Art From New Age Easter Bunnies To Asian Erotica

Art takes some strange forms on the Eastside this week - from New Age Easter bunnies rendered in jewelry, to Asian lovers frolicking over snuff bottles, dolls, canvas and porcelain.

First, the bunnies - Terrence McBride style. His hare-raising images, shaped into brooches, finger rings and earrings, are among dozens of art and craft offerings at "An Art Fiesta," a show and sale honoring the 20th anniversary of the Bellevue location of Forest Ridge School.

The event runs 6 to 10 p.m. tomorrow, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Forest Ridge School, 4800 139th Ave. S.W., Bellevue. It's $7.50 to attend Friday (adults only; wine and cheese available), and 50 cents and $1 Saturday, when artists-in-action will demonstrate skills.

Art Fiesta for 21 years was held at Sacred Heart Church, but is at Forest Ridge this year because the church is being renovated.

"We have more than 100 artists showing in oil, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, serigraphy, paper cutting, 3-D and lithography," said Jan Shaw, publicity director. "A potpourri section will contain the craft works and decor items for the home, with proceeds used to fund scholarships at Forest Ridge."

Another feature this year, Shaw said, is that Caffe Appassionato, a new coffee-roasting company in Seattle's Magnolia Village, will introduce a new coffee blend called Tres Bien.

"That's significant," said Shaw, "because the French order of nuns that founded the school used the phrase, meaning `very good,' to describe student behavior." Espresso and Italian creme sodas will be available both days.

Artists in action Saturday include Li Xiaochui, doing sumi and Chinese painting on rice paper; Donna Cook working in oil pastels; Winona Stringall showing character dolls and game boards, and Alice Hamilton creating nature baskets and wreaths.

And what of bunny artist, Terrence McBride? He used to pilot planes in Vietnam. That led, he said, to a contemplation of life's values and the progression of time.

He evolved the concept for bunny jewelry, for representing a peaceful, gentle animal living in harmony with nature, while piloting those fighters. What emerged are contemplative bunnies, loving bunnies, exploratory young bunnies, in sterling silver and gold. Neiman-Marcus stores reportedly are interested in carrying the work exclusively!

LOVING ART: There's no question what inspired the crafts in the new show, "Behind Closed Doors - Erotica of Asia." It's this week through April 11 at the Ming Gallery, 10240 Main St., Old Bellevue.

There are ladies at their toilette, ladies and gentlemen in various stages of undress and at various points of passion, gentlemen contemplating ladies - the stuff that dreams and snuff bottles are made on.

The show, from private collections and estates, represents to some extent Taoists' predilection for blending meditation with sensual love. Publicist Jim Russell says this practice "reflects a vast and unbroken stream of energies whose movement completes the totality of the cosmos." Who are we to argue?

ALSO OF NOTE: Calligrapher Joyce Roethle leads a workshop, "Captivating Calligraphy," for ages 10 and up, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at North Bend Library (free), and Boulevard Park Community Council offers a Free Video Identification of Your Child, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Boulevard Park Library (free; stop by any time between those hours).