SEQUIM — The Sequim Irrigation Festival motto, “where water is wealth,” inspires the aqua color theme to celebrate cultivation and culture during First Friday Art Walk this weekend.
First Friday Art Walk is a free self-guided tour of local art venues in Sequim on the First Friday of every month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Visit SequimArtWalk.com to download and print a map and find out what special events are happening.
Special events
Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., will present “Finding Wonder in Beauty” with Deborah Harrison and Nancy Peet.
Harrison is a layered glass artist. Trained in traditional stained glass, she found that technique too limiting. Through experimentation, she developed layered glass, giving her work a lyrical, three-dimensional quality. She derives the inspiration for her creations from the Olympic Peninsula environment.
“I find myself restored and renewed by the beauty here,” Harrison said. “All of this informs my glass creations.”
Peet, who has a degree in art from the University of Washington, uses watercolor to express the joy and wonder of color found in nature. She specializes in large, vibrant florals, reflecting her appreciation for the world’s natural wonders.
“Each brush stroke is an emotional expression for me,” Peet said. “My intent is to invite the viewers to experience the wonder of color and marvel at the beauty around us.”
Artist Kathy Nichols, who specializes in greeting cards and prints, will return to Pondicherri, 121 E. Washington St., to demonstrate how to do a small-scale water color — a dragonfly. Participation is free, and supplies will be provided. RSVP by calling 360-681-0954.
Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures, 121 W. Washington St., will showcase “What’s all the BUZZ about?” They will have local apiary Miss Bee Haven Honey & Pollen. And new to the scene: Honey Bear Candles from Vancouver. Products will be available for purchase that evening, including other bee-related items, to bring awareness for the need to cultivate and save pollinating bees.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Sequim Habitat Boutique, 213 E. Washington St., will feature the live music of Reckless Dove. Look for performances by The Juan de Fuca Harmony Chorus as well.
At the Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave., the featured artist in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery is longtime Sequim resident Ed Sumpter with “DeColores.”
For the last eight years, Sumpter has created a diverse collection of paintings.
“Artifical Intelligence is seeping into and even sometimes dominating the creative space,” Sumpter said. “I recognize more than ever the value of our individual thought and unique contributions. The meditative focus I find myself in when I’m painting clears my mind and helps facilitate my persistence.”
The A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave., will present “The Pacific Northwest Impressions Exhibit” featuring a duet of artists, Michelle Lindblom and Linda Tilley, whose works showcase two distinct methods of artistic expression describing the poetic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Tilley’s representational works are a serene immersion into our endless scenic landscapes. Painting primarily in oil, Tilley said she is drawn to paint “en plein air,” inspired by the intensity of color, light, atmosphere and the energies of the world outside. She also uses the time she spends in nature to inform the works she creates when painting inside her studio.
From her home in Port Townsend, she’s traveled regionally and to Europe following her passion for plein air painting, continually learning and honing her skills to capture the experiences that she shares on her canvases. Over the years, the award-winning artist has had her work juried into multiple regional shows and exhibitions, and her paintings are hung in private collections across the United States.
Lindblom’s acrylic paintings and monotypes take viewers on an abstract and ethereal journey through her mesmerizing interpretations of the natural world. She holds advanced degrees in fine arts and taught visual arts at the college level for more than 24 years. Now residing in Sequim, the native of Bend, Ore., has served on community arts committees and as a gallery coordinator and exhibition juror. Her artwork has been exhibited across the United States and in Europe. Lindblom said her approach to making marks is intuitive.
“Once the process begins, it becomes a visual playground of colors, textures, shapes and movement,” she said. “As the work evolves, intuition and formal knowledge guide the exploration, experimentation and discovery. My imagery portrays the continuous dialogues with my psyche, along with my awareness of the nuances of everyday experiences.”
Over the Fence, 118 E. Washington St., will host artist Mary Beth Beuke of West Coast Sea Glass. Beuke creates high-quality fine silver art jewelry that features the world’s rarest sea glass pieces in every color. A photographer, her book, “The Ultimate Guide to Sea Glass,” has been on one of Amazon’s “best seller” lists.
Beuke founded the West Coast Sea Glass company in 1998. She has studied jewelry design, metal smithing and has been creating wearable art for more than 40 years.
“The unique beauty of sea glass is that each piece is distinct from the next and has been on a one-of-a-kind journey. I believe the piece of sea glass usually dictates the form of jewelry that it will eventually find itself.”
From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Rainshadow Café, 157 W. Cedar St., will have live music with Dawn & Steve along with a full menu and drinks. Dancing is encouraged.
Sequim Spice and Tea, 139 W. Washington St., will have unique art, including glass, pottery, illustration and photography from local artists. You can also find artful, creative tea blends, colorful and fun teapots and cups, and cheerful culinary gifts.
Alder Wood Bistro, 139 W. Alder St., has artisan wood-fired local, seasonal, organic food in the heart of Sequim. While you dine, check out their walls filled with unique art by local artists.
Sofie’s Flowers, 127 W. Washington St., features Kari Hardin of Render Studio. She is a painter, illustrator, printmaker and tattoo artist whose work draws from the natural world and leans into an illustrative, often surreal style.
With a lifelong passion for art, Hardin has spent the past six years focusing more intentionally on her creative practice, using it as a therapeutic outlet and form of storytelling. Her art explores imagination and emotion with a sense of curiosity. and openness, as seen in her pivotal series “Fisher Kings,” which marks a turning point in her career.
Pacific Pantry, 229 S. Sequim Ave., will be open until 7 p.m. It hosts a rotation of local artists.
La Petite Maison Blanche, 213 E. Washington St., features artwork, uniquely curated gifts and culinary goodies. Explore the support of local artists and performers such as Katy Lily.
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.
Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W. Washington St., will feature live music, award-winning wines and appetizing tidbits.
Soup in the Alley, 138 W. Washington St., will feature a rotation of local artists, live music and treats.
Olympic Peninsula YMCA, 610 N. Fifth Ave., will launch its new art gallery. Artworks from paintings, photographs and 3-dimensional art forms were submitted by a variety of Y staff and members that are now on display.
The gallery will be open during the First Friday Art Walk from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
