Photo on right: Marlow Harris, and husband, Jo David of West Seattle are pictured among hanging art from their permanent exhibit, "Official Bad Art Museum of Art" inside Cafe Racer, where the tragic shootings occurred. They are helping to promote upcoming fundraisers to assist the survivors of the victims who were their dear friends. Pictured left, Drew Keriakedes, one of the victims, performing in his band "God's Favorite Beefcake" at Cafe Racer. Another victim, Joseph Albanese, was also in the band.
Like a fine-cut gem, there are many scintillating facets to Marlow Harris, whose colorful world may have more expressions than Walter Mitty's. A real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, her Dream Homes website includes a nod to "Seattle Googie" (not Google) architecture reflecting 50's and 60's culture, "Seattle Tiki Fever", and "Vanishing Seattle", where the architecture was "using the vernacular of the area and the materials that were easily accessible in that locale", she writes.
Many area residents have spotted the maroon, mobile shrine to Elvis Presley, a 2001 VW camper van she and her husband Jo David created that visits area street fests, and have visited her permanent, deliberately tacky display, "Seattle's Official Bad Art Museum of Art", or "O.B.A.M.A.", including poker-playing dogs and crying clowns, which hangs in Cafe Racer. Yes, that Cafe Racer.
Harris lost some very dear friends in the May 30 shooting tragedy. She is helping publicize some upcoming fundraisers to assist families of those killed. She explained her connection to West Seattle, and to her loved ones she lost.
"I grew up in West Seattle, in Arbor Heights, and went to Roxhill (Elementary School). My fondness memory as a child was visiting Spud Nut in White Center, and enjoying their special potato doughnuts. My grandmother was Polly Pollock, past president of the White Center Chamber of Commerce and I loved 'small town West Seattle'.
"My husband, Jo David, and I, established the "Official Bad Art Museum of Art" inside Cafe Racer. We spent much time there, took our children there, enjoyed life there and felt safe and accepted there. We are devastated about the loss of our friends in this terrible tragedy that happened last week. However, we are given hope for the future by the incredible outpouring of love and concern from those in the community.
"This course of events effects everyone, the very foundation of our community, and it truly does take a village -- for kids and for us adults. As we move through our grief, our wounded and survivors have needs and we must provide for them. We need to bury our dead, take care of their widows, pay hospital bills and rehabilitation. And we need to help Cafe Racer rise again, because we are family now, and we need each other. I hope when we do reopen, my fellow West Seattleites will cross the bridge and come to visit and support Cafe Racer."
View the following fundraisers on this website: CAFE RACER LOVE
Find the 6/16 event described here:
"Don Largen, a 57-year-old saxophone player and urban planner, was one of the innocent victims lost in the recent Cafe Racer shooting. Donations are needed to fund funeral expenses and support his surviving partner, Glenna Wilson. Please join us in supporting Glenna during this critical time.
Saturday, June 16th
2:30-3:00: Barre w/ Deb
3:00-3:30: HIIT w/ Susan
3:30-4:00: Zumba w/ Medora
This event is being organized by Holly, a friend and neighbor to Glenna and a long-time Community Fitness member. Please bring any donations for Glenna in the form of cash or a check.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Community Fitness
6108 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle
Also, check out "A City Mourns" in the Stranger.
