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This Saturday is Ballard artwalk, an always anticipated event, but this particular Second Saturday will also be the 4^th birthday party for Venue – a wonderful boutique full of art from over 40 local artists. I love this place with its modern, contemporary look and the fact that it carries everything from greeting cards to $3,000 paintings. We visit every month to chat with the ever amiable owner/handbag designer Diane Macrae, meet some of the artists, and see some really great art.

We hear that this month the new gourmet ice cream truck, Parfait will be right nearby and if you buy $40 or more at Venue, you’ll get a free single scoop! Sweet. Especially since Venue already has the most swinging artwalk with cool music, interesting people, great art and the best complimentary snacks. And don’t forget Seattle’s only Art-o-Mat machine – a refurbished cigarette machine that dispenses art from all over the world in handy little packages for $5.

We love wandering Ballard on artwalk evenings, seeing the streets full of people. There’s just such a great vibe. You can go can a drink at the new Bastille restaurant which has such a great ambience in its big open space, not to mention the more hidden back bar and beautiful outdoor patio. Then pop in and out of stops on the artwalk map. We love Market Street Shoes (what’s better than shoes AND art?!), linger by the windows at Annie’s Art and Frame, and then head down into old Ballard, I hear they have art and a guest aerialist at Monster Art & Clothing. And when you finally make your way home filled with art and culture, don’t forget to stop by Ballard’s new Bodega, Snacks for that quart of milk you’ll need for breakfast.