Arts on the Plateau: In my opinion, Enumclaw's new art gallery offers the best of the best

Unable to contain myself with the thrill of touring a major Seattle art museum on 
Saturday May 11th and then returning to Enumclaw in time to catch the grand opening of Studio 54 at 1335 Cole Street, I feel compelled to share my thoughts. This is great day for art lovers!

The tiny town of Enumclaw has now a most distinguished, most astonishing, collection of art housed in one glorious building that is more like a contemporary art museum than a gallery. To my joy, in one short hour I saw more works of outstanding art and design, sculptures, woodwork, ceramics, oils, textile arts, photography under one roof than ever imaginable. If I had not already been out and about for hours and feeling my age (72) I would have stayed longer but I am certainly eager to return. If I sound intoxicated it is not because I had one sip of wine that I could unfortunately not imbibe although it was flowing that night during the annual Summer Wine Walk happening in downtown Enumclaw as well; it is the effect of art on my soul!

I have been to many, many art galleries over the years, both here in the Pacific Northwest, California and Florida and numerous other states in which I have traveled, but I don’t recall a gallery this imaginative, diverse and unique with art of such distinction and exceptional quality as this one that has newly opened in our humble little town. It is chock full of eye candy. It is multi-sensory, too, fingers unable to resist touching the glowing, polished or rough hewn woods, fabrics and glass and metal sculptures. 

I do believe once the word gets out this gallery will draw art lovers far and wide. And, I predict this gallery will be a catalyst for more art lovers and artists to discover the beauty, charm and wonderful world of Enumclaw. All of us who hope to see a true “arts district” develop in Historical Downtown Enumclaw that can generate more positive economic development for all, need to support this newest endeavor. This is an organic effort; coming from the people, growing from the roots of our town bottom up instead of legislating top down, it has the potential for fruitful opportunities. Let us nurture it. I saw that the throngs of people at the opening, and others drifting in off the streets, were enthralled, jaws were dropping, by what they saw. The party that began at 6 p.m. and still rocking at 8 p.m. when I left was elegant and exciting with a charged energy 
that was contagious.  

It must be noted that some of the exceptional artists showing at Studio 54 are 
residents of the Plateau. Among them is Gary La Turner of Bonny Lake whose body of award winning works is growing and whose recognition in art circles brings another level of sophistication to Enumclaw. La Turner is the Director of Arts and Culture for the City of Enumclaw and is the organizer of next weekends’ Artist Studio Tour where art lovers have another chance to tour Studio 54.  

La Turner’s newest work “Thoughtfully Northwest” has been selected as the recipient of the Bellevue Art Museum award in the Evergreen Association of Fine Arts 2013 Member's Show. Awards will be presented at the reception on May 16th, 2013 5pm-8pm at the Seattle Design Center in the EAFA Gallery. 

Another showing in the gallery is by the artisans of Enumclaw's long established Puget Sound Draperies whose award winning work in textile arts is  legendary. In 2012 their work won the National Custom Home Furnishings Alumni Showcase Award and had its window treatment displayed in the International Window Coverings Expo in Chicago.’’

I could go on and on but for now I just want everyone to know what a wonderful asset this new gallery is to Enumclaw. I did not bring a camera or interview artists. I was checking it out to see if this touted gallery would live up tp expectations. It exceeded them. It is possible I will write more about the artists showcased at Studio 54 but all the words in the world can never replace seeing it for yourself.