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Upcoming & Current
NùD: art of the figure
I am curator for a figurative art show at Graphite Art Center to be held January 21-March 18, 2023. It is a national call for figurative art featuring all art mediums except photography, digital art and video. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2022.
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Edmonds Art Studio Tour 2022
This year, the Edmonds Art Studio Tour was Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18, from 10am-5pm. The free, self-guided Edmonds Art Studio Tour is offered once a year as an opportunity to visit the private studios of local artists in the Edmonds area. This community event offers you a chance to purchase artwork, see new art being created, or just visit and ask questions of the artists. Check out the studio tour MAP. There were 41 artists represented in 23 studios featuring many art forms. My sculpture studio is on the MAP. It’s #11.
Besides completed sculptures, some of my unfinished sculptures that are still being created were on display. Among them was my current project on display in my studio. Its working title is Wow! Some 226 visitors came to my studio during the weekend to view my sculptures and to learn about my artistic process. I had a great time sharing my art and found it to be once again a wonderful community building event. |
Exhibitizione
My sculpture, Genuflection to Longing, has been selected for the Diversia HUMAN RIGHTS 2021 online group show. It is clear that the sculpture was selected due to its subject matter. The show runs from Dec. 19, 2021-January 23, 2022.
Although a tribute to the some 2 million Americans that are incarcerated, Genuflection to Longing is more than a political statement. It can be viewed on a much deeper and more personal level. Namely, the piece also depicts the notion that each of us creates our own prison – we view the world through the bars of a prison of our own creation. We don’t realize that the bars that we grasp are only in front of us and that we, in fact, are not caged at all.
Recent
Edmonds Art Studio Tour, 2021
Check out the studio tour MAP. There are 35 artists represented in 21 studios featuring many art forms.
You will find my sculpture studio on the MAP. It’s #11. https://e65c8f70-3214-437b-90ea-cea0a5f508cb.filesusr.com…. The free, self-guided Edmonds Art Studio Tour is offered once a year as an opportunity to visit the private studios of local artists in the Edmonds area. This community event offers you a chance to purchase artwork, see new art being created, or just visit and ask questions of the artists. If you are in town this weekend, don’t miss the tour!
The Festival is Back!
Posted on August 23, 2021
After a year without the Edmonds Arts Festival due to COVID, the festival back. Among the many activities for the visitor to the festival is the Juried Art Galleries. Galleries inside the Frances Anderson Center showcase juried fine art from more than 400 area artists. Shown are paintings, prints, drawings, photography, digital art, computer art, sculpture, and three-dimensional artworks. Juried by professional artists, only the highest quality art is selected to be displayed, whether it is produced by an established artist, student, or emerging artist. Awards are given to the highest ranked art pieces in each media category and the prize-winning pieces are acknowledged.
Two of my sculptures, In the Moment and Hearts Uplifted, were selected for the Three Dimensional Juried Art Gallery. If you are in town, come to the festival!
August 27 – 29, 2021
Frances Anderson Center
700 Main Street, Edmonds WA
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday
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Schack Art Center Juried Art Show
June 17 – July 24 This biennial collection of Northwest artists features a well-rounded variety of mediums to produce an eclectic and visually stimulating exhibit. My sculpture, Into the Unknown, has been juried into the show.
2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett, WA 98201
(425) 259-5050sculpture: 27″H x 19″W x 23″D
An image of a male casting his fate to the wind. He is seen hurdling forward into the unknown with a sense of abandon. A leap of faith into the uncertainty of what awaits.
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Edmonds Art Studio Tour-2019
Attend the Edmonds Art Studio Tour! September 21 and 22nd. This free, annual, self-guided event, sponsored in part by the Edmonds Arts Festival and Foundation, provides an exclusive glimpse into 19 private art studios showcasing the work of 36 local artists. The Tour offers patrons an opportunity to meet professional artists, see how they create their work, and purchase pieces directly.
Studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Visitors will enjoy colorful paintings, breathtaking sculptures, intricate jewelry, beautiful wood pieces, captivating glasswork, pretty pottery and more. And with such a varied collection of work, there’s something for everybody to love – including the opportunity to meet the colorful folks making the art!
While there,
Lift your spirits next weekend! It’s your chance to have an inspiring day in Edmonds. If you are in town for the Edmonds Art Studio Tour, stop in my studio to see a new sculpture unveiled!
“Hearts Uplifted” is my newest sculpture and was just cast for the tour. Be among the first to see the sculpture.
I am really pleased with this piece. It captures a playful sense of intimacy–a refreshing departure from the conflict found so often in our current social discourse. Click here more information my sculptural process.
Summer Soiree at Gallery Mack
Edmonds Arts Festival, 2019
The Edmonds Arts Festival has grown from a small community art fair to one of the most prestigious in the Pacific Northwest, attracting artists from across the nation and Canada. The Festival provides a unique opportunity for patrons to meet artists and purchase their work in a beautiful outdoor setting overlooking Puget Sound. The Festival offers free live entertainment, a juried gallery art exhibition and sale, a nationally-recognized juried student art exhibit, and a hands-on children’s art activity area.
You will see my sculpture there. Ascent has been selected for the Festival’s Juried Art Gallery! Stop in the Three Dimensional Juried Art Gallery and pause a moment to view her. I assure you that she will instill in you an upbeat feeling.
Edmonds Art Studio Tour, 2018
Please join us for an exclusive glimpse into 15 private art studios showcasing the work of 30 local artists! This free, annual, self-guided tour, sponsored in part by the Edmonds Arts Festival, is an opportunity to meet professional artists, see how they create their work, and purchase pieces directly from the artist. September 15 & 16, 2018. Saturday/Sunday 10am-5pm. Visit my studio #9 and see two new bronze sculptures that will be just back from the foundry!
Edmonds Arts Festival, 2018
The Edmonds Arts Festival has grown from a small community art fair to one of the most prestigious in the Pacific Northwest, attracting artists from across the nation and Canada. The Festival provides a unique opportunity for patrons to meet artists and purchase their work in a beautiful outdoor setting overlooking Puget Sound. The Festival offers free live entertainment, a juried gallery art exhibition and sale, a nationally-recognized juried student art exhibit, and a hands-on children’s art activity area.
You will see my sculpture there. Moment of Reverie has been selected for the Festival’s Juried Art Gallery! Stop in the Juried Art Gallery and pause a moment to view her. I assure you that she will instill in you a sense of serenity in the face of this often agitated world.
Edmonds Art Studio Tour 2017
The free self-guided tour is a once a year opportunity to visit 18 private studios and 5 galleries displaying the work of 31 local artists in the scenic Edmonds area. You can purchase finished work, see new art being created, or just visit and ask questions. Visit my studio #11 and see two new bronze sculptures that are just back from the foundry!
Saturday & Sunday, September 16 & 17, 10 am- 5 pm
Le Arti della Festa Italiana Seattle
Festa Italiana is a week-long series of events held in late September and culminating in a major Italian Festival at Seattle Center. Festa Italiana events focus on the cultural roots and the history of Italians in America — especially the Northwest — and celebrate the arts, the food and the spirit that is uniquely Italian. Three of my sculptures will be featured at the Armory in the exhibit of work inspired by Italy. September 23, 24, 10 am- 5 pm.
Joie de Vivre wins award!
Joie de Vivre was recently voted Peoples Choice by residents and visitors to the City of Auburn’s Outdoor Sculpture Gallery!
The City of Auburn has, as a result, made arrangements to purchase the sculpture as part of their permanent collection of public art.
YES! wins award
YES! receives award. I was pleased to discover that my sculpture entitled YES! received 2nd Place in the Juried Art Gallery for Three Dimensional Works at the Edmonds Arts Festival. If you are in town this weekend, enjoy a three-day festival in Edmonds celebrating the arts where attendees can view and purchase original art, enjoy free entertainment, celebrate our talented youth, and sample great food. During the festival, you can view award-winning art inside the Anderson Center where three galleries showcase juried fine art from more than 200 area artists. Shown are paintings, prints, drawings, photography, sculpture, and three dimensional artworks. Awards are given to the highest ranked art pieces in each media category and the prize winning pieces are acknowledged in each gallery. All art inside the galleries is offered for sale. Visit the Juried Art Galleries and see my sculpture in the three dimensional works gallery. June 16-18. Friday and Saturday 10 am – 8 pm, Sunday 10 am – 6 pm. 700 Main St., Edmonds, WA. http://www.edmondsartsfestival.com/juried-gallery/
Edmonds Arts Festival Gallery
My sculpture, YES!, was selected for the juried Three Dimensional Art Gallery at the 2017 Edmonds Arts Festival. If you are in town, visit the juried art galleries. View award-winning art inside
the Anderson Center where three galleries showcase juried fine art from more than 200 area artists. Shown are paintings, prints, drawings, photography, sculpture, and three dimensional artworks. Juried by professional artists, only the highest quality art is selected to be displayed,
As one of the longest-running Northwest premier arts events, the Edmonds Arts Festival is a three-day event that celebrates the arts in our community. Scenic downtown Edmonds, just 15 miles north of Seattle and overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, gives patrons a beautiful setting to view and acquire original works of fine art and crafts. The event provides three days of entertainment, shopping, dining, and gallery exhibits to area locals and visitors alike. During the Festival you can enjoy:
- More than 240 artist booths with original works of art for sale where you can meet every artist in person
- Three juried art galleries where award-winning work in all media are on display and for purchase
- Performers who provide entertainment at an outdoor amphitheater, including music and dance
- More than 20 food vendors who provide ethnic and healthy food choices along with plenty of traditional fair food options
- An exhibit of more than 1,000 selected pieces of art from students residing within the boundaries of the Edmonds School District
- A “Kids Create” area that provides children with guided art enrichment activities and hands-on experiences, as well as the ever-popular face painting
FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND June 16-18, 2017, FRI-SAT 10-8 & SUN 10-6, 700 MAIN STREET | EDMONDS, WASHINGTON
2016-ongoing
Edition #3 of Joie de Vivre was installed in Edmonds, Washington. Sited in front of Stewart Family Chiropractic at 547 Main St.
The sculpture greets you as you walk west from 6th Street. Bryan and Cheryl Stewart graciously agreed to have the sculpture placed there on loan.
2016-2017 City of Auburn Outdoor Sculpture Gallery
Edition #2 of Joie de Vivre was recently installed in Auburn, Washington as part of the city’s outdoor sculpture loan program. Joie de Vivre was selected to be displayed along with nine other sculptures for one year.
Joie de Vivre, is a life size bronze sculpture, which depicts a young girl standing with her arms outstretched, her smiling face gazing up into the sunshine. A breeze blows her clothing and hair, creating a dynamic image and capturing a joyful moment in time. The sculpture is installed in front of City Hall in Olympia, WA.
2015-on going
Ananda, a bronze sculpture featuring a female performing a yoga pose, is on display as an art loan at Washington Federal Bank at 3rd and Main Streets in Downtown Edmonds.
Transfixed and Apres le Bain are two bronze sculptures displayed and on loan to the Windemere Building at in front of Cafe’ Louvre at 210 S. 5th Avenue in Edmonds.
2013-on going at San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, which is an impressive 20 acres of outdoor art at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. The sculpture garden is an idyllic setting with 100+ unique sculptures selected by an impartial jury of art experts having the goal of pleasing the viewer while striving to expand cultural horizons. Open all year from dawn to dusk, it is a photographers delight. A great place to picnic. Come and Enjoy! http://www.sjisculpturepark.com/ Varnau’s sculptures on display there and available for sale are: Firedancer and The Blessing.
Recent Events
May 26-29, 2017 Le Arti at Seattle Center
Three of my sculptures will be displayed at the Italian exhibit of Le Arti, which is part of the Northwest Folklife Festival at Seattle Center Memorial Day Weekend.
Edmonds Art Studio Tour 2016
The 11th annual Edmonds Art Studio Tour will be held September 17 & 18 Saturday/Sunday 10 am – 5 pm. It is a self-guided tour that is a once a year opportunity to visit 19 private studios displaying the work of 39 local artists in the scenic Edmonds area. You can purchase finished art, see new art being created, or just visit and ask questions. http://www.edmondsartstudiotour.com/
Stop by studio #12 to see a selection of my art, works in progress and–just back from the foundry–my most recently cast sculpture, Yes!
2016-2017 City of Olympia Percival Plinth Project
David Varnau’s most recently completed sculpture, Joie de Vivre, was installed at Percival Landing in Olympia, WA. It will be on loan to the City of Olympia for one year.
Percival Plinth Kickoff
Olympia’s sixth annual Percival Plinth Project kicked off Friday (July 1). Fifteen new sculptures — all by Washington artists — have been installed on the plinths, or sculpture stands, along the
landing, and residents and visitors alike are welcome to vote for their favorite through July. 31.
The piece that receives the most votes will become part of the city’s permanent collection. While other cities in the region have similar exhibitions, Stephanie Johnson of Olympia’s Parks, Arts and Recreation Department knows of no other where the people have the power to say which piece gets purchased. “We have our own spin on it,” she said. “Other cities have a people’s choice award, but it’s not a purchase prize.”
Voters must view all the works in person and submit a paper ballot.
Read more here: http://www.theolympian.com/entertainment/arts-culture
EAFA Arts Exhibition
The Evergreen Association of Fine Arts presents juried art exhibition of two and three dimensional artworks featuring artists from the greater Puget Sound Region. Show runs June 6-July 22 in the Mercer Gallery at the Mercer Island Community Center, 8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island, WA. Artists Reception and Awards ceremony is June 9 from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm.
Edmonds Arts Festival
One of the oldest arts events in the Northwest United States, the Edmonds Arts Festival is an annual community favorite. Guests can browse through the booths of over 240 talented artists, enjoy live music and dance performances, sample from a wide range of local eats, peruse an installation made by local art students and visit a creative kids zone where younger guests can create their own works of art. Come celebrate the local arts community at this family-friendly fest! June 17-19th, Fathers’ Day Weekend. View award-winning art inside the Anderson Center where three galleries showcase juried fine art from more than 200 area artists. Shown are paintings, prints, drawings, photography, sculpture, and three dimensional artworks. Juried by professional artists, only the highest quality art is selected to be displayed, whether it is produced by an established artist, student, or emerging artist. Awards are given to the highest ranked art pieces in each media category and the prize winning pieces are acknowledged in each gallery. All art inside the galleries is offered for sale. Friday-Saturday 10:00 am -8:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am -6:00pm. 700 Main Street, Edmonds,WA.
Unveiling Event
Cole Gallery will be hosting a special event that features the unveiling of a new bronze sculpture, titled Joie de Vivre, by David Varnau. The event will be held on Saturday, June 11 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. David and three other artists, Andy Eccleshall, Mike Wise and Kimberly Adams, will be demonstrating their artistic technique and will be speaking about what inspires their art.
UNCLAD 2016
UNCLAD 2016: The Fine Art of the Figure is the annual show celebrating the nude figure in art. For the first time, it is being held in Edmonds, Washington. Sat & Sun, March 19th & 20th from 10 am to 5 pm at the Edmonds Yacht Club, 326 Admiral Way, Edmonds, Washington. The 2016 show features work by 90 artists from the Pacific Northwest and Beyond! Two of my works will be featured: Embrace is cast bronze and Allure is cast leaded glass. http://uncladartshow.com/
New sculptures unveiled!
The newest outdoor sculptures in Edmonds have been UNVEILED! The unveiling of two new bronze sculptures in Edmonds took place on Saturday, September 24 at 11:00 am. The sculptures were installed at the Edmonds Windemere Building in front of Cafe’ Louvre at 210 S. 5th Avenue in Edmonds. The event featured live French cafe’ accordion music plus a special coffee was served in the cafe for the occasion. Mayor Dave Earling was featured speaker and commented how the arts enrich the community and bring people together. A reception followed at Cole Gallery.
2015 Edmonds Art Studio Tour
Plan to attend the 10th Annual Edmonds Art Studio Tour, Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20th. The tour is a free self-guided event, which includes 41 artists in 25 studios throughout the scenic city of Edmonds,Washington. The Varnau Studio is number 12 on the map that can be downloaded from the website.
Installation in Edmonds
Cole Gallery in Edmonds, Washington has begun displaying a sculpture at their entrance. David Varnau was invited to be the first sculptor to have his work displayed there. The work chosen is his recent work titled Ananda, meaning Bliss in Sanskrit. The sculpture together with its base stands 6 feet tall. A variation of the yoga pose called Dancer Pose, mermaid version, Ananda delights the viewer’s eyes with the sheer beauty and power of the female form.
“Wood, Warmth, Bronze and Clay”
This month, Cole Gallery is welcoming in the New Year by featuring a different type of show! Normally we focus on our painters, but we are happy to spotlight for you some of our other very talented artists. In this cold month of January, we are turning our focus to the art forged in fire by our sculptors in bronze and clay and glass, and on the fine art woodworking of artisan Gary Leake, and also on the majesty of our magnificent Northwest trees, as depicted by several of our painters, especially Jannelle Loewen. We have several recent additions from our bronze artists, including Giuseppe Palumbo who brings some whimsical touches to a serious art form, and David Varnau, whose elegant and graceful forms delight us with thoughtful beauty and joy. And new this winter at Cole are the botanical sculptures in stoneware by Mary Jane Elgin, as well as the handcrafted pottery by Barbara Childs. Come in all month long to enjoy “Wood and Warmth, Bronze and Clay”, and especially brave the elements to come meet the artists at Art Walk on January 15, 5-8pm.
January 8 – February 3, 2015 http://www.colegallery.net/shows.php
“Please Touch!”
Edmonds Community College hosts “Please Touch”, which is an interactive and collaborative exhibit that explores the themes of air, earth, the human form and sound through a variety of media. Jim Ballard and his colleagues, sculptors Richard Hestekind and David Varnau, along with various teams of people create an experiential art installation that focuses on touch, sound, and motion. A reception with the artists is 3:30-6:30 p.m., Fri., Jan. 23 in the college art gallery. Visit the gallery on the third floor of Lynnwood Hall. Show runs Jan. 5-March 13. Hours: 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday, 1-5 p.m., weekends. http://www.edcc.edu/gallery.
2014 Edmonds Art Studio Tour
September 20 & 21, 2014, Saturday/Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM. Visit the Varnau Studio (#12 on the map) during the tour and view David’s recent and earlier works at 725 Driftwood Lane, Edmonds, WA 98020. Two new life size bronze sculptures will be unveiled for the tour! To read more about David Varnau, visit:
Exhibiting at EAFF Gallery
A two person show features David Varnau’s bronze figurative sculpture along with Al Doggett’s figurative drawings are currently on display at the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation Gallery in the Frances Anderson Center. The show includes works by David that have been deemed “family friendly” and will demonstrate the wide scope of appeal that his body of work includes. The show runs from August 4, 2014-September 11, 2014. 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020 425.771.0253 M-F 8:30 am-8:30pm; Saturday: 9am-2 pm, http://www.eaffoundation.org/events/the-spirit-of-the-human-figure/. Meet the Artists Reception will be held August 21st from 5-8 pm during Third Thursday Edmonds Artwalk.
Exhibiting at Rick Steves Europe
A solo show running for one month will be held at the flagship location of Rick Steves Europe from June 12, 2014-July 10, 2014. The show will feature two dozen bronze and leaded glass figurative sculptures by David Varnau and recognizes the interest that travelers to Europe develop in classical sculpture. 130 4th Avenue N., Edmonds, WA 98020 425.771.8303 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. www.ricksteves.com
Edmonds Arts Festival 2014
Three of David’s most recently completed bronze sculptures have been selected to be part of the Juried Sculpture Gallery for the festival weekend. The festival is held on Father’s Day Weekend, June 13-15, 2014 Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Frances Anderson Cultural Center, 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA www.edmondsartsfestival.com
Sculptures on display in Kirkland, WA
Six of David’s bronze sculptures are on display through the month of May, 2014 at Hallmark Realty in Kirkland. Located on pedestrian friendly Lake Street, the sculptures can be viewed 24/7 since they are placed in the Realty’s front windows. You will find them at 101 Lake St, Kirkland, WA 98033 (425) 822-1241
Parklane Gallery Featured Sculptor
Parklane Gallery will be exhibiting ten of David Varnau’s bronze figurative sculptures. The Featured Sculptor Show will run from November 4 through February 2. Parklane Gallery, 130 Parklane, Kirkland, Washington 98033 425.827.1462 www.parklanegallery.com Open Tuesday-Sunday 11-7 and 12-8 on Fridays
2013 Edmonds Art Studio Tour
September 21 & 22, 2013, Saturday/Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM Visit the Varnau Studio during the tour (#15 on the map) and view David’s recent and earlier works at 725 Driftwood Lane, Edmonds, WA 98020 www.edmondsartstudiotour.com
2013 Featured Edmonds Artists
A sampler of Edmonds’ artists at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 4th Avenue N., Edmonds, WA 98020. Varnau’s sculpture, Wind Dancers, will be on display through September 7, 2013
57th Annual Edmonds Arts Festival
June 14, 15 & 16, 2013, Friday and Saturday 10 AM-8 PM. One of David’s most recently completed sculptures was selected for the Juried Sculpture Show. See it in the Juried Sculpture Gallery. While there, you will experience great art, artistic demonstrations and have a chance to visit with many artists. The festival is held at 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020. http://www.edmondsartsfestival.com
Edge Graduate Group Show
April 12th– June 8th, 2013. Artists’ Opening during Edmonds Art Walk, Thursday, April 12th. As a recent graduate of the Artists Trust EDGE Artist’s Career Development Program, David will be presenting up to five of his works in the show. Arts Now Gallery in the Edmonds Conference Center, 201 4th Ave N Edmonds, WA 98020. (425) 640-1808. http://www.edmondsconferencecenter.com
UNCLAD 2012: the fine art of the figure
October 12th-14th, 10 am to 5 pm. Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood, WA. See two of my works on display among the 150 artworks by artists from across North America. www.uncladart.com.
Exhibiting at EAFA 2012 Open Abstract Exhibition
Seattle Design Center /Plaza Building EAFA Gallery, 5701 Sixth Ave S, Suite P292, Seattle, WA 98108