Unofficial mascot mug

Really, is there anything else worth talking about right now? Jimothy has been in the collective consciousness for a little more than two weeks now, and I—along with most everyone I know, the entire city, half of the country, and a slice of the world—am obsessed with him. I don’t know if it’s dogged determination to live a regular raccoon life despite his physical challenges, the sweet videos that people are sharing on social media (his most recent antic, a very impressive backyard ninja roll, is an absolute highlight), or just the fact that an adorable animal feels like a very neutral thing we can all rally around right now, but he has endeared himself to Seattle.

Courtesy of MiiR

There is no lack of Jimothy merch going around right now, and among the many artists, companies, and brands, we suggest doing some research to make sure you’re supporting a local business, such as MiiR, which now offers limited-edition Jimothy illustrations on products including mugs, water bottles, coffee canisters, flasks, and dog bowls. Sweets sips for everyone!

Nature is Persistent and Patient by Erik Hall

Photo by Rachel Gallaher

Art across town

Somehow, I didn’t learn about Assembly Art Fair until the week before it happened. That’s unusual, because I normally am somewhat in the know about what’s happening around town, and if I’m not, I tend to receive a press release that keeps me in the loop. Not this time. I found out about the event when a gallery involved sent an email offering me a ticket. What is this? I thought. An awesome list of local galleries, great venue… I’ll pop in on the way to my dinner plans. Fast-forward to Wednesday night… I was 30 minutes late to my dinner plans because the Assembly Art Fair was such a knock-out that I kept saying, “One more quick turn through the next room.” Yes, it was that good.

Eschewing the traditional art fair booths in a convention center, a group of local galleries, with founding members including Traver Gallery and Greg Kucera Gallery, utilized Interbay’s West Canal Yards to provide invited gallerists space that didn’t come with an astronomical price tag, to showcase their artists. The four-day event had a crackling energy—people were excited about the work on display, all of which was interesting, elevated, and diverse. It felt like an accurate snapshot of what’s happening on a certain level of the independent gallery scene, and a very “Seattle” move to strike out and try something new. I, for one, hope that they repeat Assembly next year—people are still buzzing about it a week later. 

Photo by Candice Ward

Sweets under the Somm

Olive Branch, a new bakery and all-day café, has opened in Woodinville, in the retail outlets just below the Somm Hotel. Opened by chef Breanna Beike (of nearby Heritage restaurant) and Kelly Trace (formerly the head baker at Tarte by Heritage), the new spot offers baked goods, cakes, and beverages, as well as heartier fare, including flatbreads, salads, and charcuterie boards. If you’re on your way to a wine tasting, Olive Branch has great grab-and-go options and a mercantile stocked with artisanal gifts, cookbooks, and kitchen items. I recently attended a press preview, and let me tell you, their salted chocolate chip cookie will change your life.