He(ART) of Bellevue Weekly Spotlight: Alison Morse Jewelry, Dee's Fine Art and more

The Bellevue Downtown Arts Market is a vibrant event that celebrates the artistic talent and creativity of over 110+ artists. The Arts Market is a great way to spotlight these artists and their incredible work. This week's He(ART) of Bellevue showcases five exceptional artists who have captivated audiences with their unique artistic expressions.

Alison Morse Jewelry
Artist: Alison Morse

What type of art do you create?

Hand fabricated metal and gemstone jewelry.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

My first class was at Danica Design, a small jewelry studio in Seattle. I later attended Humboldt State University in Northern California and received a Bachelor of Arts with a focus in small metals. After graduating, I worked for several jewelry designers where I continued to learn different skills and techniques.

Anything else you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

Showing my work in Bellevue feels like a full circle experience. I grew up in the area but now reside in Santa Rosa, Calif. I love returning to Bellevue for this art show each summer!

Dee's Fine Art
Artist: Dina Ayoub

What type of art do you create?

I create colorful abstract and fluid art paintings on canvas using acrylic pouring and palette knife techniques. I use the best professional-grade materials available to create these vibrant, archival quality paintings.

How long have you been practicing your type of art?

I've been oil painting since 2006, and began practicing fluid art since 2017. I mix my own materials for pouring so I know exactly what is going into the painting, and have been doing that for six years now.

What is your latest project?

My latest project is a duo of colorful acrylic pour paintings in soothing peach, blue and purple colors that will have their debut this July at the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market.

Ida Loves Dresses
Artist: Lily West

What type of art do you create?

I make kids clothing for all genders. Dresses (always with pockets), tee shirts (gender neutral cut), and tote bags (for kiddos or adults; doesn't everyone need a tote bag?) I'm always on the hut for the coolest fabrics.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

My mother taught me to sew and to read a pattern, which was so helpful (have you ever tried to read a sewing pattern? I think they are written in an alien language.) She gave me the basic tools and I took off running.

What is your latest project?

I sew children's clothes every day for the business, but I made a coat for myself over the winter. That was a challenge! I'm not going into the business of selling handmade coats, but it was a super fun change of pace.

Man-Art
Artist: Bob Williams

What type of art do you create?

Obsidian stone knife. A primitive knife with a modern twist.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

This started as a project for my scout troop. The boys wanted to learn to make an obsidian knife, so we found a flintknapper to teach us. Once I successfully made my first blade, I was hooked and haven't stopped. My family are all very artistic and once I made some more traditional knives with antler handles, I started to think of different ways to creatively design knives. I use exotic wood from all over the world, marrying a modern handle to a primitive blade and creating a display stand that perfectly complements and highlights the knife. This makes for a very interesting display piece not found anywhere else.

Anything else you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I make everything from traditional to elegant to radical zombie apocalypse pieces. I offer something to satisfy every taste. These are the perfect accessory for a fireplace mantle, office or man cave.

Kris Sproul Photography
Artist: Kris Sproul

What type of art do you create?

I create fine art landscape photography, primarily captured around the Pacific Northwest. My photos are available on vibrant, ready-to-hang ChromaLuxe metal prints in various sizes. I'll have a wide range of these prints on display at the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market, including some new six-foot-wide panoramic prints that I'm particularly excited to display.

How long have you been practicing your type of art?

I've been practicing photography for 18 years and have been actively selling prints of my landscape photographs for 10 years.

What is your latest project?

While I'll always love capturing the grand landscape, my latest work has gravitated toward more simple and abstract work that makes great wall art. I've also been more focused on creating panoramic photos lately. I'll have examples of my latest abstract and panoramic work on display at the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market.

The 2023 Bellevue Downtown Arts Market is generously supported by Amazon and the City of Bellevue.

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.