By Takiyah “TDUB” Ward | Photos by ProofNThePlay

The streets were alive with art this past Saturday as Capitol Hill hosted its monthly art walk. Many of the businesses and galleries in the neighborhood open their doors for the general public to experience what this historic arts district has to offer in the ways of art, performance and the like. 

Tonight we spent most of our time at the new Blue Cone Studios. Run by Carolyn Hitt, this hotspot for art and creativity recently relocated just across the hall from their former shared studio space. Featuring lofted levels of storage, gallery space, studio space and shared workshop areas, Blue Cone continues to be a beacon of hope for the marginalized and disadvantaged, by creating space for them to be. 

This evening's Art Walk was the first since the big move and featured an array of visual complexities from photography of decaying wildlife and painted sculptures, to a collection of sacred geometry work from Seattle’s own Caela Bailey. 

Bailey is known throughout the city for her vocal prowess, but during the pandemic found solace in the visual arts. She began exploring painting as a medium of release and reflection when writing music, her usual go-to, evaded her. The first time she is showing this complete selection of works was nerve wracking to say the least, but was well received by its viewers. The Allowance collection consists of acrylic paintings on wood, where Caela accentuates the grain with multicolor layers, excavating symbolism seemingly hidden within. Her geometric pieces are all intuitive, meaning there was no rhyme to when and where lines would intersect, allowing for a deeper conversation among painter and canvas. Punctuated by an altar box adorned in handpainted flowers, inside you find mirrors of all shapes and the words “Water your garden, share your flowers”. 

Caela took it the extra mile by serenading her audience with unreleased music, currently still in the production phase. The audience transfixed as Caela began to transform from modest artist to tantalizing performer, pulling you in with every word and glance. An uproar ensued  during the song Chemistry as Caela fixed her sights on Rick with the beard and climbed a table to give him some special treatment. You will never be disappointed by a Caela Bailey performance and tonight was no exception. 

Be sure to follow her on instagram @caela.the.gutter.queen and check out her website, as she just released an EP of tracks she had been holding on to from her Caela and The Dangerous Flares days. Caela continues to create new visual art and is also working on her second album, which if tonight is any indication, will for sure be a hit!

And check out @blueconestudios if you're looking for a place to create and learn, they host workshops weekly that are sure to spark your imagination.