June 2026

In an era defined by uncertainty and a sense of disconnection, ArtsWest has announced its 2026-2027 season, aptly titled "A Visible Existence". Drawing inspiration from artist Kara Walker’s sentiment that "Art is a way to make your life matter, to make your existence visible," this upcoming slate of productions asks how art can reveal the hidden worlds we carry within us. From intimate storytelling to high-energy musicals, the season brings together a collection of "artists, dreamers, outsiders, and communities" as they struggle to understand themselves through memory, music, and imagination.

Reclaiming History and Tradition

The local coffee landscape is shifting as Anchorhead Coffee prepares to open its latest location at the prominent corner of SW Alaska and California, moving into the space formerly occupied by Starbucks. This expansion marks a new chapter for the roaster, which has grown from a humble garage startup into a celebrated fixture of the Pacific Northwest coffee scene.

From Soundboards to Coffee Beans

The story of Anchorhead Coffee began in 2013 with Jake Paulson and Mike Steiner, two founders who made an unconventional career pivot from touring audio engineers to coffee roasters. Starting in half of Steiner’s garage, the duo initially made their mark as Seattle’s first bottled cold-brew company, selling their products at local farmers markets.

Ten years ago, Colin and Donna Pickering were driving through the Morgan Junction, just eight blocks from their home, when they spotted a "For Lease" sign. That moment of curiosity—asking each other, "should we?"—led to the birth of Whisky West, a neighborhood fixture that is now celebrating a decade of community, resilience, and fine spirits.

A Journey of Resilience

The path to ten years hasn't always been smooth. Like many local businesses, the bar faced immense challenges during the pandemic, requiring the owners to invest from their own retirement and home equities to survive. Beyond the global health crisis, Whisky West weathered four break-ins, including a frightening incident where a brick was thrown through the window during dinner service, and a devastating theft just before Christmas one year.