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Bill Zama surrounded by lots of camels at the “snack bar” area inside Zamarama.
When the shop was boarded up for a time during the Pandemic local Graffiti artist “Hyper” painted a mask wearing camel with a positive sign.
Zamarama is located in the heart of downtown Everett at 2936 Colby.
In 2017, tired of the high cost of living in Seattle, Bill and his partner moved to Everett and bought a house after seeing an ad on Craigslist.
For the previous five years Bill had operated Zamarama Gallery with a business partner in the Crown Hill area north of Ballard. Now living in Everett and not wanting to commute to Seattle, the search began for just the right space to continue Zamarama here.
“I really wanted to be in the right spot and after about three months we found this former coin shop,” Bill told me. “You know for a long time we didn’t have our own sign and people would still stop in with their coins.”
In 2018 Bill opened the doors to the shop in Everett hanging photos that he’d taken as a photographer specializing in super-color-saturated images. He also lined up painters and abstract artists for showings as well as musicians for mini concerts featuring folk and americana. He also became involved in the Everett Art Walk on the third Thursday of every month.
One of Bill’s new north Everett neighbors was wood artisan Tony Saad who first caught Bill’s attention with his hand carved backscratchers. That led to more artistic woodwork including a double camel business card holder that is one of Bill’s favorite pieces. Camels are a fixture at Zamarama with the two-headed camel featured as his logo.
The 5th annual Wood Show will be happening this December and January at the gallery with five to seven artisans displaying multiple genres of wooden artwork throughout the gallery.
In May of this year Bill was honored with a Mayor’s Arts Award as an Arts Entrepreneur, recognizing him for growing the cultural vitality of Everett by empowering and
promoting local artists.
Tonight (Saturday evening 11-5-2022) there will be a Gala from 6pm – 10pm to celebrate 10 years of Zamarama. There will be catered food, cocktails and mocktails, cake and music. Tickets were limited and may be sold out. You can call him at (206) 245-4239 to check on availability.
Bill Zama is big on the future of art, artists and music in Everett, Washington. “I’ve seen amazing art and artists at Lucky Dime, Black Lab Gallery, Historic Everett Theatre and Tony V’s,” Bill said. “The Apex Art and Cultural Center at Everett and Wetmore is going to be an amazing destination and attraction.”
Zamarama Gallery hours can vary but generally open Monday – Friday from 12noon – 5pm. Also later on the third Thursday Art Walk and when there are special events downtown. You can keep up with them on their Instagram page and Facebook feed
November 5, 2022
Artwork in Everett, Downtown Everett