

This following is for sequential art lovers, and those who appreciate a good list.

I read a lot in my spare time, and always interested in good fresh stuff. And, I really love comic books, for at least 30 years now. The above pic is a small, very unorganized portion of my comic volumes and graphic novel shelf. These day, I am not much of a comic book collector however, as my supply of single monthly issues have been drastically reduced to a couple short boxes of treasured stuff. Maybe, I will share some of those gems someday for another posting. Meanwhile, I just read while adding the best reads and interesting finds in mostly wide release book form, to my shelf.

So, at strangerworlds.com (a site I sometimes manage), I recently posted a list of my favorite comic book series reads of the 2010s decade. Click and read the link here! You might find something worth checking out. And, I would love to know your best comic reads of the last decade too!

– Orion T

A small bit of Downtown Los Angeles art…

I spent some hours in Downtown Los Angeles last week, sadly with two little time to explore much of this grand area.

In the past, I would check out the many awesome murals there, and explore its art galleries. This time not, as I there for other meetings, then moving on to my next destination before the sunfall. Yet, with about 15 minutes to spare, I checked out a couple large murals by the Pico public rail station.

The one from the pic above is byFabio Lopez, who goes by his street artist name Dourone, a Spanish artist from Madrid, Spain. His artwork is featured on many walls around the world, each with a different message and unique vision. Check out more his work via instagram @duourone and on his official site dourone.com

Here below is another mural, in beautiful color giving love to the Clippers and its star player, Kawhi Leonard. The surrounding is a mix of positive messages and imagery that matches the vibe of this colorful city. I could not find any info on the artist.

And that was all for my mural gazing in the downtown area for now. I shall return eventually, and hopefully have more time for urban exploring and other grand mural finds.

– Orion T

Making no sense of colour…

“Colour is uncontainable. It effortlessly reveals the limits of language and evades our best attempts to impose a rational order on it… To work with colour is to become acutely aware of the insufficiency of language and theory – which is both disturbing and pleasurable.” – David Batchelor, Scottish artist and writer currently based in London.

– Orion T,

The picture was recently taken up close in a lobby of a new building in downtown Seattle, while waiting for a friend to arrive.

The new messages from Post Alley…

I visit the Post Alley section of Seattle’s Pike Place Market often. There, is a little driveway many tourists in the area miss, paying too much attention to the main market floor. Which is sad, because a great trip to the Pike Place Market is never complete without a walk through the Post Alley to check out the Gum Wall, and the art.

I love the art in that area much more. There are visual changes often, with new papered art often covering up the faded. It’s a mix of entertainment, politics, social activism, self-promotion, humor, and advertisements. I believe the bulk of it defines the true artistic soul of Seattle, as a hub of varied culture and awareness.

So, here are some pics of my latest visit a few days ago..

Just a small portion of sticky notes, very heavy and scattered this time.
A random scattering of what Post Alley is all about
A featured piece showcasing the current Hong Kong protests.
Another area, but some faded pieces I still can see from a month or two ago…

And some more by the gum wall area.

…

That’s all for now. I will definitely return to this spot, many more times.

-Orion T

Fun with some things of yesterday…

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The above pic was the side of some house in the Columbia City residential area of South Seattle. Shortly after admiring this display I noticed a yard sale sign pointing to a nearby house. I’m a sucker for yard sales, and finding new use I can make of something leaving an old life.

There, I purchased a round, wooden artwork of an exploring astronaut, perfect for my kitchen. And then, I was greeted by  a young girl of elementary school age co-hosting the sale, who invited me to play a little game of skill. Before me upon a driveway, a connected little lane made up of parallel wine corks lined downward. The goal here,  to send a narrow roll of once full of masking tape, down but within the cork lane as far as possible. The little host offered a prize depending on skill, but contained with a plastic egg in her basket. I did not get far, but received a tiny porcelain cat, which i would later misplace.

Which is sad, because I enjoyed that little game with that little cat prize. Its place on my shelf would remind me, to perhaps have own moments of joy, maybe recreate that silly game of corks and tape-roll. However, I hold hope that someone would pick that little prize up. Probably, from either the burger restaurant or bus stop where I probably dropped it fumbling for my wallet. Then, continue this silly little story…

– Orion T

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cool Chrome on Hot Wheels

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I spent some good time over at Alki Beach in West Seattle over this weekend, of which I needed.

During that pleasant time, I stumbled upon a good old-fashioned sidewalk car show along a block of the Alki Park area. Behold, beautiful vintage classic cars (mostly Chevies) of the 50s and 60s, all with polished chrome parts, intricate details, lavish interiors, overall high style.  Much love and appreciation were put into restoring these symbols  of big car Americana history.

So now, here are some pictures of this recent cultural observance.

 

 – Orion T

Write More About Love

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Rats, indeed.

This above pictured is of original art from the recent San Diego Comic-Con I attended. Which got me thinking a lot about the work of Charles Schulz through his strips of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang.

I grew up with the Peanuts strips, then all eventually stopped as I would no longer read the newspaper cartoons, or feel the allure of the paperback compilations. My sequential art appreciation evolved more into serialized comic books with more hard-edged fiction, complex storytelling, and abstract, fantastical settings.

But attending the latest San Diego Comic-Con, I passed by a booth with this displayed for-sale original art strip. The beautiful four-panel magic of Schulz transitional reaction to Lucy’s suggestion of simplifying love by focusing on a particular complexity, perhaps leading to a new emotion. But Snoopy, being a struggling writer who I can relate to, finds such a complex emotion isn’t easily simplified the more you focus on. Agony can be enduring, overbearing to comprehend; especially when expressing deep emotion.

Rats, indeed.

– Orion T

 

Brilliant Night in Seattle, at the Borealis Festival of Light

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Continuing from my previous post, is a main visual feast shared last weekend, at the first annual Borealis, Festival of Light in Seattle.

The main visual feast is a video projection main show upon the MOHAI  (Museum of History and Industry) building in South Lake Union. Over four nights repeated hourly for the early night hours, we got colorful video presentations backed by modern sound mixing, presented by talented light artists from around the world.

Here are some glimpses of that, ahead of the mass oohing crowds…

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Here below, are also some video samplings from the few various presentations, from Geekwire’s Youtube account:

An overall breathtaking experience for lovers of lights, sound, and modern new ways to express art in digital forms. I am a fan of this work now and will definitely check out more light art shows on this grand level of awesomeness.

– Orion T

Dazzling Bright in Seattle, at the Borealis Festival of Light

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Last Saturday, I viewed some very bright and colorful lights during the nights,  the first annual Borealis, Festival of Light in Seattle.

Such was a four-day event held in the main waterside park area of South Lake Union, where a showcase of light fixtures and interesting little sculptures were scattered about, in and around the area. Some of the visuals were interactive…

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That was all I got from the small stuff, but trust me, there were some cool illuminations around. That second pic above would change with the use of a “magic roller.” Cooool!

Some attendees also brought their own electrical lights…

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From all that, simple minor delights to enjoy for what they are, an appreciation for the use of art in light, through intensity, shape, color, and new technology. I felt a childlike joy, in allowing my imagination slightly drift off, in some weird otherworldy dimension for the moments I had to myself among the strange sights.

Meanwhile, the most interesting and best of it all was its main event, a very huge video projection show of dazzling digital light and sound, all part of a large competition of art teams, from around the world…

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I will share more about that in my next write-up, soon. I promise!

– Orion T

 

 

 

The great Post Alley Art Wall

Post Alley Art Wall

Between two giant tourist attractions in Seattle, being the Gum Wall and the Pike Place Market is my favorite thing in the area for all visitors to check out…the art on the wall of Post Alley.

You’ll find this in the side of a downwards driveway below the big sign to the left, towards the Gum Wall from the west end of Pike Street. It’s hard to miss, unless really tired. But, I love it any time as it is always changing. It’s full of social messages, with some politics. Also full of adverts, shameless self-promotion, heads up on local events, and some puzzling stuff.

That’s all for today. I think the imagery has at least a thousand more words that speak to the reader than I can put forth for now. Just click on to enlarge and explore!

– Orion T

Street-painting the sidewalks at the Belltown Chalk Art Festival

Last weekend, many chalk artists got down and arty in Seattle, for the 2018 Belltown Chalk Art Festival.

This exhibition of professional artists busted out some fancy chalk sticks of many colors, to create large murals for two days directly on the Bell street pavement. Add music, open areas for folk of all ages can join in, and voting participation…and we got a cool, free show open for the public to enjoy.

I meanwhile, caught a bit of this on Saturday, on my way to a little lunch date. I saw early stages of work, piquing my curiosity for the finished work. The came back on Sunday, to see some awesome progression.

There was something special to these chalk artists, to see their dedication in action, with every stroke and brushing for all to see in each step. To witness each piece in development on this grand scale, is a special show to behold.

And, I also talked with a new friend among the chalk artists, Raziah Roushan. Here, Raziah posed with her latest work in Belltown, inspired by a photograph she came across.

Since 2004, Raziah produced many grand sidewalk works in many US states. She holds much lot of passion for her work, often experimenting with different styles, making each large artwork noteworthy and memorable. She took some time out to share with me her artwork through the years, and give a little insight on the life of a chalk artist. Check out her work at raziahroushan.com

Meanwhile, other artists delivered high impressions with their chalk murals. Many of them were not quite finished during the noontime. But, I took some shots and noted some of the artwork, now featured below with links…

Gabrielle Abbot (www.gabrielleabbott.com, @GabrielleAbbot on instagram)

Chelsey Dustin (@artofchelsey for Instagram/Twitter/Facebook)

Lori Antoinette (www.lantart.com and @ishyla on Instagram)

Ten Hundred (@tenhun on Instagram)

Donovan Sterling (@vibrassponder on Instagram)

Merkuria Czerwinska (@merkuriaart on Instagram)

Jennifer Ripassa (@indofire on Instagram)

Chalk Riot (@chalkriot on Instagram)

Sarah Martin (@sarahrecycled on Instagram)

That was not all, or even close, as there were more amazing chalked work, of which I was either too early, or missed on getting some linked info. Meanwhile, more chalk art festivals are happening around the world, with one maybe near you. Keep a look out for one, than see for yourself some awesome art in action.

– Orion T

The Post Alley Times

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Sometimes, I cut through a part of Post Alley from the main Pike Place Market area in the Seattle city.

That is a moment with an atmosphere I enjoy, with the echoes of its partial underground amplifying the joys of tourists chatting and the busy street traffic above (being that this alley dips under into a slight ditch and tunnel).

The overall Post Alley is a place of disconnected fragments, confusing to newcomers. There segments are close to each other in the area, each with a separate charm to itself. The particular area I enjoy, is the one with the famous Gum Wall of which I shared some findings on, here. There is much else, including a few old shops, some bars, the entrance to a small theater I have yet to visit.

But cutting through, I take a moment to see what’s new on the walls not covered by sticky gum and windows. Always, there is varied art and self-promotion here. Much in the past of such, I have shared on this blog. The view is never the same, and always changing, with some reflection of the times. The other day was the shot above, and below here:

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A little more promotion than usual, but that’s okay. Much here is a reminder of the happenings of Seattle, and social joys one can connect with. Take it all in with these gifts of randomness present. Try not to process all, or look too hard at some meanings.

Then, walk away feeling some kind of emotion. Mind is usually simple joy, with sprinkles of inspiration.

– Orion T

A Celebration of Seattle, a Holiday Season Gingerbread Village Tribute

This year’s (25th) Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Seattle, is a celebration of the city itself and a must-see for local holiday deco enthusiasts.

This year marks the silver anniversary of the famed annual presentation, with “25 Years of Cheer: A Celebration of Seattle,” a creative, sugary take on visions of Seattle’s future, and past. There are multiple large displays, with structures, landscapes, things made mostly out of reinforced gingerbread, frosting, candy bits, gummies, jelly beans, frost, and other sugary silliness combined with LED lights and some animatronics. Each display developed from the work of an architecture firm and lead “chef.” Last year’s Gingerbread Village theme focused on Harry Potter, and Star Wars the year before.

Below are some pics of each display. Enjoy!

For those who wish to visit and view, The Gingerbread Village is now free to the public until January 1, 2018. It’s all located by the Sheraton (still hosting) across the street from at the City Centre building. You are also encouraged to also give a monetary amount to the JDRF Northwest Chapter. For more site and event information including bios on the designers and builders (and to donate directly), visit www.gingerbreadvillage.org.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 5/24/2017, The Excessories Odd-Yssey, Parked

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A curious minivan remained parked around the corner from home, covered in fashionable accessories and dazzling decorative art.

I admired much but had little time to study further (very busy evening). I did shoot some pictures but regret not getting much further on the close details.

I just did a bit more research and found that the car is named the Excessories Odd-Yssey, decorated by local artist Kelly Lyles. Her website is http://www.kellyspot.com, and definitely worth a look if you would like to see more of this awesome car, and the creative mind behind the wheels.

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Picture of Today 3/5/2017, The Heart of the Emerald City Comic Con..

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I spent much of this past weekend at the 2017 Emerald City Comic Con, here in Seattle.

Many attended, for which this was its 15th year in annual rotation showcasing the latest in geek culture through various guests, events, and merch. The good portions were the plentiful choice of awesome products, the many attendees in colorful cosplay, some cool guests, and plentiful opportunities to make new friends and discover new obsessions. The sad portions ran the lack of promotion towards the current comic book industry. Its artist alley ended up in a separate smaller space above the main floors, benefitting less for reaching out to possible new fans. The comic dealers and publishers were kept further to the back, while non-comic dealers carried a heavier presence in the main hall showroom. TV and movie celebs were promoted far more to the audience, with barely any marketing toward the new and exciting stuff happening in the comic industry. This is sadly the direction of many “comic cons” lately. I wish they would just stop pretending to emphasize that.

All that aside, I still love these events. The interaction is still there. I met a few creative people, whose work I have enjoyed past and present. I took part in some fantastic gatherings, bought a lot of cool things, and enjoyed myself with friends here and there. I will post more on the details in the near future.For now, I must rest. Excitement on a large scale can also be exhilarating.

– Orion T

In the above picture is Barry Kitson, a comic book professional artist from a wide range of well-known Marvel and DC comics titles.The character in the picture is Angela, a heavenly warrior currently residing in the Marvel Comics universe. Barry was sketching all weekend for the Hero Initiative, a non-profit charity helping comic creators in a time of desperate need. For more info, visit www.heroinitiative.org.

 

A visit to the Harry Potter Gingerbread Village…

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This year’s (24th) Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Seattle, is a very magical one. This new theme is all into the world of Harry Potter.

Last year’s Gingerbread Village theme was all about the Star Wars. Now, it’s gone full Hogwarts with displayed exteriors made mostly out of reinforced gingerbread, frosting, candy bits, lots of jellybeans and other sugary snacks best used for such displays. Each display developed from the work of an architecture firm and lead “chef.” Also involved were children (aka “Elves”) dealing with Type 1 Diabetes, promoting the cause of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for treatments and research.

For those who wish to visit, the Sheraton is located near the Washington State Convention Center in Downtown Seattle, in their lobby. The Gingerbread Village is now free to the public until January 1, 2017. You are encouraged to also give a monetary amount to the JDRF Northwest Chapter. For more site and event information including bios on the designers and builders (and to donate directly), click here.

Below some pics of each display, based on the first six books by J.K Rowling, and the movies based upon such. Click on each below for more detail. Also, click here to visit strangerworlds.com, for my nearly same write-up, and a many more detailed pics.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 8/23/2016, Throw your shoes up!

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Meanwhile, on Pike Street and 11th, in Seattle’s Capitol Hill district…

there are many shoes, released from their earthly bond.

…

-Orion T

Picture of Today 6/7/16, An Empty Fountain

Into the Cultural Landscape Fountain, within the the Jim Ellis Freeway Park in downtown Seattle (near the Washington State Convention Center). Design by Lawrence Halprin, whose work can be seen in many parks and landmarks across he United States. The crazy thing about this, is that one could walk by the fountain for many days, weeks, months; and yet miss the majesty within. Such is easy to miss, but hard to forget when found. Stop when near enough in Seattle, and check it out.

– Orion T