Lynx by Michael Alm. A whole host of Washington state critters are on display now at Ghost Gallery.
Michael Alm: The Mammals of Washington
Did you know 141 mammals make their home in Washington? The little brown myotis bat, the white-tailed jack rabbit, the gray-tailed vole, red fox and black right whale — these and 136 others (including humans) all share quarters within the state boundary. (Well, the oceanic crowd kind of sidles up next to it.) Seattle artist Michael Alm has spent two years painting all 141, “as a reminder of what we need to conserve,” he says. The small, watercolor portraits are realistic captures, with the gentle filter of soft brush strokes. Seen all together, as they are currently displayed at Ghost Gallery in Chophouse Row on Capitol Hill, it feels like a buzzy gathering of neighbors with surprising guests (we have wolverines?) and old friends (marmots!). –B.D.
If you go: Ghost Gallery through June 9. (Free)
Seattle International Film Festival
The 45th annual Seattle International Film Festival is here, so limber up those eyeballs and get ready to sink into independent cinema. As usual, the lineup is both tantalizing (films from 90 countries you might never see elsewhere) and tormenting (because you can’t be sitting in more than one theater at a time). Hometown favorite Lynn Shelton kicks off the festivities at the opening night gala with her new film, Sword of Trust (read our story). The Northwest Connections lineup, featuring films made in or about our region, is especially rich in documentaries this year. Consider: Artifishal, about the dangers of salmon farming; Fight Fam, about a Washington family of MMA fighters; Patrinell: The Total Experience, about Seattle’s legendary gospel choir leader; and Ski Bum: The Warren Miller Story. Whether you pick one film or all 400, SIFF reminds us that seeing a movie the way the director intended — on the big screen, with a roomful of humanity — is really something special. –B.D.
If you go: Seattle International Film Festival, May 16 – June 9, venues and prices vary.