Mike's adventures in art: 'A Long Walk to Hope'

If you are looking for some tips on how to experience art in the Seattle area, you are in the right place. In this weekly post, KUOW Arts Reporter Mike Davis gives you tips on what to do around Seattle over the weekend so you can have your own adventures in arts and culture.

FILM

If you plan on seeing "Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantimania," and I know a lot of you are, let me suggest supporting local theatres. My pick of the week is viewing this big-budget Marvel movie at a community-based cinema. Here are some options in south, north, and west Seattle with showtimes for Saturday:

Ark Lodge Cinema, in Columbia City, showtimes — 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:45 p.m.

Majestic Bay Theatres, in Ballard, showtimes — 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m.

Admiral Theatre, in west Seattle, showtimes — 1 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:55 p.m.

VISUAL ART

Northwest African American Museum, has reopened and they have multiple galleries that are worth checking out. I recently viewed “A Long Walk to Hope: Exploring Seattle’s MLK Annual March Through Photos.” This exhibit, which features photos by local photographer Susan Fried, chronicles marches in our city dating back to 1983. Seeing the evolution of the marches through still photos was moving. From the older pics in the 80s, to the recent marches that I attended, taking this journey of a movement through the lens of Fried was a special experience.

If you’re interested in paintings, “The Colors of Life” offers a collection of impressive pieces by four local visual artists that present abstract art in vibrant colors that celebrate the regathering of community. I didn’t get to spend as much time as I wanted in this exhibit, but over the weekend, I will definitely return. I was drawn to large canvases with dark backgrounds contrasted by fluorescent colors. It reminded me that sometimes the joy of life is in our ability to merely exist. These abstract pieces took me out of the detail of life and allowed to me to have a moment to smile and appreciate the beauty of art.

"A Long to Hope" is showing Jan. 16 to Apr. 29

"The Colors of Life" is showing Jan. 16 to June 24

THEATRE

"Into the Woods," is playing at the 5th Ave Theatre. This familiar story has been playing on stages for decades, but if you are like me, and enjoy a dark fairytale with Little Red, Cinderella, and a Wicked Witch, you will want to check this out. We’ve seen this story many times — on Broadway, on television, and in theatres around the country. I’m excited to see the 5th Ave take on this classic.

"Into the Woods" is playing Feb. 10 to March 5 at the 5th Ave Theatre