He(ART) of Bellevue Weekly Spotlight: Arcana Metalwork, Daniel Frank Johnson Photography, Flood Clothing 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 provides a fantastic platform for these talented artists to showcase their remarkable work. This week's He(ART) of Bellevue spotlight introduces you to five extraordinary artists who find inspiration in both nature and their vivid imaginations.

Arcana Metalwork
Artist: Peggy Foy

What type of art do you create?

I create handcrafted jewelry in gold and silver.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I received my undergraduate degree (BFA) in Metalsmithing from the University of Georgia, and I have been honing my skills at the bench ever since.

What is your latest project?

I'm working on a necklace, titled Woven Willow, that is partly inspired by Arwen's Evenstar necklace from the Lord of the Rings. The piece is crafted from delicate willow branches that I cast in metal and then I intertwine around the gemstones. The first edition (2024) is made in 18k white gold with Alexandrites. Future editions will be available in gold as well as sterling silver.

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

Last year was my best-ever show at this event! I am greatly looking forward to seeing everyone again this year and sharing my newest work. Come find me in the shade along 6th Ave!

Daniel Frank Johnson Photography
Artist: Dan Johnson

What type of art do you create?

I create nature landscape photography prints and framed prints.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I'm self-taught. I started taking pictures while hiking and backpacking in the incredibly beautiful Cascade Mountains, here in Washington state.

Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your art?

Most of my inspiration comes from the mountains themselves.

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

I do not enhance or alter my photos in any way. If you had been standing next to me when I took these photos, what you saw with your own eyes would look exactly like what you see in my pictures.

Flood Clothing
Artist: Nicole Flood

What type of art do you create?

I make wearable garments using 100% upcycled clothing.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I have been doing this my whole life! I got a degree in apparel design, which helped me hone my technical skills. Once I had an understanding of the traditional forms of making clothing, I broke all the rules by pivoting to working exclusively in upcycled materials.

What is your latest project?

I create a new collection of work every year, this year's collection is called CELLULAR. It is an exploration of transformation at the deepest level.

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

Thank you so much for having me here, to share my art with you!

ReImagined
Artist: Jen Parker

What type of art do you create?

One-of-a-kind Upcycled Art that adds a touch of whimsy to your yard, home, or garden. My pieces begin with reclaimed wood and end with a smile.

How long have you been practicing your type of art?

I've been practicing since 2018, with a lot of growth along the way.

Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your art?

A lot of my inspiration comes from my own imagination, although I have dreamed of a couple types that I now make!

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

Each piece is completely made by my mom and myself. I cut, sand, seal, texture/paint, and adorn each piece so that no two are ever the same. We enjoy the upcycling aspect as well as working with each other.

Sonder & Scribe
Artist: Melissa Scott Lewis

What type of art do you create?

I create watercolor landscapes. I mostly paint either specific places or those inspired by the beautiful Pacific Northwest, but I have some new pieces coming based on my travels to places like New Orleans, Mexico, Hawaii, and Cambodia.

How long have you been practicing your type of art?

I started with oils and acrylics about 23 years ago and only seriously made the switch to watercolor about 4 years ago. I hadn't painted in a while but with the start of Covid I needed to get back into it.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I am self-taught. Sometimes I will play with the paint to see if I can accretive a certain look or feel. If I'm not sure how to approach a technique I will watch YouTube tutorials for ideas, but I usually adapt them to my own style.

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

I love coming over to the area whether for vacation or for the art scene. This year is my first time coming over to share my art and the community doesn't disappoint.

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.