He(ART) of Bellevue Weekly Spotlight: Aaron Reed Photography, Basket Crazy, Buttered Soapery, 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 for these amazing artists show-off their incredible work. Get to know these artists better with this week's He(ART) of Bellevue spotlight featuring five exceptional artists who draw inspiration from the enchanting world that surrounds us.

Aaron Reed Photography
Artist: Aaron Reed

What type of art do you create?

I create limited edition nature and landscape photography prints from various mediums including Acrylic, Metal & Canvas.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I am completely self taught both in the art I create and the building of my brand.

Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your art?

It’s easy to draw inspiration from nature's beauty. I am especially drawn towards particular shapes, repetitive patterns, textures, and contrasting colors found in nature.

What is something that you would like to share with the Bellevue community?

The support of local artists is often times the difference between success and failure for small businesses. As a local small business I truly appreciate every one of them!

Basket Crazy
Artist: Marilyn McGarvey

What type of art do you create?

I create fabric covered rope baskets, coasters and trivets.

How long have you been practicing your type of art?

I have been practicing my art for 10 years.

Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your art?

When you wrap fabric around the rope you never know what it will look like. So it is always something new depending on the material. When we finish sewing the basket is when we decide how it will look depending on how we decorate it.

What is something that you would like to share with the Bellevue community?

I hope that the community will continue to support all the people who make handmade crafts. We make crafts because we enjoy seeing the end result and when someone purchases our crafts we know that our work has been appreciated.

Buttered Soapery
Artist: Marisa Papetti

What type of art do you create?

I create hand crafted soaps and other bath products.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I developed my technique over time growing up, learning it slowly, then turned it into a business since my Husband was active duty Navy. It was something I could take with me wherever I went.

What is your latest project?

I'm working with a shop in Bremerton to make custom soaps that match her shop. They are striped yellow and black with bits of honeycomb, topped off with a molded bee.

What is something that you would like to share with the Bellevue community?

We are excited to come visit, this will be the first time we have ventured off of the Kitsap Peninsula. We hope to see many of you. Stop by and check us out, we offer some samples of our products. Come get Buttered!

Elena Mosko Art
Artist: Elena Mosko

What type of art do you create?

I create mixed media on canvas or wood. Portraits of people of the world, wild life, spiritual reflections, and anything else that touches my soul.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I am self-taught. I started my painting journey as strictly an oil painter, but later began experimenting with mixing and layering variety of mediums to achieve greater light effects, which ultimately led me to the unique process I use now.

What is your latest project?

My new series, "Story of a Basket" reflects on women of different cultures, races and generations and baskets that are made by them or used in their families. This simple object is one thing that so many cultures have in common and is a beautiful reflection on craftsmanship of those who came before us. I just finished a piece featuring a young woman from Bangladesh. The next one I am working on will be a beautiful African woman. I am truly excited about finally being able to launch this series. These are the times to look for what unites us as humans, and weaving of baskets and textiles are definitely a history we all share on this planet.

What is something that you would like to share with the Bellevue community?

I arrived in Seattle area around 5 years ago but I feel like I have lived here my entire life. I love this community and feel so grateful for my instant connections with the artists and collectors in the area. It has been truly great! I am excited to exhibit on Bellevue for the first time and hope to be back many times.

Tiny Desk Designs
Artist: Valerie Graham

What type of art do you create?

I create jewelry that is hand crafted from precious metals and gemstones. I also work with clients on one of a kind wedding bands featuring unique textures and heirloom stones.

How long have you been practicing your type of art?

I have been practicing since I was a kid! I attended Rhode Island School of Design at 16. Once I discovered I could move metal I never looked back.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I obtained my BFA in Crafts at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. While living in Okinawa, I obtained my MFA in Education and worked for several years as a high school art teacher. After my two children were born I attended the Portland Jewelry Academy to refine my skills as I set out to sell my own creations as Tiny Desk Designs.

What is something that you would like to share with the Bellevue community?

How important it is to find the beauty all around you, even in the rainy PNW days.

The 2024 Bellevue Downtown Arts Market is generously supported by Amazon and the City of Bellevue.

See All 110+ Artists

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.