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Washington 2023: The Spar – FrancescoJAZZ Fusion Quartet with…

Francesco Jazz: Funky Jazz at The Spar

Francesco Crosara, keyboards
Mason Hargrove, guitar
Osama Afifi, bass
Craig Cootsona, drums

July 12, 2023

Pianist composer Francesco Crosara will appear at The Spar Tavern in Tacoma, accompanied by guitarist Mason Hargrove, bassist Osama Afifi and drummer Craig Cootsona for a vibrant quartet performance. Crosara will present funk-and-fusion inspired original compositions and choice standards rearranged in his own unique style. Presented by DHudson Productions

Graphic by Julia Crosara

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Washington 2023: Frederick Holmes & Co. Art Gallery –…

HOT JAZZ AT THE GALLERY Featuring The Francesco Crosara Quartet

Francesco Crosara, piano
Alexey Nikolaev, saxophones
Farko Dosumov, bass
D’Vonne Lewis, drums

HOT JAZZ AT THE GALLERY proudly presents  jazz pianist FRANCESCO CROSARA with an all-star lineup featuring saxophonist Alexey Nikolaev, bassist Farko Dosumov, and drummer D’Vonne Lewis. The group will present original compositions inspired by jazz, classical and latin idioms, plus select jazz standards revisited.

A pianist who originally hails from Italy, Crosara is well-versed in bop lore, and his delicate flow might indicate a debt to Bill Evans.Down Beat Magazine

The kind of sensitive swing seldom heard since Bill Evans. Crosara’s rubato meanderings are precious insights into his fertile imagination and harmonic daring.Jazz Times Magazine

Francesco Crosara proves he is a pianist with expert chops and broad interests. […] Crosara has an awareness of world music but a firm grounding in the modern jazz vernacular. His major piano influences are unsurprising: Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. Like them, he has an interest in electric as well as acoustic jazz.”  All About Jazz

Crosara’s compositions are considerate of their audience, providing a source of joy, comfort, escape, and healing. Crosara believes jazz is a collective experience and a “living language” that distills a multitude of identities, backgrounds, and personalities.”  Earshot Jazz

FRANCESCO CROSARA

Originally from Milan, Italy, Francesco Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences. Francesco stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians.

Since 2017, the Northwest can claim his talents, too, as he’s demonstrated an eagerness to contribute to the local scene. Francesco was selected to perform at the 2021 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle and has been featured two years in a row in the trend-setting Earshot Jazz: The Second Century series for his bold and innovative music composition and video work. In Seattle he routinely collaborates with local stalwarts like Clipper Anderson, Mark Ivester, D’Vonne Lewis, Jeff Busch, Osama Afifi, Farko Dosumov, and more.

ALEXEY NIKOLAEV

Since 2000, Alexey lives and works in Seattle. He performs with groups, Axiom Quartet, Greg Williamson Quartet (Ponyboy Records), Jay Thomas Big Band, Emerald City Big Band, and is a member and saxophonist soloist of Doctor Funk Band (Strokeland Records).

As a recording artist, Alexey performs and records with musicians like pianists John Hansen, Mark Seals, John Sanders, Bill Anchell, Randy Halberstadt, Tony Foster; vocalists Greta Matassa, Dee Daniels, Jackie Davis, Karen Shivers, Kelley Johnson, Kelly Eisenhour, Martin Ross; trumpeters Jay Thomas, Tom Marriott, Vern Sielert, Jim Sisco Andy Omdahl, Steve Mostovoy; trombonists Dave Marriott, Dan Marcus, Gary Shutes; saxophonist Bill Ramsey, bassists Jon Hamar, Doug Miller, Clipper Anderson, Douglas Barnett, Chuck Kistler, Paul Gabrielson, Chris Symer, Jim Cliff; drummers Greg Williamson, Brad Boal, Garey Williams, Hose Martinez, Adam Kessler, Matt Jorgensen and many many more.

FARKO DOSUMOV

Farko Rustamovich Dosumov was born and raised in Uzbekistan. Farko and his identical twin brother, Feodor Dosumov, began playing the classical guitar when they were ten years old. By the time the Dosumov brothers were in high school, Farko was playing electric bass and Feodor was playing electric guitar in multiple projects throughout Tashkent.

In 1999 Farko moved to New York City to pursue a future career in music. Farko later attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington, and specialized in jazz bass. Since then, he has played with many talented artists and groups such as Double Impact with his twin brother Feodor Dosumov, Michael Shrieve’s Spellbinder, Carlos Santana, Jonny Lang, Pura Fe, Flowmotion, Jazzukha, Duende Libre and many more.

D’VONNE LEWIS

Composer, bandleader, poet and drummer D’Vonne Lewis is the grandson of the “Godfather of Soul and Rock & Roll,” 1950-60s Northwest organ legend, Dave Lewis. At 34 years old, D’Vonne is already considered the most versatile jazz drummer in the Seattle area.

Known as a first-call drummer to many musicians, his gigs range from jazz, funk, hip-hop and rock to Brazilian and African – though most are quick to point out that his impeccable swing and musicality are what crystalize his connection with jazz varieties. Lewis has also performed with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; pianist Marian McPartland; guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli; clarinetist Eddie Daniels; and out-sax titan Charles Gayle.

SUPPORT LIVE REGIONAL JAZZ. SUPPORT THE VISUAL ARTS. THE ARTS SAVE LIVES.

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See the video: Ecology, Francesco Crosara Quartet

Graphic and photography by Julia Crosara

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Washington 2023: Seattle Jazz Vespers – Quartet with Jay…

Francesco Crosara, piano
Jay Thomas, trumpet & saxophone
Phil Sparks, bass
Milo Petersen, drums

Italian-born jazz pianist Francesco Crosara will appear at Seattle Jazz Vespers with an All-Star Quartet, featuring Seattle luminaries Jay Thomas on trumpet, sax, flute, Phil Sparks on bass, and  Milo Petersen on drums.

Originally from Milan, Francesco Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences. Francesco stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians.

“A pianist who originally hails from Italy, Crosara is well-versed in bop lore, and his delicate flow might indicate a debt to Bill Evans.” – Down Beat

“Crosara’s compositions are considerate of their audience, providing a source of joy, comfort, escape, and healing. Crosara believes jazz is a collective experience and a living language that distills a multitude of identities, backgrounds, and personalities.”  Earshot Jazz

Graphic and photography by Julia Crosara

NEWS

Washington 2023: Vashon Center of the Arts Tribute to…

FRANCESCO CROSARA (piano)
BRUCE PHARES (bass)
ALEXEY NIKOLAEV (soprano & tenor saxophone)

Saturday, March 25th, 2023

Jazz legend Chick Corea’s compositions will be the focus of this Saturday’s Jam In The Atrium at the VCA, with Francesco Crosara and Alexey Nikolaev joining host/bassist Bruce Phares, who will be guiding conversations among the trio regarding Corea’s stylings, as well as brief discussions of the individual songs as well.

Jazz pianist, composer & educator Crosara was a friend of Mr. Corea as well as a student and devotee of Corea’s unique and lyrical stylings. Originally from Milan, he blends into his performances an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, along with a romantic classical vein, mixed with Latin influences. Major piano influences are Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Herbie Hancock. Having performed over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Bobby Shew, Ira Sullivan, Bruce Forman, and more! 

https://www.francescojazz.com/

Saxophonist Alexey Nikolaev, originally from Moscow, whose extensive jazz festival appearances include Montreux Jazz Festival, Black Sea Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz FestivalIAJE / New York, Centrum Jazz Festival, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Earshot Jazz Festival, San Francisco Balboa Jazz Festival, and many more throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia now makes Seattle his home base. He has performed with vocalists Bobby Caldwell, The New York Voices, Lary Braggs, Lenny Williams, Greta Matassa, Dee Daniels, saxophonists Dave Liebman, Tom Scott, Maseo Parker, trumpeters Winton Marsalis, John Faddis, Randy Brecker, Greg Adams, guitarist John Pizzarelli, bassists Ray Brown, John Clayton and his All Stars Big Band, drummers Jeff Hamilton, Butch Myles, and vibraphonist Joe Locke, Tower of Power.

https://www.allaboutjazz.com/alexey-nikolaev-from-russia…

Host and jazz bassist Bruce Phares will start the show at 1:00 PM, bringing his “Deconstructng Jazz” Q&A’s with both the artists as well as the audience. JAM performances are made possible by underwriting by JR Crawford w/ Windermere RE. Join our group to stay informed as to upcoming artists: 

www.facebook.com/groups/jamintheatrium

Graphic care of Julia Crosara!

NEWS

Washington 2022: Bainbridge Island Museum of Art – SNOW…

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art: Francesco Crosara Trio with Special Guest Gail Pettis

FRANCESCO CROSARA TRIO, featuring
FRANCESCO CROSARA (piano),
CLIPPER ANDERSON (bass),
MARK IVESTER (drums).
Special guest: GAIL PETTIS.

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is delighted to welcome back renowned jazz pianist Francesco Crosara, accompanied by Clipper Anderson on bass, Mark Ivester on drums, and special guest Gail Pettis on vocals. Crosara will present original compositions and choice standards rearranged in his own lyrical and exuberant style. Concert presented by the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art as part of the Snow Globe Winter Music series. (www.biartmuseum.org)

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

FRANCESCO CROSARA: Originally from Milan, Italy, Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences. Crosara stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Bobby Shew, Ira Sullivan, Don Menza, Von Freeman, John Heard, Gabe Baltazar, Mayuto Correa, Bruce Forman, Barbara Morrison, Earl Palmer, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians. He has performed at festivals and venues across the USA, Japan, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, and Italy. Since 2017, the Pacific Northwest can claim Crosara’s talents, too, as he’s demonstrated an eagerness to contribute to the local scene. Francesco was selected to perform at the 2021 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle and has been featured two years in a row in the trend-setting Earshot Jazz: The Second Century series for his bold and innovative music composition and video editing work. Equally adept with acoustic and electric jazz concepts, Crosara routinely headlines trios and quartets with the area top musicians.

GAIL PETTIS: Named ” 2010 Northwest Vocalist of the Year,” by Earshot Jazz Society, (also 2007), Gail’s rich, warm vocals and understated phrasing have been described as “deliciously soulful” by Cadence Magazine. Gail’s live performances have been described by Earshot jazz as going “…from strength to strength, performing a winning, crowd-involving style of vocal jazz.”. As artist-in-residence at the Amersfoort Jazz Festival in the Netherlands in 2006, she was featured artist with the New Manhattan Big Band, also Eddie Conard and the Dutch Jazz Cats on the mainstage and smaller combs in venues in Amersfoort and Harderwijk. Included on this tour was a stop in Kobe, Japan to perform as a guest artist at KAVC Hall as First Place winner of the Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition. She has also performed at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival in Boise, Idaho, Jazz at the River Festival in Eagle, ID. Most recently, Gail completed
Russian tours in the spring of 2015, performing in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Ufa, Ivanova and Perm and returning in the summer for a tour anchored by the White Nights Jazz Festival.

CLIPPER ANDERSON is a bassist, composer, studio musician, performer, vocalist and educator. He plays at jazz festivals throughout the Unites States and Canada and has appeared on numerous recordings. Clipper has worked with some of the biggest names in contemporary jazz including Michael Brecker, Arturo Sandoval and Buddy De Franco. Clipper is an annual guest artist at the Buddy DeFranco / University of Montana Jazz Festival and the Blaine Jazz Festival. He is currently on the jazz faculty at Pacific Lutheran University.

MARK IVESTER is a versatile drummer and percussionist who is currently on the faculty at Pacific Lutheran University. Mark has performed with numerous jazz artists of international stature including Larry Coryell, Freddie Hubbard, Diane Schuur, Mose Allison, Charlie Byrd and Eartha Kitt. He has also performed with the Honolulu, Spokane and Walla Walla symphony orchestras. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Eastern Washington University and did undergraduate and graduate work in ethnomusicology at the University of Hawaii that included field study in gamelan music on the island of Java.

Photography by Julia Crosara

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Washington 2022: Olalla Winery – Trio with Farko Dosumov…

Olalla Winery: Francesco Crosara Trio – Art Direction: Julia Crosara

Olalla Winery
November 25th, 2022 – 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Francesco Crosara Trio
Francesco Crosara, keyboards
Farko Dosumov, bass
Max Holmberg, drums

Join us at Olalla Winery for a lively evening surrounded by vineyards & jazz music.
Jazz pianist FRANCESCO CROSARA will appear with an all-star trio featuring bassist Farko Dosumov and drummer Max Holmberg. The group will present original compositions inspired by jazz, classical and latin idioms, plus select jazz standards revisited.

FRANCESCO CROSARA

Originally from Milan, Italy, Francesco Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences. Francesco stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians.

FARKO DOSUMOV

Farko Dosumov was born and raised in Uzbekistan. In 1999 Farko moved to New York City to pursue a future career in music. He later attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA, and specialized in jazz bass. Since then, he has played with many talented artists and groups such as Michael Shrieve’s Spellbinder, Carlos Santana, Jonny Lang, Pura Fe, Flowmotion, and more.

MAX HOLMBERG

Max Holmberg is a Seattle based drummer, bandleader and educator. Berklee School of Music educated, Max Holmberg is a renowned drummer, bandleader, educator who has performed internationally and with notables like Wynton Marsalis, Joanne Brackeen, Eddie Gomez.

Photography by Julia Crosara

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Washington 2022: Immanuel Presbyterian Church – Special Guest Gail…

September 17th, 2022

FRANCESCO CROSARA TRIO WITH GUEST GAIL PETTIS

Francesco Crosara, piano
Gail Pettis, vocals
Clipper Anderson, bass
Mark Ivester, drums

Immanuel Presbyterian Church: Francesco Crosara Trio with Guest Gail Pettis – Art Direction: Julia Crosara

Pianist composer Francesco Crosara will appear in trio accompanied by bassist Clipper Anderson and drummer Mark Ivester. Special guest appearance by vocalist Gail Pettis promises to make this a very special night of music. Crosara will present original compositions and choice standards rearranged in his own lyrical and exuberant style.

Concert presented by B Sharp Music Society as part of the Jazz on J Street series in collaboration with Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Every third Saturday from 7-9 pm. All ages event in beautiful surroundings. No cover – musicians are paid by passing the hat – please give generously.

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

FRANCESCO CROSARA: Originally from Milan, Italy, Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences. Crosara stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Bobby Shew, Ira Sullivan, Don Menza, Von Freeman, John Heard, Gabe Baltazar, Mayuto Correa, Bruce Forman, Barbara Morrison, Earl Palmer, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians. He has performed at festivals and venues across the USA, Japan, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, and Italy.

Since 2017, the Pacific Northwest can claim Crosara’s talents, too, as he’s demonstrated an eagerness to contribute to the local scene. Francesco was selected to perform at the 2021 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle and has been featured two years in a row in the trend-setting Earshot Jazz: The Second Century series for his bold and innovative music composition and video editing work. Equally adept with acoustic and electric jazz concepts, Crosara routinely headlines trios and quartets with the area top musicians.

GAIL PETTIS: Named ” 2010 Northwest Vocalist of the Year,” by Earshot Jazz Society, (also 2007), Gail’s rich, warm vocals and understated phrasing have been described as “deliciously soulful” by Cadence Magazine.

Gail’s live performances have been described by Earshot jazz as going “…from strength to strength, performing a winning, crowd-involving style of vocal jazz.”. As artist-in-residence at the Amersfoort Jazz Festival in the Netherlands in 2006, she was featured artist with the New Manhattan Big Band, also Eddie Conard and the Dutch Jazz Cats on the mainstage and smaller combs in venues in Amersfoort and Harderwijk. Included on this tour was a stop in Kobe, Japan to perform as a guest artist at KAVC Hall as First Place winner of the Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition. She has also performed at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival in Boise, Idaho, Jazz at the River Festival in Eagle, ID. Most recently, Gail completed Russian tours in the spring of 2015, performing in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Ufa, Ivanova and Perm and returning in the summer for a tour anchored by the White Nights Jazz Festival.

CLIPPER ANDERSON is a bassist, composer, studio musician, performer, vocalist and educator. He plays at jazz festivals throughout the Unites States and Canada and has appeared on numerous recordings. Clipper has worked with some of the biggest names in contemporary jazz including Michael Brecker, Arturo Sandoval and Buddy De Franco. Clipper is an annual guest artist at the Buddy DeFranco / University of Montana Jazz Festival and the Blaine Jazz Festival. He is currently on the jazz faculty at Pacific Lutheran University.

MARK IVESTER is a versatile drummer and percussionist who is currently on the faculty at Pacific Lutheran University. Mark has performed with numerous jazz artists of international stature including Larry Coryell, Freddie Hubbard, Diane Schuur, Mose Allison, Charlie Byrd and Eartha Kitt. He has also performed with the Honolulu, Spokane and Walla Walla symphony orchestras. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Eastern Washington University and did undergraduate and graduate work in ethnomusicology at the University of Hawaii that included field study in gamelan music on the island of Java.

YouTube player

See the video: My One And Only Love, vocals & piano duet, Gail Pettis and Francesco Crosara.

Photos by julia Crosara and Joe Grojean.

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Washington 2022: Casa Mexico Keyport – Trio with Osama…

Casa Mexico Keyport: Francesco Crosara Trio – Art Direction: Julia Crosara

Pianist composer Francesco Crosara will appear in trio at Casa Mexico in Keyport accompanied by bassist Osama Afifi and drummer Steven Bentley for an all-acoustic trio performance.  Crosara will present original compositions and choice standards rearranged in his own lyrical and exuberant style.

NEWS

Washington 2022: Casa Mexico Keyport – Trio with Osama…

Casa Mexico Keyport: Francesco Crosara Trio – Art Direction: Julia Crosara

Pianist composer Francesco Crosara will appear in trio at Casa Mexico in Keyport accompanied by bassist Osama Afifi and drummer Mark Ivester for an all-acoustic trio performance.  Crosara will present original compositions and choice standards rearranged in his own lyrical and exuberant style.

NEWS

Washington 2022: The Art Farm Kingston – Trio with…

The Art Farm: Francesco Crosara Trio – Art Direction: Julia Crosara

The Art Farm
August 7th, 2022 – 2 to 5 PM

Francesco Crosara Trio
Francesco Crosara, keyboards
Farko Dosumov, bass
Eric Eagle, drums

Join us for a lively afternoon surrounded by beautiful art & music. A free and all ages event. Rain or shine. Gallery exhibition – ‘PORTALS’

Jazz pianist FRANCESCO CROSARA will appear with an all-star trio featuring bassist Farko Dosumov and drummer Eric Eagle. The group will present original compositions inspired by jazz, classical and latin idioms, plus select jazz standards revisited.

FRANCESCO CROSARA
Originally from Milan, Italy, Francesco Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences. Francesco stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians.
Since 2017, the Northwest can claim his talents, too, as he’s demonstrated an eagerness to contribute to the local scene. Francesco was selected to perform at the 2021 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle and has been featured two years in a row in the trend-setting Earshot Jazz: The Second Century series for his bold and innovative music composition and video work. In Seattle he routinely collaborates with local stalwarts like Nathan Breedlove, Clipper Anderson, Mark Ivester, D’Vonne Lewis, Jeff Busch, Osama Afifi, Farko Dosumov, and more.
“A pianist who originally hails from Italy, Crosara is well-versed in bop lore, and his delicate flow might indicate a debt to Bill Evans.” – Down Beat Magazine
“Crosaras compositions are considerate of their audience, providing a source of joy, comfort, escape, and healing. Crosara believes jazz is a collective experience and a living language that distills a multitude of identities, backgrounds, and personalities.” – Earshot Jazz

FARKO DOSUMOV
Farko Rustamovich Dosumov was born and raised in Uzbekistan. Farko and his identical twin brother, Feodor Dosumov, began playing the classical guitar when they were ten years old. By the time the Dosumov brothers were in high school, Farko was playing electric bass and Feodor was playing electric guitar in multiple projects throughout Tashkent.
In 1999 Farko moved to New York City to pursue a future career in music. Farko later attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington, and specialized in jazz bass. Since then, he has played with many talented artists and groups such as Double Impact with his twin brother Feodor Dosumov, Michael Shrieve’s Spellbinder, Carlos Santana, Jonny Lang, Pura Fe, Flowmotion, Jazzukha, Duende Libre and many more.

ERIC EAGLE
Drummer Eric Eagle was born in Nashville, but was quickly transplanted to Redmond, WA where he grew up playing music in school and regional groups. He spent two years studying music at the University of Washington, and with encouragement from teacher/mentor Billy Hart, moved to New Jersey to attend the Jazz Studies program at William Paterson College under the tutelage of Horacee Arnold, John Riley, Rufus Reid, and Steve Turre.
Eric has honed his craft performing and recording around the world with artists ranging from jazz (Julian Priester, Wayne Horvitz, Bill Frisell, Kenny Kirkland) to songwriters (Brandi Carlile, Jesse Sykes, Mark Pickerel, Amy Ray, Laura Veirs) to rock legends (The Kinks’ Ray Davies, The Band’s Robbie Robertson, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons), and has performed at esteemed venues in North America and Europe.
 
THE ART FARM

The Art Farm was established in 1998 as a place where all walks of life can share in meaningful and relevant creative educational experiences.
The Art Farm offers arts-based educational experiences that encompass a variety of genres in DESIGN,ART & MUSIC at multiple levels and in array of mediums and methods.
The Art Farm, 9321 NE State Hwy 104, Kingston, WA 98346
www.theartfarm.org

Photography by James Kressler