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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Joan Osborne performance

• Upcoming Seattle Mariners match

• A deep-dive into the life of William Cumming

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.”

– John Wooden

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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 Seattle event is famous for its live artistic pumpkin carving, typically held at the Seattle Glassblowing Studio?

A) The Great Pumpkin Beer Festival

B) Pumpkin Bash at Woodland Park Zoo

C) The Pumpkin Carving Festival

D) Night of 1,000 Pumpkins

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

Seattle’s oldest residential neighborhood, known for its Victorian-era homes, is C) Pioneer Square.

News

💼 Business

Port of Seattle Invites Women, Minority, and Small Business Owners to Apply for 2024 Business Accelerator Program. (link)

Boeing announces plans to invest $1 billion in its Seattle facilities over the next five years, focusing on sustainability and technology. (link)

🏒 Sports

Seahawks place 7 on PUP list prior to training camp. (link)

Mariners drop out of Top 10 in new MLB power rankings. (link)

🏦 Finance

Zillow reveals that Seattle's housing market sees a 5% increase in home prices over the past month, reflecting high demand and limited supply. (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

⚾ Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
July 24 | (More info)

🏃 Bizarre Run Buds Run Club
Bizarre Brewing, Seattle
July 22 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Joan Osborne
Triple Door Downtown, Seattle
July 23 | (More info)

🎸 Toad the Wet Sprocket
Neptune Theater, Seattle
July 23 | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

📚 Virtual: Story Time
UW Botanic Gardens, Seattle
July 22 | (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 “Futuristic Seattle with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy” 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

Denny Regrade Project (Begun in 1898) - The flattening of Denny Hill reshaped Seattle's topography and cityscape.

The Denny Regrade Project, initiated in 1898, stands as one of Seattle's most ambitious and transformative urban engineering feats, utterly reshaping the city's landscape. Denny Hill, a steep, cumbersome elevation that presented significant challenges to the burgeoning city's development and expansion, was the focal point of this endeavor. In an era driven by rapid growth and the promise of economic opportunities, the city leaders decided that the topographical obstacle of Denny Hill needed to be removed to pave the way for urban development and infrastructure improvement. This decision set the stage for an extensive and labor-intensive project that would fundamentally alter Seattle's topography and skyline.

The regrading process involved the removal of millions of cubic yards of earth through a combination of hydraulic sluicing, a technique borrowed from mining that employed pressurized water to wash away the soil, and traditional excavation methods. The project unfolded in several phases over the years, affecting property values, displacing residents, and dramatically altering the city's topography. The earth removed from Denny Hill was used to fill in other parts of the city, facilitating the expansion of the urban grid and the creation of new real estate opportunities. The endeavor was not without its controversies and challenges, including disputes over land rights and the impact on the existing neighborhoods. Nevertheless, the Denny Regrade Project was a testament to the city's determination to reshape its physical landscape in pursuit of progress and modernization.

By the time the project concluded, Seattle's cityscape had been irrevocably transformed. The flattening of Denny Hill opened up vast areas for urban development, leading to the construction of new roads, buildings, and commercial spaces that would come to define the city's central district. The regraded area attracted investments, businesses, and residents, catalyzing economic growth and establishing Seattle as a significant urban center in the Pacific Northwest. The Denny Regrade Project, despite its immense challenges and the sacrifices it demanded, exemplified the innovative spirit and resolve of Seattle's community, leaving a lasting legacy on the city's physical and cultural landscape.

Famous People From Seattle

William Cumming (1917–2010)

William Cumming, a prominent artist of the Northwest School, left an indelible mark on the art world with his vibrant, expressive creations that captured the spirit and essence of the Pacific Northwest. His journey from a curious, creative child to a venerated artist is a story of passion, evolution, and resilience.

The Formative Years and Discovery of Art (1917–1935)

Born in Kalispell, Montana, William Cumming moved with his family to Seattle at a young age. The bustling, vibrant city, coupled with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities. From an early age, Cumming showed a keen interest in art, drawing inspiration from his surroundings and channeling his observations and emotions onto paper.

The Seattle Art Scene and The Northwest School (1936–1945)

Cumming’s connection to Seattle deepened as he immersed himself in the city’s flourishing art scene. It was during this time that he became associated with the Northwest School, a movement known for its unique blend of natural imagery, Asian aesthetics, and modernist influences. Cumming, alongside artists like Mark Tobey, Morris Graves, and Guy Anderson, played a crucial role in putting Northwest American art on the map.

World War II and Its Impact (1941–1945)

The outbreak of World War II brought significant challenges to Cumming’s life and work. Drafted into the Army, his experiences during the war profoundly impacted his perspective and artistic style. After being discharged due to health issues, Cumming returned to his art with a renewed sense of purpose, incorporating themes of humanism and social commentary into his work.

Post-War Evolution and Teaching (1946–1960)

In the post-war years, Cumming’s art evolved, marked by a shift towards more figurative work. His vibrant, expressive style captured the complexity of human emotions and social interactions, earning him critical acclaim. During this period, Cumming also dedicated himself to teaching, influencing a new generation of artists at schools across the Pacific Northwest.

The Civil Rights Movement and Social Commentary (1960s)

The civil rights movement of the 1960s had a profound effect on Cumming. His art from this period reflects his deep engagement with social issues, featuring themes of justice, equality, and human rights. Cumming believed in the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change, using his canvas as a platform for social commentary.

Return to Figurative Expressionism (1970s–1980s)

In the 1970s and 1980s, Cumming returned to the roots of Figurative Expressionism, refining his technique and exploring the nuances of human expression. His work continued to evolve, yet remained grounded in the themes of humanity and the natural world that had always been central to his art.

Late Career and Legacy (1990–2010)

William Cumming’s later years were a period of reflection and continued creativity. He remained active in the art community, painting and exhibiting his work, and receiving numerous accolades for his contributions to the world of art. When Cumming passed away in 2010, he left behind a rich legacy as a key figure of the Northwest School and a master of expressionist painting.

Key Achievements:

• Became a central figure in the Northwest School of art, contributing to its recognition and success.

• Developed a unique, vibrant style that combined Figurative Expressionism with social commentary.

• Influenced generations of artists through his dedicated work as an educator in several art schools across the Pacific Northwest.

• Received numerous awards and honors, acknowledging his significant contributions to the art world.

William Cumming's journey as an artist was one of continuous evolution and deep engagement with the world around him. Through his expressive works, he captured the essence of the human condition and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, leaving an enduring impact on the art world. William Cumming’s life and art are a testament to the power of creativity, passion, and resilience.

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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