He(ART) of Bellevue Weekly Spotlight: Artisan Hardwood Creations, BOHO Art by Potter, 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 seven wonderful artists who pour their heart into every creation with the hopes of leaving a lasting impression.

Artisan Hardwood Creations
Artist: William Arter

What type of art do you create?

I create furniture and home accents out of solid wood. All pieces are hand made, hand turned and carefully finished using the highest quality finishes. I choose wood based on it's color, character, and grain and especially like to create pieces using exotic wood.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I inherited a 1950s Lathe from my carpenter grandfather and have studied other woodworkers online. I like to research techniques and learn from others.

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

I am excited to be a part of your event. I am based in Southern California but have family in the Seattle area and hope to make this an annual plan. I'm looking forward to showcasing my art in your beautiful community.

BOHO Art by Potter
Artist: Tim & Tonah Potter

What type of art do you create?

We create Story Poles. They are made of solid cedar and carved, embossed and painted in brilliant hues with acrylic paints. Each original story pole is coated with three layers of glossy marine spar urethane to make it safe to display outdoors year round. These vertical art pieces bring color and interest to garden settings, but many people can’t bring themselves to keep them outdoors. They look lovely beside a fireplace or in entryways.

Where did you learn or develop you technique?

We have always loved flowers, gardening and the wildlife that live around our home on Whidbey Island. During the cold and gray Pacific Northwest winters we longed for the colors of spring and summer. We decided to paint long cedar posts with the flowers, birds and critters we loved, to brighten our yard during the rainy, gloomy season. Once we began this project, we loved it - both the process and the product! We worked hard to learn how best to weatherproof our creations, mount them in different settings (in soil, on decks/patios or indoors) and attach attractive and durable tops for the poles. Our current story poles are the product of all we have learned.

What is your latest project?

We both design and paint our own story poles. Tim has been having fun designing poles with bold black and white themes recently. Tonah has been creating story poles with a glossy stained-glass look, inspired by the beautiful floral designs she has seen in stained-glass windows.

GlassyRock Arts
Artist: Noelle Barnes

What type of art do you create?

I create stained glass and fused recycled stained glass artwork.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I first started stained glass because I wanted to find a way to display the beautiful sea glass, agates, and gemstones I had collected. Eventually, I started working glass into those projects, but because there weren't resources available back then on how to solder rocks together, I ended up being mostly self-taught. I have continued to create new techniques as needed, learning on the internet as I go. I sometimes combine gemstones, layered leaded pieces, fused pieces - whatever finds the image that's in my head.

What is your latest project?

I always have more than one going at a time! I've just fused several recycled stained glass works which are small and colorful, called "Bijoux." I've been working on a group of landscapes that represent the Sound, complete with ferries. I have several strands of Window Jewelry, with recycled stained glass fused into colorful and unique gems. I have a Beachcombing series I'll be bringing to the show as well, made from pieces of gorgeous vintage stained glass I had leftover from other projects. I always hate to throw away any glass, so I find other ways to make it into something I find beautiful. Oh, and then there are the home and gift items I've been designing. Never a dull moment, I love what I'm doing.

Karla Kay Art
Artist: Karla Benjamin

What type of art do you create?

I am a textile artist that specializes in working with silk. I paint and use batik methods on silk with dyes and steam set them to make them colorfast. I utilize the scraps from hemming my scarves to make recycled fabrics. I embroider and use couching methods to decorate the silk. With the silk and recycled fabric I make wall hangings, ponchos, scarves, bags, backpacks, greeting cards and more!

How long have you been practicing your type of art?

I have been dying and decorating fabrics for over 45 years.

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

I am excited for the show! Look for me. I will be in the church parking lot!

Laura Teague Jewelry
Artist: Laura Teague

What type of art do you create?

I make sterling silver jewelry inspired by ancient and contemporary motifs.

How long have you been practicing your type of art?

I've been practicing my art for about 15 years.

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

I am so honored and excited to be returning to the Bellevue Downtown Arts Marker for the second year!

Nina Alderete
Artist: Nina Alderete

What type of art do you create?

I create surreal collage paintings.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

Over the years I have developed a technique of layering cold wax between transparent layers and then sewing the layers together.

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

I am excited to be a part of Bellevue Arts Market this year. Come by and say hello. Don’t be afraid to stand close the the paintings so you can see all the detail and text.

Studio Bridges
Artist: Casey Bridges

What type of art do you create?

I create garden sculptures.

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I started working with my mother, a professional figurative sculptor, when I was 21 and also learned on my own.

What is your latest project?

I sculpted a pair of Roman feet in 3 times life-size, it is my my newest piece.

The 2023 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.