2021
ABBEY
ARTS
UPDATE
[New!]
THIS IS A STORY about finding connection in a time when many have felt disconnected,
and it starts with you…
DRAFT
ARTIST SUPPORT &
PRODUCER NETWORK
DRAFT
Music & arts events help people take time away from the busy distractions of daily life, put down their digital devices, and connect. Too often, the people who make those events possible aren’t well supported.
Here at Abbey Arts, we believe there is a better way. �That’s why we:
To our producers, poets, storytellers, musicians, dancers and visual creators, we say thank you. We promise to continue finding new ways to support you - financially, creatively, and practically - so that you may continue to do the work that brings so many of us peace, joy and connection.
Artist Dinners .
ARTIST DINNERS
CREATIVE SESSIONS
DRAFT
…where we come together to dream with each other, try new things and expand our ideas of what’s possible with local
Event Producers
Musicians
Artists
Staff
Volunteers
and more
Recording Space .
RECORDING SPACE
DRAFT
In 2021 we were able to expand access to discounted or free use of our space to record, empowering local artists to dream big and expand their reach.
800+ Private Dance or Rehearsal Hours
100+ participating artists
Impact .
Recording Space .
REHEARSALS
Our Sliding Scale Model supports all artists regardless of age or income levels, and also encourages preservation of our buildings, as many dancers volunteered to do the work of maintaining Fremont Abbey while it was closed
Impact .
DRAFT
Recording Space .
LIVE STREAMING
Sessions In Place Partnership
In April of 2020, Sessions in Place began livestreaming and providing high quality content for local musicians at Fremont Abbey, which we supported with free space usage and promo. We’ve since begun co-producing the Round with them-beginning August, 2020.
In 2020, the Seattle music community was decimated by COVID and something needed to happen to unite us through these incredibly difficult times. So just like a phoenix rises from the ashes, Sessions In Place was born. But for something to be born, the necessary component is family, and we found that with Abbey Arts.
Beginning on April 11, 2020, SIP kicked off a cinematic livestream concert series that was held every Saturday. The truth was quickly evident in this new adventure that we could not do this alone, so a bond was established with Abbey Arts. Throughout time, the Abbey built up confidence in what SIP was producing, so to fulfill our creative vision, we were provided support with a venue, an extension of social media reach by utilizing their already established community, Eventbrite ticketing to get artists money, storage for our gear and access to the Abbey’s gear, as well as an unprecedented amount of hospitality from the Abbey staff, while SIP handled all the other elements. But most of all, we were provided with a home and a mentally, physically, and emotionally safe place.
What started as a year-long commitment to weekly livestreams, soon evolved into a 73 consecutive week-long endeavor (40 weeks of which were held at the Fremont Abbey). We believe this weekly consistency provided the music community and those that love PNW musicians a way to experience live music, discover emerging artists, and have something to look forward to in these unpredictably tough times. It is with firm belief that this stamina of SIP was largely due to the community that was cultivated, which we believe is everything and is crucial to mental health. Without the continued support from Abbey Arts, I’m not sure where my (Oliver) mental health would be.
It is with utmost gratitude that we give a big heart-felt “thank you” to Abbey Arts. To Juliann, Nathan, and Ashley (and the rest of the Abbey staff) for your continuing support in working with SIP through this troubling time, we give an expansive amount of humbling thankfulness.
With much love,
Oliver Stellfox
Sessions in Place Co-founder | Producer | Audio | MC sessionsinplace.com
DRAFT
frederickfilms.com
“Thank you so much, Nathan. You are a well in the desert -- thank you so much not only for your support but everything that you do for our community. (Heart)” � - Shaina Shepherd, 2021, Local Musician
Payge Turner on The Voice
Payge debuted on NBC’s The Voice competition in 2020 as well and we were able to host Payge at one of our spaces for a viewing party with their household bubble.
She later filmed a Art Zone episode @ Abbey & Art Garage with Nancy Guppy
Sessions In Place wins Best Local Livestream from Danstunes
SYML filmed & streamed from St Mark’s - collab with local film crew run by Sam Kelly (former contact at NFFTY)
“I feel incredibly grateful to the Abbey for giving me a space to create and move during this time. The Abbey has always been an amazing and supportive space and community for me since becoming a resident mover there last year.
But being able to have access to a training space like this, during the pandemic in particular, has been more meaningful than I can say. It has been a vital resource for me in my creative life, over the past few months, as well as an important lift to my mental health.
The ability to dance and to play in a room full of sunshine every week has truly made a massive impact in my world right now. I was so happy to be able to return to the Abbey after a few months of closure, and am grateful to everyone who has opened the doors of this community to me. Abbey Arts is an integral part of the dance community in Seattle, and of all the arts communities here. We are deeply lucky and forever grateful to have them.” -Emma Cady (currently using GH for dance rehearsals)
Curating welcoming arts & cultural experiences where people of all ages and incomes can
explore creativity, enjoy beauty, grow empathy and increase awareness.
EVENTS
We believe that music, art and creativity are foundational to living well. We work to expand access to these experiences across Seattle at spaces in Fremont, Ballard, Capitol Hill, South Park, Uheights, Greenlake and more.
What makes us stand apart is the relaxed, cozy vibes of our shows. With relatively small guest lists (100-250), low stages and what we think is the best staff in the whole world. Even when our events get big, as is the case for our Cathedrals Series Concerts, the welcoming setup and informal floor seating create the sense of being in a “Giant Living Room”.
Just as small batch chocolate tastes better than a mass produced bar, so do these small batch concerts encourage guests open up to the music and art in a different way. This creates space for them to feel a real connection to the music and the artist, and to be invested in them long after they leave.
WELLNESS & CONNECTION
Creativity Camp
The Not Creepy Gathering
for people who Want to Fall in Love.
Event #99
Calming
Soundbath
Art Table
at select events.
2021 CATHEDRALS SERIES
9/4 The Milk Carton Kids, Haley Heynderickx
9/27 Josh Ritter
+ 11/5 Shaina Shepherd
11/15 SYML
11/19 RY X
12/3 & 12/4 Noah Gundersen
ARTIST’S REFLECTIONS (11/5 CATHEDRALS)
Press Release Excerpt
CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO
THE ROUND - ONLINE
Partnering with
HISTORIC SPACES
Just as we work to care for our community through rehearsal space, events, and the like, we also want to help preserve its history.
What started as a spark of inspiration - an old, beautiful abbey renovated and filled with music and dancing and joy - has, through hard work and dedication, grown into a successful small nonprofit with the gumption and audacity to not renovate just one, but six historic buildings across Seattle and fill them with hundreds of events a year.
Fremont Abbey. Ballard Homestead. St Mark’s Cathedral.�University Heights Center Auditorium. South Park Hall. Woodlawn Hall.
We preserve, we protect, we partner, all while nourishing our communities, keeping the arts affordable and growing our sense of wonder.
New Greenlake Space
WOODLAWN HALL
(NEW GREENLAKE SPACE)
SOUTH PARK HALL
CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO
P a r t n e r s .
DRAFT
Partnerships
South Park Hall
7400 Woodlawn Project (Greenlake)
United Methodist Projects (PNW) - possible
Ballard Homestead and related projects�
FREMONT ABBEY PROJECTS
DRAFT
Wayfinding Upgrade:
Mural & Signage Painted by Artist-in-Residence of 2+ years, Lindsey Schoeneman
Upgrades in Progress
Roof Repair & Cleaning, Air Conditioning,
Repainting Gallery
Valued at $24,000
New Doors!
New Donated Piano
BALLARD HOMESTEAD
Wayfinding Upgrade:
Painted by Artist-in-Residence, Lindsey Schoeneman
MORE COMMUNITY IMPACT QUOTES
“We had such a great night. We truly appreciate the safe and welcoming environment the abbey creates for artists and attendees. What a pleasure to share songs in such an intimate way alongside incredible artists like Rae & Luke”
LA FONDA MUSIC
“The show was so so special. I’m in awe of your team and community. Loved how you set it up too with the tables and chairs!”
RAE ISLA
“Had a great time! Staff were amazing and even though it was a small crowd, they really enjoyed it and the energy was there. Thanks for creating such a great space for artists. Hope to come back again sometime if you’ll have me.”
DAN RODRIGUEZ
“I have been a long time patron / participant of the Abbey--going to shows and performing at the open mics. The Abbey has brought a lot of joy and wonder into my life, and I’m glad to have experienced it! I even used to live in the neighborhood!”
KATHRYN KAVANAGH
“The Abbey has been a beautiful retreat from my little apartment. It has made dance making possible in this season when so much seems impossible.” KIMBERLY HOLLOWAY
“The Abbey saved my life during the pandemic.” Musician who has been using the Abbey to rehearse this past year.
“Happy New Year! Thank you for providing so much space and love for not only me but all the artists last year. I can’t wait to see what this year brings!” JAMAAR SMILEY
“Really appreciate you all and the way you run Abbey Arts. It’s so professional yet community focused.”
ONCE AROUND THE SUN
“thanks SO much for helping this come together. You absolutely made a dream come true and gave us the most beautiful night at my favorite venue in the world.” Abbey Neighbor
Other Abbey Wins
Our artists made Pitchfork’s “The Best 50 Albums of 2021”
As of March 2nd: We’ve been able to help other partner nonprofits with amazing high end equipment, furniture etc. this past year.
So far we’ve helped or are helping,
Fremont Abbey Arts Center, Ballard Homestead, University Heights Center, South Park Hall - black woman owned venue & youth programs, Washington Hall, Vera Project, Daybreak Star Indian Culture Center, Local black owned arts therapy office in Sodo, Black & Tan Hall (Therapy for Black Girls)- black owned nonprofit venue in Columbia City, Creative Center - shoreline
Staff & Interns
"I'm so grateful that the Abbey was my first ‘home’ when I moved up here, and I'm excited to see you all continue to do wonderful things and evolve and grow" Sara
DRAFT
How would you describe the culture or 'feel' of the organization?
“welcoming, relaxed, personal, artsy” Design Intern 2020
we were able to continue investing
in local artists in 2021
Thanks to many foundation and government grants
and the generous discounts in rent while our doors
have remained closed to the public
DRAFT
Sliding Scale Rehearsal Space (dance, music, acrobatics, yoga)
The Round moved online.
Recording space for small projects.
Supported artist streaming project with free space
Creating Networks for Artists & Event Producers
Musician & Artist Quotes
“Thank you again for lending me your beautiful space! I was able to get a lot of work done, and my creative juices were definitely flowing! A big thank you to you and everyone else at The Fremont Abbey that have found new and helpful ways to exist and love your community during these difficult times. Hoping that 2021 is full of more art, resilience, and moments of connection! Warmly, Kayla Kim” 2021
“Thank you again for letting us use the beautiful space. The Fremont Abbey is a treasure.” - Beth Whitney, 2021
____________________________
“The Abbey is my favorite venue in the whole world. Everything you do is magic.”
– Mary Lambert, of Macklemore’s Same Love fame
____________________________
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done to help us along our way. You all do so much for the Seattle community...truly grateful.
– Natalie Closner, from the band Joseph
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There are a million rocknroll clubs, blacked out walls scribbled with scandalous lore, overpriced drinks, bad sound and the overall feeling that the owner walked away from the building in 1987 and the only reason you’re their is they forgot to let the staff know. I play these rooms a lot and have no problem with ’em. But when it comes to making something more than a Wednesday night drunk show, when it comes to making an event, the Abbey has it nailed. You’re not playing to an audience here. You’re playing to your friends. There’s no room for ego or rhinestones, there is just room for a beautiful experience. Whether you’re there to see it, or there to give it. Its nice to be somewhere that cares.
– James Apollo, musician/artist
____________________________
Ya’ll are an inspiration to my three children who need authentic artist role models who are passionate about what they do and fearless about sharing their hearts.
– Glory Cancro, Seattle-based visual artist
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I just want to express how incredibly grateful I am that you gave me the opportunity to join Next Stageand release my record at the Abbey. Your open-mindedness and generosity have truly changed my life.
– Anna Freedman, Seattle-based musician
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Volunteer Quotes
"Spending this time in quarantine, I've been thinking about the things I cannot experience right now. I've really come to understand how powerful seeing live music can be. I have so many vivid memories of shows I've seen, and these memories can transport me back to joy and beauty moments. I'm so appreciative of these experiences and the musicians that have created them. Organizations like the Fremont Abbey Arts are so important because they support local and emerging artists and give us a space to create beautiful, joyful memories."
– Nick Dreher | May 2020 (we have permission to share w/ photo he emailed to sara@fremontabbey.org)
____________________________
"I support and volunteer at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center not only because it serves and celebrates local musicians and artists but allows me access to “real life art” alongside community that I call home.”
– Amy Sawyer, Board Member, 2019-2020
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Why I support and serve the Fremont Abbey Arts Center
The music drew me in — intimate, collaborative, entertaining and even challenging evenings of music, poetry and art.
The heart of the people working there caught my attention—people who care deeply about creativity and about people who need that in their lives and who serve the community through hard work, both paid and unpaid.
The uniqueness of the mission inspires me—offering this lovely old building as a community resource where creativity is nurtured for people of all ages, abilities and incomes. The realization that if it were gone my community would be the poorer, keeps me working hard to preserve it.
– Deborah Ferguson, FAAC Board Chair, 2013
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I recently volunteered at Fremont Abbey’s ArtCycle Program for the first time. Although eager to help, I was admittedly a bit skeptical that teenaged kids would willingly participate and enjoy spending time doing this type of activity. However, I was pleasantly surprised when observing the intrigued and excited expressions on the kids’ faces as we explained the project we would be completing that day. We were going to create a spherical art piece constructed all from recycled materials that they could give as a gift to their mom for the upcoming mothers’ day.
Initially, some children became slightly frustrated and disinterested when they couldn’t get it just right. We encouraged them not to give up and proposed they approach the project in a different way. We would suggest to them to try a different technique. First we would demonstrate it to them and then help them try that same way. We continuously reminded them that there was no “wrong way” to approach their art and everyone’s creativity works differently. Eventually, every kid got excited about their special projects and took pride in what they were building.
The most rewarding part of volunteering through Fremont Abbey’s ArtCyle Program was watching kids get excited about making unique pieces of art. Just like the kids felt accomplished by completing their masterpieces, I felt accomplished by perhaps making their day a little brighter by assisting them with their creations. The Fremont Abbey’s ArtCycle Program is positively changing the Seattle Community through sparking kids’ creativity and actively engaging them to realize their wonderful artistic capability. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and highly encourage others to volunteer through Fremont Abbey’s ArtCycle Program if they are looking for a rewarding experience.
– Gina Froelich
_______________________________
Why I support and serve the Fremont Abbey Arts Center
I started volunteering in a transitional part of my life. I met some amazing people while volunteering and I fell in love. I met amazing people and I was introduced to an art scene that I never knew existed. I threw myself into renovations and an environment that was unlike any I had ever known. I am proud to be a part of the Abbey Arts. I walk through the building and see doors I have painted and floors I have stained and it feels like home. I am overwhelmed with love and pride when I I walk through the Abbey. I am so thankful that I am on the Board of Director’s and I do not take it for granted. I am amazed at what we contribute to Seattle and am very proud of what we have accomplished.
– Cindy Dailey, FAAC Secretary
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I have volunteered at the Abbey a handful of times but one time that specifically stood out was the sustainable wedding fair in January 2012. Although I’m nowhere near getting married, I really enjoyed each vendor and their sustainable products. This fair proved that people are trying to incorporate sustainability into their lives, as personal as a wedding. This was a very unique fair and I felt honored to be a part of something with such diverse people who truly care about our environment… And did I mention they are ridiculously creative???
– Erin o’Rorke
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Community Quotes
Things I like about Fremont Abbey: Vintage charm, Supports arts & creativity, Location, Multi-use options, Had a favorite memory there already, Because it’s a nonprofit arts center, Having 2 floors for ceremony/reception, Our church doesn’t have a building, and we liked the idea of getting married somewhere that still feels like a church.
– Ali Dahmer, held wedding at Abbey
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The Fremont Abbey is truly a unique and valuable cultural center for all of Seattle’s citizens. I was especially impressed with how welcoming the staff of the Abbey was for the recent Brazilian Rhythms class that Path with Art brought to the beautiful Cafe space. All of our students were honored by the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to our group by the folks at the Abbey. As a fellow nonprofit administrator, I really appreciate the staff’s helpful, flexible, and enthusiastic attitudes towards making our creative experience at the Abbey the best that it could be. Thanks Fremont Abbey!
– Adam Doody, Program Coordinator, Path with Art
____________________________
These arts events allow our clients to experience a sense of normalcy and feel a sense of belonging in their community. It also opens up their eyes to new possibilities and interest they can pursue.
– Treehouse for Kids
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Fremont Abbey Updates .
New Tower Office. Renovation Almost Complete
Bright & Quiet Workspace
Still Needed: Leads on renting out inspirational office & rehearsal spaces.
Fremontabbey.org/RENT
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
Artist Support Projects
Free/Discounted Recording Space for Creative Projects
FEB, 2021 - Nancy Guppy, Art Zone: Featuring Payge Turner (Abbey)� + Payge returns to Art Garage 3/25
�FEB - Kaylee Williams Music Video (including Sessions Recording Team, Hilary Grumman (Abbey Dancer) and more. ��FEB - Seattle International Dance Festival (Two Day Live Streaming)
FEB - Private Rehearsals Monday-Friday (2-10 artists each day)
Abbey 16 Prep
10 Staff, Volunteers, Artists came to share what music, dance and Abbey Arts has meant to them. Additional recording slots available late Feb/ early March.