In more arts space news, Whim W’Him recently announced that its new dance center is up and running. In late 2022, the contemporary dance company finalized the purchase of a church at the top of Queen Anne Hill. The building has been transformed into an airy space for classes, rehearsals and rentals — or, as the company puts it, “a hub for creative expression in Seattle.” 

Performances won’t happen in this space, but you can experience Whim W’him’s new Winter ’24 show at Cornish Playhouse (Jan. 19-27), featuring a trio of works by choreographers Olivier Wevers, Brett Easterling and Joseph Hernandez.

I’ll end with some distressing arts space news…

Two weeks ago, during the first First Thursday art walk of 2024, I snapped a photo of a sign posted in the window at Davidson Galleries in Pioneer Square. “EXCITING NEWS!” the announcement began, in all caps. “Davidson Galleries is moving within Pioneer Square.” 

It was indeed exciting news, as the gallery’s status had been in question after founder/owner Sam Davidson announced his retirement this past spring — having run the print-focused space for 50 years. The sign said the gallery would soon be moving four blocks away, to a storefront at 85 Yesler Way, in the historic Pioneer Square Hotel Building. 

But just one week later (Jan. 12), a fire tore through the gallery, damaging many of the collected works on paper, from antique to contemporary. (It was early morning; thankfully no people were inside.) While the total damage has yet to be assessed, the good news is that Davidson still plans to reopen in the new space.

Stay tuned for updates on this and other Seattle arts spaces, old and new.