From the you-may-not-have-heard file:  Vermillion gallery received a full liquor license at the start of the year. So many more reasons to love the back room!  Showing at the Vermillion through March 7th is Friends of the Nib; up next is Ree Brown and Jay Steensma, opening March 11th. With Vermillion now serving the hard drinks The Crypt is the last streetfront with no alcohol service on the east side of 11th between Pike and Pine. 

From the make-me-over file: Cairo (gallery) has ceased being an art-gallery-slash-performace space and has reincarnated as a thrift-shop-slash-performance space.

Hours have expanded to daily and all ages music shows are booked monthly. At Cairo this Friday, March 5th: Hoquiam (record release show) with Blood Mongrel and Generifus. All ages, 7 pm, $5. Cairo is located at 507 E Mercer (next to the Anne Bonny) and is open daily 12 – 7pm.

Lastly, from the I’m-newer-than-the-iPad file: Ghost Gallery is taking over the former Crawl Space gallery space and plans to open in early April.  Laurie Kearney, the self-described motive force behind Ghost Gallery-a “moving exhibition project”- has leased the space and is planning a grand opening to coincide with the Blitz Capitol Hill Arts Walk on April 8th. Ghost Gallery has curated art shows at multiple venues around Seattle for the last three years; this is Laurie’s first full-time storefront gallery. We caught up with Laurie to discover more about her plans for Ghost Gallery.

What’s your first show in the new space for Ghost Gallery?
Laurie Kearney: I’m planning a “Best Of Ghost Gallery” show, with a select group of local artists that I’ve worked with over the past three years. Each artist is submitting one work of art. I wanted to do this as a thank you to the artists that have worked with me and to celebrate the awesome network that’s grown out of this project so far.

How are you remodeling the space?
LK: The space was pretty amazing as is, so the main modification is making the bathroom wheelchair accessible and cleaning up the pipes, etc on the ceiling for a cleaner look. There will be some rich color and vintage display fixtures added to the space as well.

Are you planning other events beyond visual arts?
LK: I’d like to be able to utilize the courtyard for art and occasional “light” music events (acoustic, classical), while respecting the needs and safety of the residents that live in the attached apartment building. I also want to open the doors for people to take drawing classes, have readings and other similar events.

Will Ghost Gallery follow the lead of other Capitol Hill galleries and blend art-viewing with liquor-licensing?
LK: Since the space is attached to an apartment building, I will not be applying for a liquor license to serve wine/liquor on the premises. That would just horrify the residents I’m sure. Many galleries have art events where a banquet license is obtained for wine and beer, and that is something that I plan on doing as well. However, the same priority applies as above, which is being sure to respect the residents that live above and next to the gallery.

Laurie is excited to find a home for Ghost Gallery on Capitol Hill, to work with new artists, and to provide a welcoming, cozy environment where people can access quality artwork.  Ghost Gallery is located at 504 E Denny Way, next to Hillcrest Market. Regular hours will be Tues – Sat, 12 – 7pm.