What I'm loving most about our First Thursday tradition is that each gathering has its own unique personality. This is largely due to the spirited turn-out of such wonderfully diverse enthusiasts. So nice to take a pause & enjoy this light-hearted, summery evening!
Of Scott Simmonds' featured work, I'm most drawn to his six smaller paintings displayed together (Kiss, Fire Island, Let's Play, Thrill Me, The Lake Shore & Menage). My hope is that an interested buyer keeps this collection intact, as they seem to play off each other nicely. Scott's artwork will be featured at the SZ Gallery until July 7.
Though all of Isaac's Oregon wine tastings were a treat, I was most impressed by the Gran Moraine Chardonnay - my new summer favorite! In fact, this wine sold-out before the end of the evening. Isaac promised to restock quickly, so anyone interested in picking up bottles or cases at wine-club prices can do so at The Islander.
As if the art, wine, cheese, sunshine & friendly faces weren't enough, SZ hosted an impromptu trunk-show of Mary Herzog's Paper Beadery jewelry. Thank you, Rebecca Laws Nemetz, Founder of 5 Elements Pilates, for making the connection - I'm smitten with my new necklace!
Congratulations to this month's Wine Raffle winners:
Gudund Berge, Aljoya resident
Luigi Rechhi, Ittalian-born artist
ART:
Paintings & Prints, by Scott Simmonds, Mercer Island Artist
"We live in a time of paradox when computer and television screen acuity is paramount and yet reality is seldom seen, it is scanned. My painting is an attempt to slow the eye, allowing a personal impression to be formed, a thought beyond thinking to take place that is less ephemeral than electronic media."
WINE:
Angela, Clawson Creek – Pinot Noir (Oregon)
Distinct aromas of plum, cola nuts, and bing cherries on a back drop of wet cedar. Flavors of stewed cherry, plum skin, nutmeg and forest floor with a hint of white and black pepper. This Pinot has an exceptional finish with a soft sexy mouth-feel.
Gran Moraine - Pinot Noir (Oregon)
Scents of huckleberry, european plum and lavender dance in your nose with a subtle touch of black pepper and pipe tobacco. A rich velvety mouth-feel with balanced acidity provides the perfect setting for flavors of marion berry, cranberry, french roasted coffee and black truffle.
Gran Moraine - Chardonnay (Oregon)
In addition to a lovely floral bouquet this wine is rife with white peach, navel orange, and lemon curd. The palate enjoys a crisp lemon mineral mouth-feel with flavors of Nashi pear, honeydew melon, and Golden Delicious apple. A summer day in a glass!!!