October Newsletter

Background Image: Greg Sinibaldi (Artist of the Month)
Labryinths Mixed media on paper

Hello, Friends and hello, Autumnal Equinox!


As the trees begin to turn and the sun lingers a little less each day, a new energy fills the air! One of reflection, renewal, and transformation. This season invites us, as artists and neighbors, to slow down and look closely at what is growing within and around us. May this season guide us toward deeper connection with our work, with our communities, and with one another. Take the time to see what’s being created, to listen, and to celebrate the beauty of our shared creative spirit.

Artist of the Month: Greg Sinibaldi

We are excited to introduce you to Seattle-based artist and musician Greg Sinibaldi who creates paintings that emerge from the same improvisational energy that fuels his music. Working in mixed media and often on found materials, Greg lets textures, symbols, and abstract forms guide his process. His work, both visual and musical reflect freedom, emotion, and experimentation.

See Greg’s paintings on view at the Equinox Gallery Space throughout October and catch his live performances around Seattle this fall!


Invest in Art-centered Community 

At Watershed, we’re keeping the heart of Georgetown alive through programs that center creativity and affordability. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, financial contributions are the fuel that keeps our engines revving. Watershed’s programming builds belonging and preserves the creative spirit that defines this neighborhood where artists, makers, and neighbors have built something truly special. This is only achieved through partnership. Join us and make a difference! 

Watershed’s projects are funded by generosity – in the form of philanthropy and social impact investment through Community Arts Bonds.

Philanthropy is making a gift or charitable contribution to support Watershed’s placemaking work. Every gift amount matters. Make a donation today! If you are interested in making a major gift and need more details, please email executive.director@watershedcommunity.org

Community Arts Bonds are a long-term investment tool so that Watershed can protect affordable spaces and sustain the people who make this place vibrant. Your investment keeps art and community here, where it belongs. If you are interested in learning more about the Community Arts Bond, please reach out to randy@watershedcommunity.org


Upcoming Events

“Being able to share our creative community with others, invite people into our studios and share our processes is part of what makes Equinox, Equinox.  Planning is already underway for our Very Open House in December, and we hope to see you there”. – Kay Morrison

November 8 – Open Studios | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Wander through Equinox Studios and meet the artists shaping Georgetown’s creative landscape. See works in progress, ask questions, and feel the pulse of this vibrant arts community.

November 15 – Smash-a-thon Fundraiser for Watershed
We’re hammering out the details for this fun, hands-on fundraiser that celebrates creativity, community, and catharsis. Stay tuned for updates and we hope to see you there!

December 13 – Equinox Studios’ 19th Annual Very Open House!!!
Studios open 3:00 – 9:00 PM | Shenanigans until late.
Join the legendary year-end celebration that brings artists, neighbors, and friends together for a night of art, light, music, and joy.


Hello, to our new board member: Kelly Sommerfeld

We’re thrilled to welcome Kelly to the Watershed Board! Kelly joined in April, bringing their background as an architectural designer and deep passion for community-led projects. Through their work with Ten Penny Studio, a design and construction practice based in Georgetown, Kelly has helped imagine what community-rooted, non-extractive development can look like.

“Development should be collaborative, regenerative, and rooted in care. The built environment has the potential to embody values of equity, ecology, and creativity — but only when we take time to deeply understand a place and its story.”

As a board member, Kelly looks forward to supporting Watershed’s work in shaping pathways for community-based stewardship and helping to imagine new models that weave together equity, ecology, and creativity. We’re grateful to have Kelly’s insight and heart on our team.


Goodbye, to The Bend’s Project Manager:
Amber Larsen

Amber brought her experience with business development and nonprofit management to Georgetown in 2019, with the goal of deepening her understanding of social finance and how it can be applied to affordable housing. She supported the development team as Project Manager through the creation of the 501c3 and the Live/Work District Community Plan, which centers The Bend vision. Amber advocated for and championed the social and economic outcomes analysis for the organization and steered the organizational structure toward self-determination.

“This project was a deep education in place-based development and how resilient systems build true community ownership. I’m really proud of my work with Watershed and so grateful to have partnered with so many exceptional people on The Bend’s Vision. ” – Amber Larsen

Amber is continuing her work partnering with social enterprises and values-aligned investors to strengthen community-led projects, with a particular interest in the rural west. Her current focus is supporting the redevelopment of a former bank into an arts center, in her hometown of Walla Walla.

“Amber played a central role in launching Watershed and developing The Bend almost from its inception. Her advocacy and work launched the art imperative, centered the organization’s commitment to diversity and belonging, created the District Plan, and continuously improved our communications and technology. The project would not be the same without her.” -Ben Rankin

Amber, we will miss you. May this land hold you with the same care and grace you’ve shared with us. Your wisdom and spirit will always be part of this place, and we can’t wait to see the meaningful work you’ll carry forward in the Northwest.


The way forward is [land]back. 

Last month, Watershed visited The Heron’s Nest – a 3.56-acre outdoor education space along the Duwamish Greenbelt in West Seattle. This land overhanging the Duwamish River is stewarded by The Heron’s Nest in support of The Duwamish Tribe – a still federally unrecognized tribe and the first signatory of the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855.

As we walked the land, learning its history and purpose from our passionate tour guides Joselynn and Aloysius, the spirit of the River, the Valley, and its People was viscerally evident. Between tall Maples, a wise Cedar ancestor, and vine-climbing pumpkins the complexities of life in 2025 gave way to something more simple, more powerful:

Community.
Justice.
Landback.

In 2020, Shared Spaces Foundation, in collaboration with Duwamish Tribal Services, The Heron’s Nest and other organizations, developed an idea to steward and repatriate the land to The Duwamish Tribe. Today, that idea has grown to 20 partner organizations committed to partnering to empower marginalized communities through education and employment.

As the vision is fully realized, the generosity of the land persists despite years of gross misuse. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, kale, and more, flow directly from the ground to The Tribe at weekly markets at The Duwamish Longhouse.

Watershed is grateful for the dedication of The Heron’s Nest and Shared Spaces Foundation and is committed to supporting efforts to restore land and power back to people of The Duwamish. In the spirit of true community, we invite you to connect with and support this work in a meaningful way.


Community Opportunity: Georgetown Business Association

The Georgetown Business Association (GBA) is seeking a new Treasurer to join its Board!

This volunteer role is perfect for someone with basic bookkeeping skills and a passion for Georgetown’s community. The Treasurer supports the Executive Director and Board President in planning finances, managing budgets, and ensuring smooth operations.

Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 5–7 PM

Commitment: ~1 hour per week (increases to ~3 hours in June during Georgetown Carnival)
To apply: Email Debra Broz at director@georgetownseattle.org


Get involved: Volunteer with Us

Art and community thrive through participation. Volunteering with Watershed and Equinox Studios is one of the most meaningful ways to connect, support artists, and help our events come to life!  If you’d like to lend a hand in greeting guests, setting up, or assisting during events, fill out the volunteer form.


💛Thank you

Thank you for tuning in to our October Newsletter!
We’re grateful for your continued support, creativity, and care for the community that makes Watershed what it is.

Stay Connected and we will see you next Quarter!