< March 2010 >

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, hold onto your hats as the circus roars into our little Village by the Sea¹. Yes, you heard right, The Greatest Show is coming to LANGLEY! We dare you to witness our side-show spectacles, big top performers, fiercely-tamed creatures and of course, the amazing feats of art. Marvel as the artful Ringmaster and her assistant lead audiences through a kaleidoscope of color and imagery revealing extraordinary worlds of fantasy that celebrate the spirit of the Circus. Thrill-seekers of all ages are welcome to join us Saturday, January 23rd from 5-7pm for an opening reception not to be missed!

Opening reception Feb. 5th, show runs through March 3rd. The female body has long been one of the classic subjects for artists and is without a doubt one of the most complicated and ever variable. Whidbey painter, Ken Hassrick spent more than 30 years exploring this evocative subject. This retrospective of his work will feature figurative compositions that range from realism to abstract.

Brackenwood Gallery is thrilled to present a show reflecting the travels of three fine artists, Anna Mastronardi, Jeff Day and Faye Castle. Opening reception on Sat. Feb. 6th 5-7pm, exhibition continues through March 1st.

Thousands of daffodils brighten the ten acre Gardens joining early blooming rhododendrons and cherry trees as they herald spring! Daily 9-4 Admission is $8 per adult. Children admitted free of charge.

A free monthly garden forum with a presentation on how to "Plant a Whidbey Wildlife Garden." Discussion points will include plant selection and placement, going "native and organic," and creating backyard habitats. Please bring along any wildlife garden pictures, articles, books, and stories you might have to share with our other participants.

Spring Open House & Garden Stroll featuring gift shop and nursery specials, door prizes a scavenger hunt for egg-stra savings, refreshments and spring garden events.

Sat. features a Garden Market & Art Show in partnership with Whidbey Island Artists and Crafters and Sun. features a Gardener's Exchange to promote recycliong and green eco-gardening. Neighbros are invited to bring and exchange healthy plants, seeds and bulbs and gently used garden tooks, apparel (gloves, hats, aprons) and decor (birdhouses, feeders, stakes).

Ruth Ozeki, author of the award-winning novel My Year of Meats, worked for more than a decade in television and film. Her documentary and dramatic films have been shown on PBS, at the Sundance Film Festival, and at colleges and universities across the country.

Discussion led by Amy Wheeler

Tasting Penn Cove: Coupeville's Mussel Mingle at the Coupeville Recreation Hall. Enjoy brats, mussels, beer and wine. "Funk & Mason" performing. Tickets $20 and are available at the Center Whidbey Chamber of Commerce, bayleaf and Aqua Gifts.

The Whidbey Youth Orchestra and the Whidbey Island Community Orchestra will be presenting their winter concert. Light refreshments will follow the concert. Donations will be accepted.

Langley merchants present a weekend of fun activities including Friday Night Flights, a walk-about wine tasting series, on the first weekend of each month
This year's Friday Night Flights kicks off on Friday, March 5 with special food and wine pairings. Featuring a range of culinary flavors, the walk-about wine tasting featuring Prima, the EdgeCliff and Chef's Pantry features three different food courses each night - seafood, meat, and cheese or dessert - on a rotating basis (one at each venue). The wine theme for March is "Zesty Zinfandel!" Discover the alluring qualities of this robust red grape variety with value-priced zinfandels from around the world. from 4 pm till 6:30 pm.

Tickets are on sale now at all three locations for $20 per person. The ticket will entitle the participant to a sample pour at each of the three businesses (proof of age is required). Participants enjoy special discounts at the participating venues. Advance purchase is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

On Saturday, the fun continues with a cooking demonstration at the Chef's Pantry from 1 till 3 pm. Renowned chef and cookbook author Donna Leahy will be demonstrating simple, tasty versions of global favorites like Tagine and Tandoori. On the courtyard adjacent to the Chef's Pantry and Good Cheer, weather permitting. Samples and demos FREE of charge - Donations benefit Northwest Harvest, Washington's state wide hunger relief agency.

In March, MUSEO pays homage to past Langley art-buying days with a group show called "$500 Flat". All artwork in the show will be $500 including tax.

MUSEO artists have been asked to provide work that is priced to sell. This will give our clients the opportunity to get works by their favorite artists at a very low price-point. Work will be available for sale on Saturday, March 6, the day of the show opening. You are cordially invited to attend the artists' reception on March 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Start your weekend off right with First Fridays at the Farm! Meet friends and come enjoy the community spirit at Greenbank Farm. Don't miss out on this tasting at the Greenbank Farm Wine Shop and Tasting Room . The winemaker will be pouring a wonderful selection of his wines in our fun, casual environment. Peruse the art galleries for wine and snacks, music and art. Visit the Greenbank Cheese shop where you can sample artisan cheeses and local treats. Perhaps you will treat yourself to dinner out at Whidbey Pies Cafe. Shops will remain open until 8pm and the cafe, which closes at 4pm, will re-open at 5:30 pm to serve dinner, often featuring a new local chef, (call 360-678-1288 for reservations) and be sure to save room for pie! $10. per person donation to the Farm.

For over 20 years, the community surrounding Central Whidbey Island celebrates the onset of spring with the annual Penn Cove Mussel Festival. The festival takes place on Coupeville's Historic Waterfront and features live music, a beer garden, a mussel eating competition, mussel chowder tasting, mussel cooking demonstrations, boat rides to mussel farm and mussel car show. Children's activities take place at the Island County Historical Museum.

The tasting features Belgians. Tastings occur the 1st and 3rd Sat. of every month and feature a different type of beer. The Beer Works has a selection of over 600 beers, ciders, meads and wines.

Whidbey is home to a wide variety of artists and artisans from potters, painters, glass blowers, weavers, jewelry makers, sculptors and more. Each spring the thriving arts community on Whidbey opens its studios to share their art, their way of life and their island's beauty with the greater Puget Sound Community. The tour gives the viewing public the opportunity to experience the artistic working process of each individual artist, and see, first hand how each unique artwork is crafted.

Studios on tour are located throughout Whidbey Island, contact Whidbey Working Artists for a map of studios.

We will be treated to preview presentations of the 5 shows selected for next season as well as an additional bonus musical. We will also be celebrating our 30th year in our building on Midway and hope to feature some musical numbers from days gone by from some of our former 'stars.' It will be one of the best events of the year and something to truly look forward to.

Come view and buy from some of the areas best antique dealers and artisans. Show is the same weekend as the very popular Penn Cove Mussel Fest. All proceeds benefit the Island County Historical Museum.

Mt. Erie, Washington Park, Rosario Beach and March Point, but not necessarily in that order. Dugalla Bay if there is time. The goal: seabirds, shorebirds, raptors and forest birds.

Join Friends of Camano Island Parks members on a guided community walk at Camano Ridge Forest Preserve Saturday, March 6. Meet at 9:50 a.m. at the Camano Center (blue building), 141 East Camano Drive. The walk starts at 9:50 a.m. and climbs the hill to the trailhead with a brief stop at the Kristoferson Beaver Marsh. The first one-half mile of trail has a 200-foot elevation gain. Trails on top are fairly level. The trail is three-plus miles round trip. The approximately two-hour hike takes place rain or shine. Wear appropriate clothes and sturdy shoes or boots.

Wake Up Laughing improv troupe, improvised scenes made up on the spot from your suggestions.

$5 suggested donation, all proceeds go to Hearts & Hammers, limited seating, come early. Taste 4 Wines and Open Door Coffee will be open for your enjoyment.

Brackenwood Gallery proudly presents "COLOR FOR THE EYE AND HAND"! This show features Earl Olsen, Abstract and Landscape Photographer, and Cheryl Kamera, Textile Artist. Earl Olsen's fabulous photographs and Cheryl Kamera's lovely textile pieces will delight the eye.

Artists' reception on March 6th from 5-7pm

Putting the Heart Back in the Heart of Your Writing: Helen Sears, writer and teacher, uses the Amhurst Writers and Artists hands-on approach to finding truth in experience and writing about it.

$90 members, $110 non-members, register at wiwa@whidbey.com

Paradise Found Fiber Farm>> OPEN<< Rain or Shine
The following Saturdays OR just call for another day of the week…we are usually here
10 AM to 4 PM
Mar 6, 20, 27
April 3, 17
May- Oct every Saturday

A fiber farm producing hand made products from our fiber animals including Alpacas, Llamas & Pygora Goats. The Farm Fiber Shack has Handspun yarn, roving, fleece, felted bags, hand knitted hats, scarves & more; Educational Farm tours; Fresh eggs all year, and seasonal produce. Sept Fiber Fair (WIFFFS) details & map on our website.
Hours: All Year, call ahead or Saturdays June-Oct 10-3 &/or as noted on the
4081 Springwater Lane
Clinton, WA 98236
Phone: 360-579-1906
Fax: 360-579-1910
Email
Web Site

Through heartfelt, funny, sad, incredibly moving monologues, women from all over the world talk about what they have experienced as women-love, physical and sexual abuse, fear, the glories of childbirth, isolation, sensitive and insensitive partners. Eve Ensler interviewed hundreds of women of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities for this memorable theatrical production.

7 days at an idyllic world-renowned women writers retreat on Whidbey Island, and exceptional writing workshops with a celebrated writer. Each resident writer is housed in her own handcrafted cottage in the woods with a sleeping loft, work area and wood-burning stove. Meals are prepared by Hedgebrook’s in-house chef using fresh produce from our organic garden. The 48-acre retreat features forest walking paths, ponds and meadows, views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, and quiet areas for writing, reading and meditating. A beautiful beach and charming seaside village are nearby.

The week-long session includes: Ten hours of workshops over 5 days with playwright Theresa Rebeck (Feb 3 - 9, 2010) or poet Carolyn Forché (Mar 8 - 14, 2010), instructor-led constructive group feedback sessions, one-on-one sessions with the instructor and two additional days of retreat time. Space is limited to six writers per session.

The only regularly scheduled flea market on South Whidbey Island.

Come and join us for the First Mussel Hussel on Sunday March 7th!! Starting at the Mussel Festival headquarters, the Mussel Hussel is a 90 minute walking only Scavenger Hunt around historic Coupeville. You will be provided with a map and list of questions. Prizes awarded to the winners in Individual and Family/Group Category with correct answers to questions within 90 minute time limit, but you have to follow the map to find the answers! Great afternoon fun for family and friends. $2 individuals (children under 6 are free) $5 per group of three or more. Entry forms available at the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce.

Cary Peterson will take us on a journey to an exciting part of the world in this presentation. Cary, community gardener, has sponsored Tibetan refugees in India for the past ten years and has traveled in Tibet , Nepal , India and China to better understand the Tibetan culture and spiritual tradition. When not traveling, she is the coordinator of the Good Cheer Garden and also the Learning from the Land program at the Whidbey Institute. No sign up necessary. Free program.

In its 17th year, the WIAC Poetry Slam offers families and friends a fun way to celebrate poetry and prose in a relaxed setting. Participants suggest a list of words from which to choose three or more to incorporate in poetry written on the premises. Poets then share their creativity. Dinner served 5pm - 8pm.

Udie Ulsh presents "The Art of Building a Bird Nest". Doors open at 7pm, meeting at 7:20pm, program at 7:30pm. Please bring a mug for coffee.

Lovely, elegant and all different. Try what we consider artistic wines, blended to the winemakers style and taste. $15

A casual standing events where you can socialize, learn and taste. Also offered are a taste of different foods the bayleaf offers, a cheese pairing, the latest grocery items, a chocolate tasting.

Drawing from the diversity and richness of life, the evening will feature songs and stories of relationships, social causes and spirit.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

Don't miss out on this fun and informative demonstration about preparing food for both dogs and cats to keep them at their peak health and vitality. Fundraiser for WAIF.

For the first time, Clipper Vacations brings to you Gray Whale Watching from downtown Seattle with a stop at historic Coupeville on Whidbey Island.

You will have an hour and a half to visit the seaport town. Stop into one of its many excellent restaurants for lunch or swing by its locally famous ice cream parlor for a sweet treat. Other features of Coupeville not to be missed are a saloon and the historic red wharf building containing the skeletons of a gray whale, a porpoise and a sea lion.

The Goose Grocer is pleased to be the exclusive Whidbey Island distributor of Whidbey Island Grown pasture raised beef! Product selection will include everything from prime cuts to ground beef. Meet the ranchers at this event.

Whidbey Wedding Inspirations Bridal Fair 2010 at the Best Western Harbor Plaza Conference Center.

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts Choir directed by Robert W. Prosch

All seats $10

Join us for a seated tasting. We'll be exploring Bordeaux & Sud Quest Wine regions featuring 2 white wines - sparkling and Bordeaux Blanc and Bordeaux Superior, St. Emillion, Madiran & Cahors - 4 reds. A light meal will be served. Please register. $20 if registered by 3/12, $25 after that date.

Witness the Mayor kiss the Blarney Stone during this community event.

Features of the third annual St. Paddy's Bash include live music with the Shifty Sailors and friends, Irish songs and sing alongs. Enjoy corned beef and cabbage, beer and wine.

Cost is $30 per person, tickets outlets, Wind & Tide Bookstore in Oak Harbor, bayleaf in Coupeville, BookBay in Freeland and Moonraker Books in Langley.

The Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce and the Trust Board of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve are partnering for a unique opportunity to learn about Ebey's Reserve, and how to connect both residents and visitors with this special place.

Participants will explore the national significance of the Reserve, ways to experience this place, history of the area, and available resources.

This free training is an ideal opportunity for volunteers or docents, business owners, new residents, elected officials, nonprofit employees or board members, or anyone seeking more information about the Reserve. Refreshments provided.

RSVP to emi_morgan@partner.nps.gov

Jill Johnson and friends explore the traditional culture of Appalachia through stories, songs, games, folk toys, and just plain fun!

Mix of swing, ballroom, Latin, and country music including East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Waltz, Foxtrot, Nightclub 2 Step, Rumba, Cha Cha, Country 2 Step, Cowboy Cha Cha and the Electric Slide. Dance lesson starts at 7:30 p.m. and features the Night Club 2 Step (a relatively easy dance that you can do to those romantic ballads); followed by general dancing 8:15 to 10:30 p.m.

The $8 admission covers both the lesson and the dance. No partner necessary.

Explore the night sky and view distant galaxies, planets and nebulas at this public Star Party hosted by the Island County Astronomical Society. No telescope is needed and all ages are welcome. Please note that the event will be canceled if the weather is cloudy.

A popular annual event that brings 18 dealers to the main barn and loft. You will find just what you are looking for plus more from this incredibly diverse inventory of goods.

The tasting features Stone Brewery. Tastings occur the 1st and 3rd Sat. of every month and feature a different type of beer. The Beer Works has a selection of over 600 beers, ciders, meads and wines.

See what's new in the Gardens and shop our Specialty Rhododendron Nursery. This annual fund-raising event showcases the best selection of rhodies including new hybrids from Frank Fujioka, exotic species and tried and true good bloomers! The nursery season begins this weekend and lasts throughout spring.

Proceeds go directly to caring for this 53-acre outdoor classroom, living museum and woodland preserve.

Whidbey Gardening Workshop is held each year in early March. It is a one day public workshop offering a wide variety of horticultural related classes. Our instructors include Master Gardeners, WSU Extension Faculty, and gardening experts from our surrounding community.

This year's workshop features over 50 classes from Edible Landscaping and Growing Giant Vegetables to Getting Started with Bees and Gardening in Harmony with Nature. Whether you're a new gardener or an experienced hand, we've got a class for you!

Our keynote speaker is Valerie Easton. Valerie writes about gardens, houses and the people who make them for Garden Design, Metropolitan Home, and in her weekly column and articles for the Seattle Times.

For the first time, Clipper Vacations brings to you Gray Whale Watching from downtown Seattle with a stop at historic Coupeville on Whidbey Island.

You will have an hour and a half to visit the seaport town. Stop into one of its many excellent restaurants for lunch or swing by its locally famous ice cream parlor for a sweet treat. Other features of Coupeville not to be missed are a saloon and the historic red wharf building containing the skeletons of a gray whale, a porpoise and a sea lion.

Featuring hair, makeup, jewelry, fashion, flowers and dining.

Tickets $2

A day of fun, food and shooting for the whole family that supports the Whidbey Island Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and the Central Whidbey Sportsman Association. There will be 3 live fire events and air gun shooting available.

$25 entry for adults, and $15 for 18 and under

Paradise Found Fiber Farm>> OPEN<< Rain or Shine
The following Saturdays OR just call for another day of the week…we are usually here
10 AM to 4 PM
Mar 6, 20, 27
April 3, 17
May- Oct every Saturday

A fiber farm producing hand made products from our fiber animals including Alpacas, Llamas & Pygora Goats. The Farm Fiber Shack has Handspun yarn, roving, fleece, felted bags, hand knitted hats, scarves & more; Educational Farm tours; Fresh eggs all year, and seasonal produce. Sept Fiber Fair (WIFFFS) details & map on our website.
Hours: All Year, call ahead or Saturdays June-Oct 10-3 &/or as noted on the
4081 Springwater Lane
Clinton, WA 98236
Phone: 360-579-1906
Fax: 360-579-1910
Email
Web Site

"Why We Need to Draw" with Richard Box, a free lecture at Gail Harker Creative Studies Center. Richard Box is a highly respected, influential artist, embroider, teacher and author. Over the past 12 years, his "Drawing for the Terrified" course has proved extremely popular, and is one of a number of courses he teaches throughout England.

E-mail or call to reserve a space.

Showcasing the talented youth of Island County in concert with the Saratoga Chamber Orchestra

Stand up comedian and South Whidbey High School class of 2000 graduate, Brian Moote, will be performing two shows in his hometown.

All seats $15

Imagine participating in a private dinner event where the wine and food are selected and paired just for you. Add an artist talking about what inspires him and his art, and add the personal service and attention of the restaurant chef and staff. Welcome to the “Fine Art of Dining” series offered by the Pacific NorthWest Art School.

The dinner is Austrian themed and offers wine. Tickets are $100, seats limited. Watercolor artist Gary Schallock will be on hand to discuss his art and where he finds his inspiration as well as mixed media artist Patty Picco. An artist reception will be held from 4-5pm with a no host bar. Call 360-678-3396 to reserve a spot.

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. $10 per 3 hour session, will run regularly the 4th Thurs. of each month. Registration required.

Great showing of this hot terroir. Lots of tremendous value, both red and white. $10

A casual standing events where you can socialize, learn and taste. Also offered are a taste of different foods the bayleaf offers, a cheese pairing, the latest grocery items, a chocolate tasting.

We welcome you to come retreat and deepen your practice in a beautiful, natural environment. Throughout the weekend, we will weave together practices and wisdom from the sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda. The retreat time will be focused around Yoga practices, nourishing Ayurvedic self care rituals and space and time for reflection. When you give yourself opportunities for retreat, you have more to give back to your loved ones and community. You will leave with techniques to enrich your personal practice as well as a deep sense of renewal and peace.

Retreat without lodging is $330, lodging options on site are available

Spring is in the air and gardent ime is on the mind. Visit with Whidbey Island landscapers, nurseries and garden artists. Begin dreaming and planning your garden room. Get ideas for your patio container, garden and flower bed highlights. The Garden Faire is a one day event held inside the barn.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A live performance of Aztec-styled poetry and music, this collaborative performance engages in a haunting dialogue with the ones who have gone before. The presentation features a series of poems written in the mythic voices of Nahua poet-princes and princesses accompanied by Mexican indigenous music.

ADMISSION BY DONATION, fundraiser for Whidbey Island Writers Association.

For the first time, Clipper Vacations brings to you Gray Whale Watching from downtown Seattle with a stop at historic Coupeville on Whidbey Island.

You will have an hour and a half to visit the seaport town. Stop into one of its many excellent restaurants for lunch or swing by its locally famous ice cream parlor for a sweet treat. Other features of Coupeville not to be missed are a saloon and the historic red wharf building containing the skeletons of a gray whale, a porpoise and a sea lion.

The trunk show features colorful, comfy spring separates. See the entire line and meet the manufacturer's representative.

Paradise Found Fiber Farm>> OPEN<< Rain or Shine
The following Saturdays OR just call for another day of the week…we are usually here
10 AM to 4 PM
Mar 6, 20, 27
April 3, 17
May- Oct every Saturday

A fiber farm producing hand made products from our fiber animals including Alpacas, Llamas & Pygora Goats. The Farm Fiber Shack has Handspun yarn, roving, fleece, felted bags, hand knitted hats, scarves & more; Educational Farm tours; Fresh eggs all year, and seasonal produce. Sept Fiber Fair (WIFFFS) details & map on our website.
Hours: All Year, call ahead or Saturdays June-Oct 10-3 &/or as noted on the
4081 Springwater Lane
Clinton, WA 98236
Phone: 360-579-1906
Fax: 360-579-1910
Email
Web Site