By Kate Ganiron, Web Intern

Two local small business art galleries, Tasty Delectable Collectibles and Bherd Studios, are showcasing original art produced by women of the Pacific Northwest.

“We’re always curious about meeting new people who are supporting local artists. So when Tasty moved into the neighborhood, we introduced ourselves and we became friends,” said Michele Osgood, co-owner of BHerd Studios.

“We started talking about how we could co-promote certain shows. That way, two small business owners were sending love back and forth and supporting the artists at the same time.”

Osgood and Sheri Hauser, owner of Tasty, decided to share a common concept: art by local women. Promoted on the same flyer, Tasty’s show is called "Tickled Pink" and Bherd Studios’ show is called “XX.”

Tickled Pink showcases 15 different female artists, of which eleven are from Seattle. There are over 100 pieces in the Tickled Pink collection, all of which are on sale.

According to Hauser, Tasty is not just a gallery. With over 60 artists featured in the store – from jewelers to hat designers – they have “all kinds of products, not just art on the walls.”

“I love being surrounded by art,” said Hauser, who became an art representative at 22-years-old. “I get to be the mouthpiece for all these talented artists and help their careers move along and help them sell products. That gives me great pride.”

For BHerd Studios, this is their third women’s only show. With the exception of one artist from Vancouver, B.C, all artists are from Seattle.

“We focus on urban contemporary artists,” said Osgood, who owns Bherd with her husband, John Osgood.

“We focus mainly on Seattle artists, but we also broaden it up to the Pacific Northwest in general, so we try to grab our Vancouver, B.C. artists, our Portland artists when we can.”

Osgood said their newest artist, Devon Urquhart, has generated some excitement from the public.

“Her work is very unique in the fact that she uses 3-D materials,” said Osgood, referring to a “diorama-like” piece of a hollowed-out heart.

Osgood said that “XX” generated a successful response at the show’s opening, which was coordinated with the neighborhood art walk on Friday, Feb 11.

“People are excited to see artists,” she said.

“We focus on emerging and mid-career artists, so people are always excited to see what we have to offer here in our city as far as local talent.”

Hauser also had a successful opening to Tickled Pink and said at least 150 people visited in that one night not counting the artists featured in the show, who gathered at Tasty for the opening night.

“I felt really honored to have the artists gathered here for the opening. That was the biggest thrill for me as a gallery owner,” said Hauser.

“Creative people can be very quirky and interesting. I love that energy about them."

Osgood said urban art is like eye candy.

"There’s always things the artist does with their messages and it’s really great for us to showcase that and get the message out for people,” she said.

“Urban art is sometimes underrepresented and it’s a great chance to get to know what we have to offer here.”

The Tickled Pink show runs until Wednesday, March 9 at Tasty Delectable Collectibles. 7513 Greenwood Ave N.
Bherd's XX runs until Friday, March 4 at 8537 Greenwood Ave. N