A series of vibrantly colored paintings intended to promote the development of an arts district in the Bel-Red area will be on display at a café in the Bravern starting this weekend.
The 14 paintings of Bel-Red by Bellevue artist Brian Forrest, on display at the Factoria Mall in August and September, will move this weekend to Vovito Caffè & Gelato. The artist will be at the café for a meet-and-greet with patrons on Wednesday, Oct. 5, during happy hour, 3-7 p.m.
Forrest created the paintings as a project for the city, which aims to develop an arts district in Bel Red. In 2009 the City Council approved zoning intended to help transform the area from a light industrial sprawl to vibrant neighborhoods with retail businesses, apartment complexes, new streets and parks.
“We hope these exhibitions at Factoria Mall and the Vovito will encourage more businesses to display art on their premises,” said Bellevue arts specialist Mary Pat Byrne. “We also hope Brian’s paintings will make people curious about Bel-Red as an arts district and interested in getting involved.”
Information about the city’s arts program is available at www.bellevuewa.gov/arts_program.htm.