Visiting Edison, Washington is always a reminder of what life can be like as a slow, artistic community. The “downtown” part encompasses about three blocks these days, with significantly more art galleries and studios than actual intersections. In addition to galleries, bakeries, and cafes, Edison is home to an annual bird month every February that ends with a clucking good time with their chicken parade on the last Sunday!
i.e gallery: 66 BIRDS / 3 DEGREES by Natalie Niblack
Right next to Tweets Cafe is the i.e. gallery, which always has amazing exhibitions. This month’s show is no exception: 66 BIRDS / 3 DEGREES by Natalie Niblack, in conjunction with Dr. John Bower, a professor at WWU’s Fairhaven College. The show features 66 18×18 inch paintings and calls of 66 birds in the Pacific Northwest that are susceptible to climate change and the rise in global temperature. As Niblack explains:
66 Birds/3 Degrees is intended as an informed warning of what is at risk, not as a statement of what will be. This project is designed so that the viewer is confronted by the direct gaze of each bird while listening to their songs. Although the exhibit is based on a study about the current and future risks to birds, it is representative of all nature at risk, and the “morning chorus” bird recordings contrast with the silent void of a world without the music of the natural world.
Smith & Vallee: “Fowl Play” Annual Bird Invitational
Smith & Vallee is right down the street from i.e. gallery and this month, their exhibit showcases a range of talented local artists with a focus on birds. This mixed media exhibit highlights all sorts of different birds, from chickens to crows to owls. As the gallery explains on its website:
‘Fowl Play’ serves as a celebration of avian wonders and an exploration of the interconnectedness between art and nature. Birds have long been a source of inspiration for artists across cultures and throughout history. Their immense diversity, vibrant colors, and graceful movements have fascinated us, encapsulating the essence of freedom and the beauty of the natural world.
Whether through their melodies, plumage, or intricate behaviors, birds have the power to evoke a sense of awe and wonder in all who encounter them. We invite you to immerse yourself in this bird-inspired world and let the artworks transport you to ethereal forests, open skies, and hidden niches where avian wonders dwell.
If you aren’t able to make it to Smith & Vallee in time to see the 2024 Fowl Play exhibit, there is a virtual tour available on their site.
Chicken Parade
The last Sunday of February wraps up Edison’s Bird Festival with a chicken parade at high noon! Come dressed in your chicken best and have a clucking good time this year on Sunday, February 25th at noon. While the town is small, it’s recommended that you get there early to park and get ready. The parade starts at the Old Edison Inn but it’s a good idea to park at the Edison Elementary School and walk a couple minutes.
If you do make it to the parade this Sunday, make sure to check out the shows mentioned here and the other businesses in Edison! Tweets Cafe makes a hell of a brunch while the Bread Farm has delicious bread and baked goods. Shops like Hedgerow, Shop Curator, and The Lucky Dumpster are all cute, local places with a range of different items. You can even find a few of my photography prints at The Lucky Dumpster!