Art and Music Have a New Home on Colby: Zamarama Gallery
Nobody would blame you if you haven't noticed Everett's newest art gallery where the sign from Can-Am Coins still hangs. Take a closer look next time you cruise Colby, there's a lot to see.
Zamarama Gallery on Colby // Christopher Bragg
Replacing the sign at Zamarama Gallery is high on owner Bill Zama's list, but cultivating a space to share and enjoy art and music is his most important mission. While the gallery is relatively new to Downtown Everett, he's been part of the art and music community for years. First as a photographer, then as a gallerist. He and business partner, Theresa Post, opened Zamarama in the front office area of their marine electronics shop in the Crown Hill area of Ballard six years ago.
Bill Zama and his business card holder, featuring the signature double camel. See how many camels you can find in the gallery // Christopher Bragg
So why Everett? Zama and his other partner (in life, not business) Rodger Scheibner sold their house in Seattle to a developer and, like many Seattleites, found themselves priced out of the city. Business partner Post spotted a house in Riverside for sale by owner on Craigslist and Zama and Scheibner made an offer within days.
With Post already commuting from Arlington and Zama now making the drive from Everett, it made sense to move Zamarama closer. They picked up the former Can-Am space on Colby, and Scheibner got to work on the design and layout of the space.
Eager to make a difference in the community, Zama immediately became involved with the Everett Art Walk and is now in charge of helping artists find venues. He's feeling the love from our city; his most recent gallery show is his most successful yet. It was held over due to the interest from buyers and artists alike.
One artist in this show is Zama's neighbor, another showed up looking for the coin shop // Christopher Bragg
Zama and Post say those who are interested in showing art can benefit greatly from operating multiple businesses in one space to be able to afford a downtown location. He points to Port Gardner Bay Winery, where art is always on display and there's live music every Friday and Saturday, plus a Thursday open mic. His own shows at Zamarama have been attracting capacity crowds.
Ben West's first show, produced by Zama's Thirsty Camel Productions // Bill Zama
The gallery is open weekdays noon-5 p.m., but Everett Art Walk on the third Thursday each month is a great time to visit. Stop by February 21 and see what's happening at Zamarama and all the other venues.
Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.
