This year's Uptown Stroll, held on a glorious Saturday, Aug. 27, suited artists, volunteers and event organizers and spectators alike right down to the ground - the ground being the new Uptown Park site at Queen Anne Ave. N. and Roy St. An estimated crowd of 300 was drawn to the craft booths, the live music and artists creating everything from a sandy mermaid to a giant "clay man" sculpture. St. Paul's Episcopal provided a space in its new centennial garden to celebrate the spoken word, and Ann Boles and other volunteers created "art in the alley" next to Nonna Maria's restaurant. Meanwhile, other artists painted live on Queen Anne Ave. and First Ave. N.
Judges Sarah Arney and Cheryl Johnson were impressed with the diversity and skills of this year's artists and had a hard time choosing the winners. But choose they did:
* Donn Longie won First Place for his bold acrylic painting.
* Brom Wikstrom took Second Place for his watercolor painting.
* Katherine Malmsten won Third Place for her calligraphy art.
Honorable Mentions went to: Kelly Lyles, Matt Calvavecchia, Gwen Maxwell-Williams, Craig McNeil, Dave Hollander and Steve Knipp. These artists worked in a host of media, from painting to fiber collages and clay sculpturing.
The organizers extend many thanks to the Mediterranean Inn and Queen Anne Office Supply for their generous donations for the first, second and third place winners. Sponsors without whom this event could not have taken place include: Therapeutic Associates, Queen Anne Physical Therapy, Seattle Jaycees, Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, FedEx Kinko's, Mogd.us, Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce, Queen Anne News, Merrill Gardens, Uptown Alliance, Nomaaaa Entertainment, tdphotography.net, KPLU, Videoisle.com, Church of Scientology, Queen Anne Office Supply, the Horowitz family, Not A Number, the Mediterranean Inn, Larry's Market and Midlakes Insurance.
Leading the way among the life-essential volunteers was Jane Horowitz, co-chair of the Stroll for the second year in a row; she was assisted ably by Luke Madsen and Don Lagerquist. And 23 volunteers from the Church of Scientology led by Zoe Vineyard combined with the talented Keith & Kathy Biever, Susan Blair, LaDora Jones, Geralanne Holstine, Meaghan O'Leary, Ann Boles and too many others to name.
Said Horowitz at the end of the day, "Our Uptown Stroll was pretty darn glorious, to my mind - glorious weather; glorious folks! This is my community. It's where I raise my children; it's where I do business and where I volunteer. Everyone 'brought' what they do best. It doesn't get any better than that."
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