Bellevue artists to show at ‘Art in the Garden’

Three Bellevue artists are part of a 20-artist contingent offering sculpture and garden art at "Art in the Garden" at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

Three Bellevue artists are part of a 20-artist contingent offering sculpture and garden art at “Art in the Garden” at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. August 28 and 29.

William Lofgren is a cast-iron stone sculptor, Aiko Vail a glass artist and Poul Erickson is a wood-carver.

Lofgren’s work is inspired by petroglyphs from the southwest as well as Utah, California and Ontario. Vail and Erickson collaborate to create new works in art glass that reflect the Northwest environment and habitat.

From the serious and simplistic to the whimsical and elaborate, exhibits will include works in metal, stone, wood, blown and fused glass, ceramics, mosaic tiles, bronze and other outdoor-appropriate materials. A number of artists will be on hand to discuss their work; a percentage of all sales will be donated to support Garden projects. Admission is free.

“Art in the Garden” becomes a treasure hunt as visitors wander the grounds in search of the art works.Some will be clearly visible, others tucked into corners and waiting around the bend of a path. To make it more exciting, visitors will be given a passport to be stamped by the artists; those with completed passports will be eligible for a prize, with the drawing at the close of the event (one need not be present to win).

The first outdoor art festival at the garden, the event is seen as an end-of-summer activity for families and garden and art lovers.

“Art in the Garden” is an invitational show coordinated and co-sponsored by Gallery by the Bay of Stanwood. Other co-sponsors are Bellevue Art & Frame, Bellevue Botanical Garden Society and Bellevue.com.