July 2 - August 23

Join us for an artist reception on July 12!

When: July 12, 5-8pm

Where: 157 Front Street N., Issaquah WA 98207

What: Urban Wildlife: A Shared Space

Why: The sheer vibrance of Raili’s ideas and expressive canvases

Bonus: Comic Illustration Demo by Kat Klockow!

Artist Statement:

Raili Jänese

Canada geese move seamlessly between the natural and the constructed, adapting to the ever-evolving urban landscape shaped by human presence. Majestic yet familiar, they stride across sidewalks, rest in parking lots, and gather along waterfronts with quiet confidence, embodying the delicate balance between wildness and city life.

Raili Jänese's paintings capture the essence of these urban creatures—not just their physical form, but the unspoken exchanges that occur when a wild animal pauses to acknowledge instead of retreat. This fleeting moment, where curiosity briefly overshadows caution, is the heart of her work. Beyond geese, her fascination with urban animals extends to other species that have adapted to life among human-made environments. Often overlooked, they reveal a quiet resilience as they navigate the margins of metropolitan and suburban worlds.

This theme carries into her public art projects, where she highlights the presence of wildlife in shared spaces—reminding viewers that we are never truly alone in our cities; nature watches, responds, and persists.

See more of Raili’s work here.

The gallery space is open by appointment only, and for pop up hours as announced. Reach out, and follow our instagram for details! We would love to show you this gorgeous work.

Previous exhibits at Happy Time:

May - August 2024: “The Language of Trees” - William Cook - Linocuts and monotypes @williammakes

September - November 2024: “Shadows of Life” - Matthew DeFilippo - Oil paintings (website)

December 2024 - February 2025: “Social Media” - Multidisciplinary group show

March 2025 - April 2025: “For the Love of Film” - Arturo Solorio & Sammy Alvarez - photographers and associated mixed media sculpture (more from Arturo & Sammy)

May 2025 - June 2025: “Letters from Strangers Friends” - Anna Sullivan - installation of letters to read, listen to, and contribute