SEQUIM — First Friday Art Walk will celebrate with a red-themed walk from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at various venues in downtown Sequim.
Maps for the self-guided tour are available at www.sequimartwalk.com.
Special events in February include:
• The Juan de Fuca Harmony Chorus will perform at various locations and along downtown sidewalks.
• The Sequim Arts Commission will host a reception for the opening of the sixth High Schools of the Olympic Peninsula Arts Exhibit from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Karen Kuznek-Reese Gallery at the Sequim Civic Center, 152 W. Cedar St.
The commission invited high school students across the Peninsula to submit entries for the exhibit. Thirty-three were selected featuring art by students from Sequim and Quilcene high schools.
• Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., will host a reception for the opening of “Earth Art” from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The exhibit will feature the clay art of Janet Piccola alongside the gourds of Jane Smith.
Piccola has been working with clay for 15 years and enjoys the stages of clay, going from mud to pottery.
“I enjoy throwing on the wheel and building pieces by hand,” Piccola said. “I love making functional art, whimsical art and, really, art just for the sake of being art.”
Smith uses gourds as her canvas, beginning with growing, harvesting, drying and preparing her gourds. She uses a wide variety of techniques and embellishments in her designs, and the trinkets she uses to enhance her work come from her lifetime of collecting.
“My art is my therapy,” Smith said. “It brings ever-present joy, connecting me to my past for inspiration, focuses on my present to create, and looks to the future when it becomes a treasure for someone else.”
“Earth Art” will be on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays throughout February.
• Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave., will present a panto performance of “Cinderella and the Enabling Habit” by Shannon Cosgrove at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $20, $15 for students at www.olympic theatrearts.org.
Pantos provide comedic, over-the-top mixed-up fairy tales with interactive booing and cheering.
For more information, visit www.bluewhole gallery.com.
• Pacific Mist Books, 122 W. Washington St., will offer an eclectic mix of new and vintage books, cards and gifts, including local authors and artists.
• Sofie’s Flowers, 127 W. Washington St., will feature home décor and local artists’ creations.
• La Petite Maison Blanche, 213 E. Washington St., will feature uniquely curated gifts and festive treats throughout the shop and live music with Katy Lily.
• Over the Fence, 118 E. Washington St., will showcase local makers.
• Rainshadow Cafe, 157 W. Cedar St., will host live music by Dawn and Steve from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• The Habitat Boutique Store, 213 E. Washington St., will have live music by Reckless Dove from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Sequim Spice and Tea, 139 W. Washington St., will have unique art, including glass, pottery, illustration and local artists’ photography. Participants also can find creative tea blends, colorful teapots and cups and culinary gifts.
• Soup in the Alley, 138 W. Washington St., will feature a rotation of local artists, live music and treats.
• The Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop, 120 W. Washington St., will have farm-fresh lavender creations, treats and vintage décor items.
• Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W. Washington St., will serve crafted wines and appetizing tidbits.
• The River House Bakery and Cafe, 120 W. Bell St., will host local artists with food and bakery items.
• Pacific Pantry, 229 S. Sequim Ave., will be open until 7 p.m. with a rotation of local artists.
For more information, including adding a venue or an artist to the list, call Renne Emiko Brock at 360-460-3023 or email renneemiko@gmail.com.
Janet Piccola has been working with clay for 15 years and enjoys the stages of clay, going from mud to pottery.
