Some cities are spending millions trying to create a downtown.  Edmonds has had one for 100 years, and it’s going

Semantics Gallery, Edmonds

strong.  The old Downtown Edmonds has been called a Northwest Carmel, partly due to the plethora of art galeries and artsy shops lining the streets.  There are about 7 galleries in downtown Edmonds, and the monthly Third Thursday Art Walk draws crowds.  The community is accostomed to being involved, and loves art.  Edmonds also draws thousands a year to vacation, walk, browse, rest, get sand in their shoes (with 2 miles of walkable beachfront, a marina, a ferry terminal, it is truly a town by the Sound).  According to .. gallery owner Denise Cole, Edmonds has become a destination for art collectors from Seattle, Bellevue, and points north and south.    Being only about 25 minutes north from downtown Seattle makes it a very easy drive!

Larry Jeffers talks about his constructed pieces

Larry Jeffers, owner of Semantics Gallery, had a successful gallery which incorporated a fossil and mineral store for years in Pioneer Square.  He closed it in 1994 and arrived in Edmonds with a vision of a small gallery to showcase his own work, fabricated movable sculptures and boxes that incorporate gems and minerals.  He found a peaceful quaint town devoted to the arts and very receptive to his venue.  In fact, so many artists walked through his door to apply for representation that he now showcases over 90 artists in the four plus showrooms of Semantics, which is located in an attractive building that opened in 1939 as a doctor’s office.  The gallery is on 4th Street, a half block away from local favorite Chanterelle Restaurant on Main Street.

According to Jeffers, Edmonds is what Pioneer Square was like 50 years ago.  People are not rushed, they’re not in the

Another room In Semantics

 fast lane.  People walk their pets, take time to stop and chat, no tall buildings, and everybody “has a great attitude.”  When I was there we fell into a conversation about how my 7 year old son likes rocks… or should I call them minerals.  As I started out he stopped me and pulled out a facinating little stone from a cupboard.  “Here, give him this.”  It was a teeny crystal of interesting shape.  Clearly Jeffers loves what he does, and his joy in the oppotunity to share his love with the people his work attracts is one of the reasons for the gallery’s success!  Next time I’ll plan at least a couple of hours to see everything and enjoy all the art and learning that are available to enjoy in this little Edmonds art scene gem.

Larry Jeffers' intricate constructed pieces incorporating metals and minerals.

Edy Kizaki
Realtor
edy@seattlepowersearch.com
206-402-9155 (cell)

Semantics Gallery

110 4th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020-3114