Barbro Rakos @barbro

If there were a dress code for Seattle, it would go something like this:  “wear something that will go from a hike on Mt. Rainier in the morning, to a drizzly walk through Pike Place Market in the afternoon, then perhaps to dinner at a celebrity chef restaurant that evening.” Essentially, Seattleites like to look like we’ve just come from one adventure, and are ready for the next one. That means looking outdoorsy during all the moments in-between.

Casual is expected. Glitter is somewhat frowned-upon, even at the symphony.

So… for those of us with an unruly party muse…

Thank goodness for Bellevue, Seattle’s fancy suburb to the east.

When I received an invitation to the private BAMignite event at Bellevue Arts Museum, I had no idea what to expect. What I did notice was that I got very excited at the words “Dress to impress. Put a bird on it.”

Really?

Really.

(muse:  “ohboyohboyohboyohboy.”)

Because of my mobile photography habit, I’ve grown accustomed to the spontaneous voice of the muse grabbing me by the nose with the order of “follow that awesome car!” or “sneak up behind those cool people and lie on your stomach to get a good angle,” etc.

So, it was no surprise to find my muse dictating what we would be wearing that night. We got out a favorite sequined sweater and a demure feather headdress. Both items I had assumed would never see the light of day in overcast Seattle. Before I knew it, I was all decked out like a non-Seattlite, and driving across the toll bridge into the fabled Eastside.

As always, when I find myself in these situations, and having fun, I think:  “Wow.” And, “huh!”

I walked through the doors of BAM into a chic, open gallery, with the KEXP DJ’s pumping out techno. I was immediately back in a European disco on a cold winter’s night, feeling very inspired.

Bonus:  I wasn’t the only one in sequins and feathers.

BAM’s legacy draws from a history of street craft vendors. The museum celebrates an everyday connection to creativity and craft, and elevates that connection to an art form.

I am so cool and down with that concept, because it is exactly like the kind of thing you find within the mobile photog community. And, when I thought about it, I realized how often we refer to our muse in terms of light:  the creative “spark.” The “flash” of inspiration. The “sparkle” in our eye. No wonder my muse was so excited for the chance to dress up. For once.

The performance artists celebrated exactly the things we were always told no one could make a living with:  spoken word, circus arts, and, with a nod to Seattle, an alt rock band. It was super thrilling to shoot the private event, so of course my muse had us up on stage with the band, lying on the floor to get #lowdownground shots of spoken word, and creeping around to get shots of people in their fancy outfits.

 

When I returned to Seattle, my feathers were bit askew. But I was tanked up on fun, inspired to connect more often with my sparkly muse.

More to come.

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Michaela @shescrafty

This was my first time visiting BAM. I was very impressed with the layout and architecture of the building. So many great angles and different view points. There were many places to see from and be seen, it made for wonderful photographs and people spotting.  

One of my favorite parts of the show (besides the amazing trapeze display, the live music sets and wonderful art exhibits) was the spoken word performances by Daemond Arrindell, Imani Sims and okanomodé.  These artists were beyond inspiring, bearing their lives and souls in such a beautiful way through words. I couldn’t help but want to start writing my own poetry as soon as I got home. It also made me look at the art differently, really exploring how some of the pieces made me feel.

I can’t wait to go back and further explore BAM and also see what exhibits they bring in next, not to mention I’ve already marked my calendar for the next BAMignite event. They really do know how to throw a good party!

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Photos below by Jennifer @whateverislovely

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Photos below by Audra @poodleheart

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Photos below by Bridgette S.

Madame Rex Entertainment

Spoken word performers Daemond Arrindell,
Imani Sims and okanomodé

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Photos below are from BP

Ravenna Woods rocked a GREAT set!

 Happy Grillmore finished the night