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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Saks Off 5th confirms closure of Westlake Center store.

• Upcoming Seattle Mariners match

• A deep-dive into the life of Fay Jones

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

– Og Mandino

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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!

Seattle’s oldest residential neighborhood, known for its Victorian-era homes, is:

A) Capitol Hill

B) Queen Anne

C) Pioneer Square

D) Ballard

Answer to Week 26's Trivia:

The historic Seattle theater known for its indie and foreign films, with a neon sign featuring a diver, is A) The Egyptian Theater.

News

💼 Business

Group14 signs $300 million-plus deal with battery cell company. (Link)

Saks Off 5th confirms closure of Westlake Center store. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Why it’s a make-or-break year for Seahawks CB Tre Brown. (Link)

Mariners select switch-pitcher with first-round pick in MLB Draft. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Realtor/home builder couple list their Kirkland home for $6M. (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

⚾ Houston Astros at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Friday, Jul. 19th to Saturday, Jul. 20th | (More info)

⚽ Los Angeles Football Club at Seattle Sounders FC
Lumen Field, Seattle
Saturday, Jul. 20th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Ducks Ltd.
Madame Lou's, Seattle
Thursday, Jul. 18th | (More info)

🎵 Slushii
Q Nightclub, Seattle
Friday, Jul. 19th | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🏋️ SummerFest Family Fun
145 Alverson Blvd, Everett, WA
Saturday, Jul. 20th | (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 at night, lit by neon and holograms” 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

Seattle's First Electric Trolley (1889) - Marks the beginning of electric mass transit in the city.

In the late 19th century, urban landscapes across America began to buzz with the hum of innovation, signaling the dawn of a new era in public transportation. Seattle, a burgeoning city nestled between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of Lake Washington, was no exception. In 1889, Seattle marked a pivotal moment in its urban development and transportation history with the inauguration of its first electric trolley line, stepping boldly into the future of electric mass transit. This venture not only signified a technological leap but also paved the way for the city's modernization and expansion.

The electric trolley line in Seattle was more than just a novelty; it was a testament to the city's ambition and forward-thinking spirit. Prior to its introduction, horse-drawn streetcars and steam-powered railways were the primary means of urban transportation. However, these modes were limited by their slower speeds, operational challenges, and the physical toll on the horses. The electric trolley, with its cleaner, more efficient propulsion, promised a smoother, faster, and more reliable service. Its establishment was welcomed by Seattleites and marked the city as a leader in adopting electric-powered transit at a time when electricity was still a novelty in daily life.

The legacy of Seattle's first electric trolley extends beyond the tracks it once ran on. It laid the foundational infrastructure for what would evolve into an extensive network of streetcars and later, electric buses, serving as the backbone of the city’s public transportation system for decades to come. Moreover, it underscored the significance of innovation in urban mobility, setting a precedent for future developments in mass transit not only in Seattle but across the nation. As Seattle continued to grow and change, the pioneering spirit of its first electric trolley remains a symbol of the city's commitment to progress and sustainability in urban transport solutions.

Famous People From Seattle

Fay Jones (1936–2020)

Fay Jones, a leading figure in the Pacific Northwest's visual arts scene, was known for her vibrant and surreal paintings. Born in Boston but eventually calling Seattle her home, Jones's contributions to art were profound and deeply interconnected with the cultural fabric of her chosen city.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings (1936-1959)

Born in 1936, Fay Jones grew up in a stimulating environment that nurtured her artistic talents from a young age. She pursued her passion for art through education, culminating in her studies at the Rhode Island School of Design. It was during these formative years that Jones started to develop her unique style, characterized by dream-like scenes infused with personal and mythological elements.

Establishment in Seattle (1960-1979)

After completing her education, Jones moved to Seattle, a city that would become inseparable from her identity as an artist. In Seattle, she immersed herself in the local art scene, establishing connections that would support and inspire her evolving style. This period was marked by experimentation and the beginning of her signature use of color and form.

Artistic Recognition and Growth (1980-1999)

It was during the 1980s and 1990s that Jones's career truly flourished. Her distinctive paintings began to attract attention not just locally but nationally, leading to exhibitions across the country. Jones's ability to weave emotion and narrative into her work resonated with a wider audience, earning her critical acclaim and numerous accolades.

Signature Style Development (1980s)

Jones's style matured into what would become her hallmark: lush, evocative landscapes populated by enigmatic figures and symbols. Her work was a marriage of the real and the imagined, inviting viewers into a world where boundaries between the two blurred. This period marked Jones as a significant voice in contemporary art, with a style unmistakably her own.

Influence on the Seattle Art Scene (1990s)

By the 1990s, Jones had become an influential figure in Seattle's visual arts community. Her presence and success contributed to the city's burgeoning reputation as a cultural hub. Jones actively participated in local arts initiatives, mentored young artists, and continued to showcase her work, reinforcing Seattle's place on the national arts map.

Reflections and Evolutions (2000-2010)

In the new millennium, Jones's work continued to evolve, reflecting both personal and societal changes. While her signature style remained consistent, the themes and subjects of her pieces began to mirror the complexities of the 21st century. This era in Jones's career underscored her ability to adapt and remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of contemporary art.

Final Years and Legacy (2010-2020)

The final decade of Jones's life was a period of reflection and celebration. Her work was the subject of retrospectives that allowed new audiences to experience her artistry. Jones remained active in the art world until her passing in 2020, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate.

Connection to Seattle

Seattle was more than just a home to Jones; it was a source of inspiration, a support system, and a canvas on which her career was painted. The city's landscapes, its people, and its dynamic arts scene were woven into the fabric of her work, making her contributions to its cultural legacy indelible.

Key Achievements of Fay Jones:

• Established a distinctive artistic style that earned national acclaim.

• Significant contributor to the Pacific Northwest, particularly the Seattle arts scene.

• Received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to contemporary art.

• Her work featured in major exhibitions and collections across the United States.

• Acted as a mentor and inspiration to younger artists in the Seattle area.

Fay Jones's life was a testament to the power of art to transform, connect, and enrich. Through her distinctive paintings, she left an indelible mark on Seattle and the broader art world. Celebrated for her unique vision and commitment to the arts, Jones's legacy is one of creativity, community, and perpetual inspiration. Her contributions continue to be felt, and her influence remains a guiding light for artists everywhere.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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