When asked how she “typically” spends two hours in SLU, Dena
Lee’s response is, “there is no typical day!” Dena has the energy and enthusiasm many only dream of. Her #2HoursInSLU represents only a tiny portion of the many
projects she is up to her elbows in here in SLU.
Walking into Caffé Torino to meet her, the cafe bustles with members of
the SLU Art Walk Team, including artist Carolina Wallin, whom the team is
working in collaboration with Bianca’s Mary’s Place on for a woven fence project at Republican between Yale and Minor. Together, Dena and Andrea Florissi, proprietor of Caffé Torino,
co-chair the SLU Art Walk Team. This energetic group is, in fact, weaving
art right into the fabric of our neighborhood. Over 1200 people attended the
inaugural SLU Art Walk on May 2nd. They are hoping for even more attendees at
the second one coming up Friday, August 1st, 5-8pm.
In her spare time, Dena is a dance instructor at the
Minor Avenue Children’s House. Carrie Jacobson and Eileen Hood, managers of Shine, readily agreed to be a venue featuring art by
M.A.C.H. children. Dena resides in SLU and regularly attends South Lake
Union Community Council meetings as well as local community task forces, such
as the force working on the public benefits of the Denny Substation.
Dena and the SLU Art Walk Team are working to show how to create art in our community. It’s working! By
actively creating art in South Lake Union, we’re seeing a community come to
life right before our eyes. During May's art walk, over
200 people came through Praxis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu studio to view the work of a
local photographer. The studio owner, Larry King, must have certainly
appreciated the visibility this brought his brand-new neighborhood business!
Dena, Andrea and the SLU Art Walk Team are encouraging non-profits to participate in the August 1st Art Walk: there’ll
be hands-on art at the Gazebo at the Cascade People’s Center; children’s art on
display at Playdate; Immanuel Lutheran will host art from Orion Youth Center and Cascade Women’s Program;
Williams Apartments will display works from Plymouth HousingGroup; and Youth-In-Focus will feature photography at Museum Quality Framing. A map of the August venues can be found here. They hope to spread the idea
that art is accessible to everyone. That said, we encourage you
to attend the next SLU Art Walk and find yourself
inspired by the art, people, and community that’s being created
right here in wonderful, vibrant SLU. Be sure to stop by Caffe Torino to view
Andrea’s featured artists and have a latte. If you’re lucky, you may
even run into Andrea or Dena themselves!
