We have this incredible number of artists and creatives here in Issaquah, and sometimes they can feel isolated. We are starting to build the networks to connect creatives so they have that networking piece — that magic that happens when you get artists in the room — and they have some technical support.
Juliana da Cruz, City of Issaquah Economic Development Coordinator
Over the years I have seen the impact of creative constraint on my productivity and artwork. I saw my art becoming smaller and smaller as I worked to fit it into the spaces and roles I found myself in.
At the same time, and probably out of a response to this, I was getting more and more interested in public art, the idea of getting out of my studio practice and creating in a way that allowed for expansiveness and connection to others.
Here in Issaquah I have encountered other artists, community members, and groups also interested in the intersection of place, art, and communal bonds. I can feel myself expanding and dreaming as a direct result of tapping into this collective vision and work.
Tina Velazquez Hays, Public Artist & Art Therapist
2024 Charter Members
Champions
Rachel Wright | Kevin Price | Leslie Moore Pflug | Bryan Pflug | Juliette Ripley-Dunkelberger | James Dunkelberger | Chris Craven | Christy Garrard | Alison Lang | Liz St. Andre
Cultivators
Milenko Matanovik | Lisa Soboslai | Pauline Tamblyn | Greg Craven | Ali Marcus | Mel Morgan | Deb Morgan | Debbie Berto | Amy Dukes
Celebrators
David Racek | Alan Racek | Ken Konigsmark | Treasure Hinds | Kristin-Luana Baumann | Olaf Baumann | Tina Velazquez Hays | Blayne Fox | Linda Gingrich | Laura Battenberg | Linda Schnell