From contributor Monica Wooton

The public is invited on May 21st, 6-9pm, at Magnolia United Church of Christ (MUCC) to: ?Join us for an evening of creativity, artistry, community and fun! Help us design our logo, share your dreams and hopes, volunteer, sign up for classes and meet the board. You will have the opportunity to support the new Magnolia Art Experience (MAX) – bid in our silent auction for inspiring items, meaningful experiences and mystery packages. Learn how you can participate in the life of MAX as a volunteer, artist, instructor and friend. Food will be provided and we will enjoy a selection of local wines at the cash bar,? according to the invitation prepared by volunteers working on the event.

Colleen Monette co-chairs the event with Cindy Whiston. There will be art demonstrations, and food by local caterer Kasper?s. RSVP to the free event through www.brownpapertickets.com. There will be childcare for those over 4. Families are invited to drop off their children at the “imaginazium” to explore multiple stations to sculpt, paint and play with others in a kid?s-inspired arts environment.

The mission of the newly forming 501(C)3 Magnolia Art Experience (MAX) developed by a steering committee and newly formed board is: ?Magnolia?s place for creative arts exploration and expression ? A place where creativity, imagination and the arts flourish, where all are welcome. A safe place to encourage, nurture and develop the artist in each of us.

Becky Robbins, Board member, says she is involved because: ?MAX gives me a place to connect with others around our shared passion of the arts – and through the arts bring community together through creativity, shared experience, collaboration.? In addition, Nancy Gellos, Board member adds: ??MAX will support and encourage our youth through mentorship and creative expression that may not be offered in their schools.?

The Magnolia Art Experience (MAX) was the brain child of Scott Ward, fine artist?and owner of Scott Ward Art. He says ?I noticed what Magnolia had lots of and?what was missing: a community gathering place that encourages art and creativity, provides gallery space for local artists?a dedicated place for classes and community building around all disciplines of art, performance, literary and visual where kids and adults can participate in making art and being inspired by art.?

Ward began networking with others in the art field. A small group of five?set up a booth at last year?s Winterfest to ask other Magnolians what they thought of the idea. ?Over 60 folks responded with ideas, donations, volunteer hours, and great enthusiasm?,? says Colleen Monette, board member and one of the people who did out-reach that night. A free art class was offered for four and raffled off. The winner was selected and called at the next MAX meeting. The winner Jud Hall selected from a number of choices a class in encaustics (hot wax painting) as his prize, his wife and two friends attended. That successful class, taught by Monette, was the first event for MAX.

MUCC will provide the space for fine, literary and performing arts like: art classes, workshops in improve and creativity, writing classes/groups, photography and supportive groups for artists. A gallery space is already set up and local artists are showing their work.

The group began to formalize with regular meetings a year ago. A steering committee made inquiries into becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. A Board of 11 was formed and the paperwork to begin the process of incorporating was completed in January and granted in February. The group has been given non-profit status and the final designation of a 501(c)3 is pending the submission of their by-laws. The group expects it will receive this in a few months when by-laws are finalized and recorded with the State of Washington.

?I?ve been an advocate and arts lobbyist for many years. I have seen firsthand how access to a variety of art experiences for all ages brings quality of life to a community. The grassroots effort to start MAX has involved eclectic neighborhood talent, and that is what excites me to be involved. MAX offerings can touch the creative artist in each of us. I can see the day there is no need to leave Magnolia to experience quality art opportunities,? shares Mary Langholz, Board member.

This summer look for classes?for all ages, with?a variety of offerings, ranging from 1-2 day workshops, to sessions of 6-8 weeks. Have a class you’re dying to take? Suggest it at the open house. Input gathered at the event?will?help MAX leaders?shape future classes.

There will be art themed baskets, special wine, art experiences and art pieces offered in the raffle and silent action. If you would like to donate something for the auction or raffle at the MAX open house please contact Colleen Monette at 206.241.9084 or colleen.monette@yahoo.com.?For more info, contact?Scott Ward at (206) 283-1788, or click here.

We stumbled upon a commercial set this morning in our hood. Police, a wardrobe truck, and tons of camera and equipment line the streets near 35th and Smith. They’ll be shooting well into the evening, so if you live or park near there, please plan accordingly.

In the “Better late than never” category, we are excited to say hello to Magnolia’s newest restaurant, Mura.

Located in the old Tanglewood location (3216 W. Wheeler Street), Mura was dreamt up by Kay and Ted Kim of Bellevue.

Both are currently working in the restaurant nonstop.? Kay got her start watching her aunt at her restaurant in Korea.??Kay worked as a server for 20 years, and she and Ted have spent many years creating and perfecting recipes passed down from Ted’s grandmother, mother, and colleagues. Kay says their aim is to provide “healthy comfort food that Koreans and Japanese eat every day.”

The menu is varied.? There are?gyozas, yakisobas,?and scallion pancakes.??Donburis (rice with toppings), Korean soft tofu stews, bibim?bowls?and udons, as well as short ribs, BBQ beef, BBQ chicken and house-made kimchi. The meals come with?salad (with a delicious dressing), miso soup, rice, and?Korean pickle.

Local Carol writes about her experience:

Four of us ate at Mura…Saturday evening. What a great addition to the?neighborhood! The food was delicious, fairly priced and promptly served. Our?server was gracious, helpful and charming. Every bite was delicious! They?have a liquor license, so wine and beer are available. It had been open only?four days but they were well-organized…We remember when the lumber yard was in that location, so?we’ve seen lots of coming and going there. I hope this one stays!

When asked why Magnolia for their first restaurant, Kay says “we were driving to see this spot and we just fell in love with the neighborhood.? When we got to the alley, we knew this was the spot.”

I have?dined there twice, and look forward to my next time!

Mura hours:

Do you have a preschooler entering Seattle Public Schools this fall as a kindergartener?? Are you new to the area?? If you haven’t already done so, please be sure to get your student enrolled as soon as possible.? The district relies on spring enrollment numbers to do financial planning for the next school year.? It is imperative that?they have accurate numbers so?they can plan for the appropriate number of classrooms prior to the new school year.

To enroll your student or for more information,?click here.

The Expedia move to Magnolia, along with the Sound Transit 3 transit proposal, are events that are shaping our community.? All are invited to attend the Traffic Analysis meeting?this Wednesday. From Magnolia Chamber:

The move of Expedia to Magnolia will have a great benefit to the neighborhood.? A major concern voiced by the community in the first meeting was the impact of traffic?on Magnolia & Expedia wanted to address those concerns.?Attendees will hear from Marni Heffron from Heffron Transportation, and the Traffic Consultant for Expedia will give a presentation on the Expedia Draft Environmental Impact?Statement Traffic Analysis.

Doors open at 5:30 pm & the meeting starts at 6:00 at Magnolia United Church of Christ in Pilgrim Hall?(3555?W McGraw).

After many months of negotiations, it is signed around and we finally?know who will be moving into?the historical LeRoux space!

Magnolia resident Deb Bluestein has owned?Modele’s Furnishings (downtown Seattle) for over 20 years.? She loves the Village and very excited about moving her business here.

Eileen Quackenbush, Broker Agent/Realtor for?Windermere Real Estate/Wall Street Inc writes:

“Modele’s Furnishings will be a great retail addition to Magnolia Village, attracting more retail and many good customers from within and outside of our neighborhood. If you see her on the street or in one of the local great restaurants, say “hi” and congratulate her.? I would hope that everyone would stop by her lovely store and welcome her to the center of Magnolia. She will be having a grand opening at a later date, so watch for some activity in mid-June!”

From Modele’s:

“Modele’s Home Furnishings is a high-end furniture consignment store?specializing in well known brand names, custom-designed furniture, and?accessories.? Our merchandise is carefully selected and comes from?individual homes where it has been gently used.? We have new merchandise?arriving almost daily so you are sure to see new pieces each time you?visit our store.? We carry a broad range of styles from modern to Asian?antiques, and we love to show how mixing styles can create a layered and?collected look, providing a unique and personal result.”

Welcome!