Community Snapshot: Happy Delusions Celebrates Four Years Downtown

continues to stitch the Renton arts scene on to the map.

Since its opening four years ago, the boutique store has hosted the work of 158 area artists in the form of booths, wall and counter space.

Well known as a venue for the local arts, happy delusions offers artwork from 40 to 50 artists at any given time, said owner Mary Clymer.

In celebration of its four-year anniversary, Clymer hosted a birthday celebration that coincided with the First Friday Downtown Art Walk.

Many of the art boutique's current and former artists stopped by for the day-long celebration, that officially kicked off at 5 p.m. and included birthday cake.

Clymers father, Stephen, was also at the fete to lend a helping hand.

"It's been steady like this all day he said as he looked out over the store filled with art-shopping customers.

Devoted shoppers stopped in to the 3rd Street storefront, including Cat Lindquist and her son Conner, who is just about the same age as happy delusions.

"Cat is one of my very first customers," Clymer said, remembering Cat's first visit with then-6-month-old Conner.

Renton resident Melonie Merrell also popped in for some happy delusions treasures, and to admire larger pieces of art that she's saving up for.

"You have to support the local arts," she said, holding out the black headband and green jeweled ring she just bought.

Next door at , the continued with a DJ, and showing of work by artist Cristina Calle.

Calle started making art as a child, and continued doing so in high school by taking plenty of art classes. As she got older, she volunteered her skills to design fliers for punk rock shows, she said.

Calle's work will be on display at Liberty Cafe through the month of September.