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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• $1.55 billion transportation levy breaks decadeslong Burke-Gilman impasse.

• Upcoming Seattle Sounders FC match

• A deep-dive into the life of Wesley Wehr

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.”

—Muhammad Ali

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which historic Seattle theater, known for its indie and foreign films, has a neon sign featuring a diver?

A) The Egyptian Theater

B) The Paramount Theatre

C) The Cinerama

D) The Majestic Bay Theatres

Answer to Week 25's Trivia:

The Seattle attraction offering an extensive view of the city from its water-bound location, including sea life exhibits, is B) Seattle Aquarium.

News

💼 Business

MOD Pizza gains new owner in wake of bankruptcy rumors. (Link)

Longtime Seattle restaurant plans to open location in US Bank Center. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Big Ray: What stands out about Seahawks’ new OL coach. (Link)

Ranking the Mariners’ trade needs by position. (Link)

🏦 Finance

$1.55 billion transportation levy breaks decadeslong Burke-Gilman impasse. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚽ St. Louis CITY SC at Seattle Sounders FC
Lumen Field, Seattle
Wednesday, Jul. 17th | (More info)

⚽ NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup
Lumen Field, Seattle
Friday, Jul. 19th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Dengue Fever
The Crocodile, Seattle
Monday, Jul. 15th | (More info)

🎵 Man Man
Neumos, Seattle
Tuesday, Jul. 16th | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🧘 Introduction to Science-Based Meditation and Awareness, for Kids
8011 Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle
Tuesday, Jul. 16th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Seattle where each district represents a different season” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Seattle Historical Events

Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP) (2020) - A significant event in Seattle's recent history, reflecting social and political activism. (Although beyond the 2000 timeline, it shows the ongoing significance of Seattle in social movements.)

The Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP), initially known as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), was a significant event in Seattle's recent history that unfolded in the wake of George Floyd's murder in May 2020. Sparked by national outrage over police brutality and systemic racism, the protest emerged as a remarkable instance of social and political activism. Occupying several blocks around the Seattle Police Department's East Precinct on Capitol Hill, demonstrators declared the area a police-free zone, focusing on creating a communal space where ideas about justice, equity, and community could be freely explored and expressed.

Over the course of approximately three weeks in June 2020, CHOP became a living example of grassroots activism, with participants engaging in a range of activities aimed at community building and social reform. The area was transformed into a vibrant community hub, featuring discussion forums, a free community kitchen, medical stations, and art installations. Vivid murals and artwork became symbols of the movement, with messages advocating for racial equality and police reform. The communal atmosphere and the absence of police intervention, at least initially, allowed for a peaceful exploration of alternative governance and community support systems.

However, the narrative of CHOP evolved as incidents of violence and safety concerns began to surface, leading to increasing criticism and scrutiny from both local and national figures. The Seattle Police Department eventually reclaimed their precinct, and the area was cleared of protesters by early July, marking the end of the CHOP zone. While the physical occupation was disbanded, the legacy of CHOP has continued to influence discussions on policing, community safety, and racial justice in Seattle and beyond. It underscored the city's ongoing significance in social movements, serving as a powerful example of citizens' capacity for organized action and the complexities involved in negotiating the path toward meaningful societal change.

Famous People From Seattle

Wesley Wehr (1929–2004)

Wesley Wehr was a multifaceted individual, known both as a distinguished artist and as a writer who played a crucial role in documenting the history of the Northwest School, contributing significantly to the preservation of the region's art and literary narratives.

Early Life and the Love for Art (1929-1947)

Born in Seattle, Washington, Wesley Wehr grew up in an environment that was both culturally rich and naturally inspiring. From a young age, Wehr was intrigued by the natural beauty of the Northwest, which would later be a significant influence in his art and writings. His early life was marked by a passion for exploring various forms of creative expression, setting the stage for a lifetime of artistic and literary achievements.

Formative Years and Education (1948-1951)

Wehr attended the University of Washington, where he not only honed his artistic skills but also deepened his appreciation for the arts and humanities. It was during this period that he began to forge connections with fellow artists and poets, embedding himself in the local cultural scene. These relationships proved foundational to his future work, both as an artist and as a chronicler of the Northwest School.

Association with the Northwest School (1952-1960)

Through his engagements in the Seattle art scene, Wehr became closely associated with the Northwest School, a movement known for its distinctive blend of natural imagery and modern artistic techniques. He developed friendships with key figures such as Mark Tobey and Morris Graves, whose influences are evident in Wehr’s own works. His art from this period reflects a deep engagement with the themes of nature and transcendence that characterized the movement.

An Artist’s Evolution (1961-1970)

Throughout the 1960s, Wehr's art evolved, demonstrating a more profound exploration of abstract forms and the incorporation of organic elements. His paintings from this era reveal a maturation of style and a deeper contemplation of the relationship between humanity and the natural world, themes that remained constant throughout his career.

The Scholar and Chronicler (1971-1980)

In the 1970s, Wehr embarked on a new phase of his career, focusing more on writing and scholarship. He made significant contributions to the documentation of the Northwest School, interviewing artists and compiling a wealth of materials that shed light on the movement and its impact. His writings from this period serve as vital resources for understanding the cultural and artistic landscape of the Pacific Northwest during the mid-20th century.

Connection to Seattle (1981-1990)

Wehr's connection to Seattle remained strong throughout his life. In the 1980s, he became an instrumental figure in promoting the city's art scene, engaging in various initiatives that aimed to preserve the legacy of the Northwest School and support emerging artists. His efforts during this time helped ensure that Seattle remained a vibrant center for artistic expression.

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future (1991-2000)

As the new millennium approached, Wehr continued his work in preserving the history and legacy of the Northwest School. His dedication to this cause ensured that future generations would have access to a rich archive of materials related to this influential art movement. His advocacy for the arts also helped inspire a renewed interest in the region's cultural heritage.

Reflections and Recollections (2001-2004)

In his final years, Wehr engaged in reflective writing, looking back on his life and the many changes he witnessed in the art world. He remained an avid supporter of the arts until his passing in 2004, leaving behind a legacy that encompassed both his own artistic contributions and his efforts to document the history of the Northwest School.

Key Achievements:

• Played a pivotal role in the Northwest School, both as an artist and as a documentarian.

• Developed a distinctive artistic style that combined natural motifs with abstract forms.

• Authored several books and articles chronicling the history and impact of the Northwest School and its key figures.

• Fostered connections among artists and poets, contributing to a vibrant cultural community in Seattle.

• Worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the legacy of the Northwest School for future generations.

Wesley Wehr’s life was a testament to his enduring commitment to the arts, both as a practitioner and a chronicler. His contributions not only enriched the cultural landscape of the Pacific Northwest but also ensured that the legacy of the Northwest School would be preserved for posterity. Through his art, writings, and advocacy, Wehr left an indelible mark on the region's artistic heritage, inspiring future generations to appreciate and continue the traditions of innovation and introspection that he so passionately championed.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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