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Seven Shopping Gems in Downtown Seattle: A Winter Walking Tour
By Greg Robinson
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Whether you’re seeking that perfect gift or a thoughtful addition to your art collection, a walk through downtown Seattle provides endless boutique and gallery-viewing opportunities. Seattle is the destination for the finely crafted and hand-picked, ranging from blown glass and art jewelry to clothing and tableware. Here’s an easy walking tour that explores seven shopping gems downtown. If you like, park in the City Centre Building (enter on 6th Avenue between Pike and Union) or in another lot nearby. Our tour is about one mile, and with lunch and a latte makes for nine stops total, so please wear comfortable shoes.
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Brooch by Sarah J.G. Wauzynski
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Starting in the City Centre Building (at 5th & 6th Avenues between Pike and Union) is Facere Jewelry Art, featuring the finest in contemporary art jewelry. Here the sculptures are wearable, crafted by emerging and master metalsmiths. This brilliant gallery also sells antique jewelry starting from the late 1700s. Don’t miss the Holiday Artist Show and Ornament Give A Way, December 3rd from 5 to 7 PM. You must RSVP to attend and be present to win. |
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Just south on 5th Avenue, between Union and University is Foster/White Gallery, one of Seattle’s leading fine art galleries. Foster/White has rotating art exhibits and features works by master glass artist Dale Chihuly, including his studio editions. Ask about the glass art of both Benjamin Moore and Debora Callier Moore. Gaze at the beautiful mixed media paintings by Eva Isaksen. So many artists to discover here, as well as at their other locations in Pioneer Square and Kirkland.
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Foster/White Gallery • 1331 5th Avenue • (206) 583-0100
www.fosterwhite.com
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Ready for lunch? Try Wild Ginger at 3rd and Union for wonderful Asian food. Or, after the tour, check out the many restaurants in the Pike Place Market.
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Next head down Union Street between First and Second Avenues to William Traver Gallery, a major contemporary art gallery, featuring glass, paintings, ceramics and sculpture. View the intricate reticello vases of Dante Marioni and the incalmo vessels by Sonja Blomdahl. Also see works by international masters Lino Tagliapietra (blown glass) and Bertil Vallien (cast glass). December combines modern chandeliers with vases and goblets by James Mongrain.
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William Traver Gallery • 110 Union Street • Second Floor • (206) 587-6501
www.travergallery.com |
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For a tasty latte break, try Caffe Ladro on Union between First and Second, just below William Traver Gallery
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Around the corner heading north on 1st Avenue is Vetri International Glass, Traver’s showcase for unique works by emerging glass artists and original production designs handmade for Vetri. All are innovative works of the highest caliber. A vase by David Levi’s IBEX Glass Studio could make the perfect gift. A martini set by Boyd Sugiki will light up any holiday party. Also check out the large collection of jewelry, and the books and periodicals about glass art.
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Blown Glass by David Levi
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Next door to Vetri is Found Objects, where antiques rub shoulders with modern accessories, and sometimes quirky objects. There is a full range of gift-level jewelry, from earrings to sterling necklaces with small diamonds. But don’t think this stop is only of interest to women, men will enjoy the vintage items and small antiques. Lots of great things to discover here!
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Continue north along First Avenue about four blocks to Opus 204, Seattle’s boutique for lasting elegance and style. Inside you’ll find handcrafted clothing, jewelry and antiques, as well as paintings and sculptures. This must-see shop combines high quality, beauty and utility, and is a treat for the senses. Touch a handknit by Margaret O’Leary, or try on a “crazy hat” from Laurie Chambers.
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Last but not least, don’t miss both of the Watson Kennedy Fine Home stores. “Completing the rest of the house” was the vision for the stores which feature tableware, linens, gourmet food products, jewelry and candles. One-of-a-kind finds from travels afar will round out your retail experience.
Watson Kennedy Fine Home
1022 First Avenue & 86 Pine St.
(206) 652-8350 & (206) 443-6281
www.watsonkennedy.com
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You may need another latte now, as you stroll back to your car or home, and you’ll find no dearth of options in Seattle. We hope you have enjoyed your tour of Seattle’s gallery gems. Hurry back soon!
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 Greg Robinson is a Seattle native and director of the William Traver Gallery in Tacoma. Be sure to visit the newly-opened Traver and Vetri Galleries, right
next to the Museum of Glass. |
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