The Clipper

Issue date: 3/12/10 Section: Art

Media Credit: Ashley Stewart A unique stop o the art walk circuit is the former gun testing spot.

There is no shortage of paintings on the Seattle Art Walk, but what stands out are the stories behind the monthly showcase.

The First Thursday Seattle Art Walk is the city's largest and oldest. It takes place from noon - 8 p.m. on, yes, you guessed it, the first Thursday of every month.

First Thursday, held in the city's historic Pioneer Square, was the first art walk in the United States. The historic walk is full of little spots that embrace the unique histories of the area.

As two excited patrons, Jamei June and I recently made our way to First Thursday.

Our first stop was the Medici Gallery on Jackson Street, where we met owner Robert Rubenstein, a local art dealer. Rubenstein seemed to be very passionate about his trade, claiming to own the only company in the United States to import pieces from Italy.

After leaving the gallery, we happened to wander into Seattle Home Company, a first avenue furniture store. After strolling past the loveseats and ottomans to a hole in the brick wall, the store's owner, Michael, greeted us with the store's history.

This little spot used to be "Central Loan and Gun Exchange." The hole in front us was the site were prospective owners could test the shot of their potential new gun.

According to Michael, the store was a famous location. The very hole we stood in front of was fabled to have taken a shot from John Wayne and the store is said to be on the site where Jimi Hendrix purchased his first guitar.

The Pacific Northwest has gained international recognition for the creation of handcrafted glass through artists like Dale Chihuly. The work of Glasshouse Studio has also contributed to the area's renown.

Glasshouse produces and sells handcraft glass pieces. Inside the shop, you can browse through hundreds of glass pieces or watch the artists at their craft.

Seattle's oldest neighborhood embraces the art, history, culture and entertainment that have made Pioneer Square such an attraction. These elements can be found in every inch of its ninety-acre radius.

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