< Thursday, February 4th 2010 >

Five Sumi-e artists present their 2009 show of Asian ink-and-brush paintings. Sumi technique is an ancient art form, using brush strokes that are simple, elegant and serene. Paintings feature nature scenes and calligraphy.

Fine Balance Imaging will sponsor the fourth annual Gratitude Giclée Art Show during the month of February. Each year Fine Balance Imaging offers this show opportunity to their artist clients in gratitude for their business, and all sale proceeds go directly to the artists. The art will be showing in the Hub of the Bayview Cash Store for the whole month, and there will be a special show in the gallery next to Open Door Gallery from February 19 to 28. Join us for the Artists' Reception at the Bayview Cash on February 20 from 5:00 to 8:00pm.

See the Images of the Universe in the Studio at Fine Balance Imaging on the second floor of Bayview Cash Store, 5603 Bayview Road in Langley. Images from NASA literally cover the walls of the Studio. Photos of galaxies and nebulas, printed on satin fabric, can be purchased from Fine Balance Imaging. See all of the images available for prints on the website at www.fbistudios.com/galleries.

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.

Combining elements of soul, pop, rock, gospel and blues, Tim Be Told has emerged in the Charlottesville music scene with their own unique sound. Recent winners of UVa's 2008 Battle of the Bands, Tim Be Told continues to grow a loyal and passionate fanbase both in Virginia and beyond with their infectious buitar hooks, captivating melodies and driving rhythm parts. Tim Be Told hopes that their music will cause people to view life through a different lens, one of honesty, hope, redemption and change.

Advance ticket prices: Skagit students $8 and public $10

At the door: Skagit students $10 and public $12

Tickets available at Skagit Valley College Whidbey Island Campus at the cashier's window in Old Main building. Please bring canned foods for our year round food drive for the Help House.