Spotlight NORTH

Paul Leavitt () seeks a balance between the formal dynamics of painting and the emotional resonance a work can evoke. While his compositions often feature figures that suggest a narrative, they primarily serve as elements within an open aesthetic language. He is particularly drawn to ephemeral qualities like daydreams or fleeting moments that fade from recognizable imagery into abstraction.

Leavitt holds a BFA from the University of Washington and an MA from San Jose State University. His creative trajectory shifted from ceramics to painting during the 1980s while living in New York City, and the gritty, vibrant East Village art scene informed his aesthetic. Although he stepped away from the commercial art world after returning to Seattle in the 1990s, he has maintained a dedicated home studio practice. Now retired from his ‘day job,’ Leavitt has returned to full-time studio work.

“I look to achieve a balance between the dynamics of painting; its energy, color, light and composition, and a sensibility or emotion which a work may evoke.”

Stop by Paul’s Lake Forest Park studio the weekend of MAY 16+78, NOON—5PM!

Visit www.spotlightnorth.org to view the map with all 2026 studio addresses.

Thank you to our sponsors!
King County 4Culture
Cori Whittaker Homes
Aurora Prints
Modern Glaze

Sarah Norsworthy () creates paintings that explore the delicate boundary between urban development and the natural world. She graduated from Dartmouth College (BA) and the University of Washington (MFA), and lives in North Seattle. In addition to her studio practice, Norsworthy works as a professional seamstress, teaches art to adults with disabilities, and is a painting and drawing instructor thorugh North Seattle College Continuing Education. She is represented by studio e gallery.

Norsworthy’s process begins in sites on the periphery of the city. She starts her works outdoors to capture ecosystems in flux, then returns to her studio to translate those observations into memory based paintings. By layering and scraping oil paint, she allows the physical act of painting to mirror the process of remembering. These works highlight the transformative nature of spending time in the wilderness and the vital role humans play in landscape preservation.

“The paintings speak to the transformative aspect of spending time outside immersed in the natural world as well as the role we play within this landscape through preservation.”

For the SPOTLIGHT NORTH event this year, Sarah and her work will be at Modern Glaze along with Laura Brodax and Robin Arnitz. Be sure to stop by the weekend of MAY 16+78, NOON—5PM!

Visit www.spotlightnorth.org to view the map with all 2026 studio addresses.

Thank you to our sponsors!
King County 4Culture
Cori Whittaker Homes
Aurora Prints
Modern Glaze

A works-in-progress shot from featured artist Tim Cross , who works in painting, drawing, sculpture, and ceramics. Tim will have both works-in-progress to view and finished pieces for sale during SPOTLIGHT NORTH Open Studio Tour this weekend.

🟡 SPOTLIGHT NORTH Open Studio Tour
🗓️ Saturday/Sunday, MAY 17+18, 2025
🕛 Noon-5PM each day
📍 Visit our website for studio addresses—www.spotlightnorth.org