You are invited to an artist reception!

May 9, 2026

Time: 5-8pm

Location: 157 Front Street North

Artist Statement:

In these works, love unfolds in its most intimate form—through touch, presence, and shared experience. Each painting captures a moment that might otherwise go unnoticed, yet holds the weight of something profound: a lesson, a memory, a bond. Together, they speak to the ways we are nurtured and how we, in turn, nurture others. These are quiet stories of connection—tender, enduring, and deeply human.

About Jes:

Jes Lilly is an Afro-Puerto Rican visual artist based in Issaquah, Washington, known for her distinctive fusion of abstraction and realism, layered with intricate detail and emotional depth. Her work is deeply rooted in her connection to people, nature, and the human experience—exploring themes of identity, relationships, and the quiet beauty found in everyday moments.

Raised in the vibrant energy of Miami, Florida, and now grounded in the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Jes’s work re ects a balance between bold tropical vibrancy and the soft, atmospheric tones of her current environment. A lifelong creative with family roots in the arts, she studied Graphic Design at The Art Institute, later discovering her true passion for painting through an oil painting course at Miami Dade College in 2014.

As a mother of two and a devoted wife, Jes draws inspiration from her personal life—infusing her work with themes of love, connection, legacy, and nurturing. These lived experiences often serve as the emotional foundation of her most intimate pieces.

Jes has collaborated with brands such as Alepel Shoes, Clare V, and Lululemon, creating custom art and design collections. Her work has been exhibited at the Bellevue Arts Museum, as well as in pop-ups, boutiques, and galleries across King County since 2022. Her multidisciplinary practice spans ne art, custom-painted fashion, murals, and live painting, bringing her vision to diverse audiences and spaces.

You can learn more about Jes’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 (website)

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 (website)

July 2025 - August 2025: “Urban Wildlife: A Shared Space” - Raili Jänese - Acrylic paintings (website)

September 5 - October 19 2025: “ΓΝΩΘΙ ΣΕΑΥΤΟΝ (know thyself)” - Juliet Fiss - Acrylic paintings (website)

November 2025 - February 2026: “Out of Sight” - Joan Fiset - Textile hangings, dolls, and poetry (website)

March 2026 - April 2026: “To Return” - William Cook - Monotype prints and oil painting (website)