“Am I dreaming? Or did a group of IKEA designers take LSD with Salvador Dalí?” So begins Margo Vansynghel’s Seattle Times review of the art installation for which Mary Anne Carter is probably best known: STÖR. The warehouse-meets-installation gave viewers a familiar format to browse local artist creations which all happened to also be for sale. An innovative solution to invite viewers in and ask them to support local artists through accessible patronage. Beyond STÖR, Carter also served as the Director of the lost-but-not-forgotten Museum of Museums until it closed in 2023.
Carter has a distinctly Seattle appreciation for the unexpected. As she writes about herself “born with a prominent port-wine stain birthmark on her left cheek, Mary Anne Carter has a lifelong attraction to the odd, unusual, discarded, and other.” Her work has been shown all over Seattle (and beyond) at places like AMcE Gallery, J. Rinehart, The Bellevue Art Museum, Museum of Museums, The Factory, King Street Station, The Columbia Tower, Vermillion, and more. She brings a much-needed playfulness and humor that cuts through even the gloomiest months, so it only made sense to get her take on Seattle.
Seattle Hidden Gem:
- SODO: I spend 80% of my time in a neighborhood many people just pass through and it is my absolute favorite neighborhood in Seattle. It remains industrial and I love the specificity of it, especially as an artist. You can get any color paint you need from at least 5 paint stores; Pacific Fabrics remains one of the only sources for fabric and sewing notions in the city; Seattle Design Print has excellent customer service and unbeatable prices; and Second Use has the city’s best selection of used building materials and architectural salvage. After collecting the supplies you need for any project, you can put it off for another day with a trip to The Siren Tavern, which has everything you need in a bar including a patio.
Dream Day of Eating:
- I’m not a huge breakfast person, let alone American breakfast, so when I’m looking for food before lunch, I generally put in a hurried search for “Pho open now” and saddle up to the closest spot for a steaming bowl. There are a handful of places open as early as 8, and many by 10.
- For lunch, I recommend E-Jae Pak Mor, a delicious Thai restaurant in the CID with outstanding soup, noodles, and sides and the kindest staff.
- For dinner, I’d head not far to Chengdu Memory, also located in the CID, for hot pot with friends. It’s fun, communal, and their sauce bar is the best $2.95 you’ll spend.
- If three meals of noodles isn’t your thing, Local Tide is a great source for seafood. If four meals of noodles is more your thing, Biang Biang in Capitol Hill offers excellent hand pulled Chinese noodles.
Favorite Coffee Shop to Read In:
- Analog Coffee: It’s sunny, relaxed, and I’m bound to run into a friend or two while I’m there.
One Seattle Person (Dead or Alive) To Spend a Day With:
- Bradley Sweek: He was a mentor of mine deeply embedded in the Seattle art and music communities and taught me everything I know about working with glass. He passed away last summer and I have a zillion of really practical questions for him, like “where did that glass mold go?!” and “what happens if I do this?” but I also mourn that he won’t get to see the progress I’ve continued to make in his absence. He was also a fantastic cook and host, so we’d inevitably end the day with a dinner party with many living legends which almost makes this a “making a wish for more wishes” answer. But truly, he was an incredible connector and supporter of people and I miss his friendship, advice, and encouragement to try new things creatively.
Favorite Free Thing To Do:
- Art Walk: Pioneer Square Art Walk is the oldest art walk in the country, but only one of many that occur throughout the city. Nearly every neighborhood has one and they are a great opportunity to view a wide variety of art and venues all at once. For those interested in local art but unsure where to start, it’s the best way to see what is really happening in our city and you will likely meet many artists along the way.
Something Seattle Does Best:
- Parks, mountains, lake swimming, sweeping views, and sunsets: Everytime I want to have a full meltdown over the cost of living in this city, I take stock of the priceless nature that surrounds us. You don’t even have to be a hiking enthusiast to enjoy it. There are so many beaches, parks, views, and wildlife right here in the heart of the city. Discovery Park is my go to for wanting to feel outside of a city without leaving it; Lake Union and Lake Washington are excellent for a quick dip or afternoon at the beach; and the ferry system is a great way to get somewhere or just spend time on a boat.
Seattle Hero:
- I’ve never been the type of person that can list a single inspiration or easily rattle off a superlative. I have a lot of Seattle heroes and also believe very much in the “it takes a village” sentiment. As an artist, I feel deep gratitude for every person who has played a role, large or small, in the continued effort to grow and nourish our local arts community. I think art is a necessary and vibrant part of any city’s ecosystem and the change that both Seattle and the art world at large has undergone in the last decade would be enough to justify anyone giving up.
- Yet, people continue to push through and try new things and create opportunities for artists. I don’t think there is a single solution for any problem and it is inspiring to see people working together and in parallel to create more stability and opportunities for artists. Many of these people are artists themselves, but you don’t need to be an artist to get involved and make a difference. Show up to shows, buy art when you can, share artists’ work that you admire, let them occupy the building you have sitting vacant, and encourage your friends to do the same.
Tourist Trap That's Actually Great:
- Pike Place Market actually rules: Take time to walk through the whole thing as you will discover a lot more than just the most iconic touchstones. It’s home to a wild spread of local businesses where you can purchase real local art, food, and many things in between. If you’re on the hunt for art, don’t miss Gallery Ergo, which shows both local and national contemporary artists and has originals as well as a robust print selection for sale. For a quick bite, Mee Sum Pastry serves tasty dim sum to go. For seafood in a space that feels true to Old Seattle, visit Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar. It’s unfussy in the best way and you can still get a caviar martini.
Best Pop Culture Depiction of Seattle:
- This is a tough one, as I don’t often see great representations of Seattle now, but I think Singles provides a nice view into 90’s Seattle and a tribute to landmarks and venues lost as well as those that remain.
- Editor’s note: check out producer Liam’s video on Singles
