She Captures The Sunset Every Day: Everett Sunsets
Editors Note: Originally published March 14, 2017. Updated August 8, 2019.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Kari Quaas, and I’m a constantly curious and active person. It’s hard for me to stay still. Most of the time that’s a good thing!
What first brought you to Everett and why have you stayed?
I was born here! I’m one of those lucky ones to claim Everett as my hometown just like one of my four grandparents (the others emigrated from Norway and Germany), both of my parents, my aunts and uncles, and several cousins.
After I graduated from Everett High, I left Everett to go to Washington State University, and then did some traveling before moving down to Seattle in the late 90’s. I returned to Everett in 2013 with my husband, Oliver, and we are living in the home that I grew up in. I’ve stayed to be close to my 82 years old, and ever active in Everett, dad, Ralph Quaas, and other family. It feels like where I’m supposed to be.
How long have you been photographing Everett sunsets?
Officially, I’ve been shooting Everett Sunsets since the fall of 2013. I do, however, have prints of sunsets I took when I lived here prior to 1994 and on visits when I rented out my house.
What originally inspired you to start shooting Everett sunsets?
That’s an easy question. It’s beautiful here! We are so very blessed to look west at Port Gardner Bay, the Port of Everett, where my dad had a boat moored for over 40 years, the Olympics, Whidbey Island, Hat Island, Camano Island, Mukilteo and the ferry boats crossing back and forth, and Mission Beach. The skies are ever changing. The birds flying along the coastline are ever changing. And, I’m really excited about the developments on the waterfront to make it more recreational and activity driven.
Do you shoot the sunset every single day?
Nearly every day here in Everett. If I’m traveling I take sunset photos where I am.
Best place to enjoy a sunset in Everett?
Great question. I’m a fan, obviously, of a sunset with a water view, but really, I’ve been in downtown Everett, near the mall, on the freeway, just about wherever and you can still enjoy beautiful skies.
Do you think Everett's sunsets are particularly unique?
We’re just so lucky to have so many elements in front of us like I mentioned before. We have islands, the bay, the mountains, ferry traffic, container ship traffic, Naval Base Everett, and the marina.
question from Marie on Facebook: What's the best thing/a good thing about living here?
We have everything we need. Parking is free downtown, and it’s generally fairly easy to find a spot. We have great food: co-op, Sisters Restaurant, J Ramen and Sushi, breweries and bakeries, and so many great parks including my favorites, Grand Avenue Park, Legion Park, and Forest Park.
A question from Tim on Facebook: Do you remember how much more colorful the sunsets were when the pulp mill was still cranking out the stink that Everett was synonymous with?
I don’t remember the sunsets from when I was a kid, but I do remember the stink! I have noted recently that when we’ve had forest fires in the east and west our skies are incredible.
Anything else you'd like us to know?
I have some sunsets on the wall at Bean and Vine. People can go there during ArtWalk and do some karaoke. :) I also have some prints on the wall at The Valley Organic Deli. Luis has hosted me since the 2016 Mother of All Garage Sales.
Beyond that, I'm looking for new venues and will have two shows in November.
Lastly, if people like sunrises instead of sunsets, I started @EverettSunrises since your original story.
If you ever want a print of one of the sunsets, feel free to reach out to me. It’s very likely that in addition to the Instagram pics I’m posting as @EverettSunsets, I’ve taken some images with my “big” camera, too.
Thanks to Kari for sharing a bit of her story with us. Go give her a follow on Instagram and make your day a little brighter. You can also check out some of her shots that were featured in our best of Everett sunsets Instagram compilation last year.
How about you? Do you enjoy Everett Sunsets? Where's your favorite place to watch the Everett sun go down?
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