Art reception Aug. 16 at the Edmonds ArtWalk features photography by Jacob Smithers and live music by The Jazz Pearls

Photographer Jacob Smithers’ work “Environmental Still Life” is on display through Sept. 7 at the ArtsNow gallery at the Edmonds Conference Center, 201 4th Avenue North, Edmonds.

 An artist reception will be 5-8 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 16 at the conference center during the City of Edmonds’ Third Thursday Art Walk.

The reception features live music by The Jazz Pearls, a swinging jazz combo, with musicians Ashley Webster, Morgan Gilkeson, and Lauren Hendrix. Refreshments will be available at the reception. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 425.640.1243, email artsnow@edcc.edu, or go to www.edcc.edu/artsnow.

Jacob was born in the Seattle area, majored in Environmental Science at Seattle University, and studied under Photographic Center Northwest and Seattle University’s Claire Garoutte. He continues to work with several nonprofit organizations, harmonizing his love for photography and community.

Ashley, of The Jazz Pearls, is an Edmonds Community College alum. She graduated from Shorewood High School in 2005 and earned her Associate of Arts degree in 2008 at Edmonds CC.

She has studied and played jazz since 2002, performing in various jazz bands, choirs, combos, trios, duos, and solo piano.

Her most recent performances have been with the Market Street Dixieland Jass Band, La Klave 11 (salsa band), and her brand-new all-women's swingin' jazz combo, The Jazz Pearls. She plays regularly at North City Bistro in Shoreline, Lucid Jazz Lounge in Seattle, the Edmonds ArtWalk, senior homes, and is available for hire for private parties and special events.

Congrats, Ashley! Come support an alum and hear some great music at the August ArtWalk!