Cliff Notes
Each week, our regional Cliff Notes columnists Fox Whitney, Alitzah Oros, Melika Sebihi, and Kaya Noteboom pick the most exciting events and exhibitions on the West Coast.
Punk Rock Flea Market
Quality Flea Center, Seattle, WA
December 6 – December 8, 2024
The Punk Rock Flea Market (PRFM) is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting local artists and creators. For just $1 admission—or show your flea tattoo to get in for free—market goers can check out nearly 200 vendors selling everything from handmade ceramics and leather goods to roller skates, vintage clothing, records, and even pot brownies. The market’s energy is an infectiously good time and features not just a spectacular array of vendors but also live DJs, bands, bar service, and food trucks offering tasty sounds, drinks and treats.
PRFM is a community driven experience. Proceeds benefit the Low Income Housing Institute, a nonprofit addressing homelessness in the Puget Sound area. This epic mix of punk culture, DIY spirit, and social impact makes for an experience that’s as meaningful as it is fun. Just say no to mainstream holiday consumerism and check out one of my favorite Seattle markets that’s offered “Bargains, bands and booze since 2006!” and a joyful antidote to soulless holiday shopping.
Reflection: How does buying goods from local artists and vendors empower myself and my community?
Next Fest NW: TOTAL CHAOS
12th Ave Arts, Seattle, WA
December 6-7, 12-14, 2024
Velocity’s experimental new works festival, Next Fest NW, celebrates contemporary dance and movement based artists in our region. Showcasing works by Hannah Krafcik + Emily Jones, Artie Thomas, and Symone Sanz, this iteration of the festival features body based performance art developed in our present moment of societal and political upheaval.
This year’s theme asks artists to respond to the idea of TOTAL CHAOS. Velocity’s website defines total chaos as “complete, but also damaged beyond its value.” In this time of disarray, disorder, and mess, TOTAL CHAOS is an investigation of cacophony, grief, order, and purpose.
In The Swirl, Portland based dancers Hannah Krafcik and Emily Jones reimagine the dynamics of collaboration. Using optical illusions and shifting viewpoints they invite witnesses to look deeper and challenge binary interpretations to “play with multiple meanings hidden in plain view.”
Mommy Complex by drag artist Stasia Coup (the stage moniker of transmasculine performance artist Artie Thomas) explores his real-life pursuit of solo, trans parenthood and the dysphoria and anxiety he finds along the way. Symone Sanz’s WRETCH promises to deliver visceral physical energy, drawing on the influence of punk rock and grunge to transmute rage in a nod to Seattle’s cultural musical roots—a radical blend of chaos and resilience.
Reflection: How does cultural chaos create and/or destroy social fabrics and encourage different ways of moving through the world?