Strings of Change

This project engaged local artists of all disciplines in participating in a unique community art initiative in revamping violins and cellos, silenced by the bomb cyclone. The artists transformed the instruments into powerful pieces of visual art. The artwork will be showcased at the 7th Annual Confluence Music Festival, the Wine & ArtWalk, and featured in the Historically Hip Art Gallery in September 2025.

Artist:
Priyanka Parmanand

Bio:
I am an artist by night and the Director of Marketing and Communications by day. Art was my passion, a hobby I cherished in my free time, but I never imagined it could be more than that. I didn’t attend art school but everything changed when I met my art mentor in 2008. This encounter reignited my passion, and I finally embraced my calling, delving into the study of different art forms.

This journey solidified my preference for abstract forms, providing the freedom to express a unique abstract style characterized by boldness and vibrancy, reflecting positive energy and a spirited approach to life.

Today, I actively participate in local art exhibitions and serve as the president of Women Painters of Washington, a hundred-year-old non-profit. I am also the founder of Crimson Canvas Arts, a company dedicated to mentoring budding artists.

Artist:
Shelly Vollstedt

Bio:
I use various art materials including clay, fused glass, fiber, paper, paint, wood and metal. 
I have an art degree from WWU.

Artist:
Doug Strombom

Bio:
I’ve been painting since my retirement 8 years ago. I recently exhibited at East Shore Gallery. I studied cello under Kim Blanchard at Hammond Ashley for 10 years in both locations.

Artist:
Gail Baker

Bio:
I was trained as a graphic artist, and quickly moved away from that path. I volunteered and became a paid art teacher in my children’s schools. I taught a variety of art techniques for 40 years in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska as an artist in residence. In 2000, I graduated with a degree in the psychology of creative expression, changing my approach to teaching, now as an expressive arts facilitator.

Artist:
Paula Stringer

Bio:
I sell nature photography. My real love is creating custom wall hangings using one of the photos, along with natural elements that I collect and hand-preserve. Mixed Media. Folks call me the “bag lady” at markets because every time I venture to the “facilities” I take a bag along and collect interesting things along the way.

Artist:
Mark Nance

Bio:
I am a saxophonist and 3D-printing enthusiast. I delight in the fusion of technical precision with organic form. When viewers view my pieces, I want them to experience a whimsical coating over a complex idea. I believe it’s important to layer meanings into a piece. I strive to create uncluttered forms that can be appreciated at first glance across a room, but that have details and meaning that invite the viewer deeper into the details.

Artist:
Lynn E. Thompson

Bio:
Often, when you walk the trails of Washington, the sway of ancient trees and wind whistling through moss-covered fallen logs fills your mind with fables long forgotten. This violin captures the heart of all good fairytales; a relic left behind- something not quite out of reach for a passerby to discover and transport them to places unknown. The violin features hand dremeled designs and re-strung with pearl strings and mountain quartz. The base is constructed from air dry clay, acrylic paint, paper mâché and foraged/preserved mountain moss. The glowing mushrooms (hot glue, hand molded and shaped) feature wire string lights with a rechargeable battery pack.

Artist:
Kimberley Blanchard

Bio:
Hello there, I came to Seattle from Alfred University as a Pilchuck Glass School student and staff member, and became involved in local arts through Pratt Fine Arts Center. I then shifted to music and went to Cornish for a cello performance, and I now teach cello full-time. I am one of the teachers displaced by the bomb cyclone. I do still do some creating part-time and have ALWAYS wanted to paint a cello but there were never any cellos available for that project, at least not so easily. Blanchard Designs and Blanchard Cello Studio.

Artist:
Nicole Cash

Bio:
I am an art teacher and have a small Etsy business. I like to use traditional style embroidery, crochet, knitting, and macrame with a modern-day flair/twist in my artwork. I am a constant student of my craft and am always creating something with a range of mediums and textiles.

Artist:
Leslie Nan Moon

Bio:
A Pacific Northwest printmaker residing in North Bend, Washington. Surrounded by mountains and the proximity to textures of both the forest and the coast, she draws inspiration from the landscapes that define the region. Her art is inspired by her surroundings. Alongside her studio practice, Moon shares her passion for printmaking through teaching, guiding students of all ages in exploring the tactile joy of carving, inking, and pulling their own prints. She values the creative freedom found in process-driven work and the connections that emerge when art is made by hand.

Her art can also be seen on the 19 columns of Seattle’s monorail running down 5th Ave.

While printmaking is her primary medium Leslie also frequently creates welded metal works and mosaics.

~ Exhibit curated by Ekta Gupta, of Ekta Gupta Studios and DIA Board Arts Liaison

~ Instruments donated by Hammond Ashley Violins