PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Gallery is featuring artists Melissa Bixby and Sue Stanton in September.
The Port Townsend Gallery at 715 Water St., is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and by appointment.
Bixby, a native of Soldotna, Alaska, explored tidal pools as a child in places where nature was nearly untouched, such as Alaska’s China Poot Bay, Cook Inlet and Seward.
After earning a master’s in sculpture from the University of Idaho, she moved to Port Townsend where she reacquainted herself with the art of Batik.
She creates depictions of some of her favorite ocean-dwelling creatures, with the use of large sweeping strokes, bright blended colors and defining textures.
To help take her work to the next level, she recently has taken up open water swimming, free diving and tide pool photography.
“Connecting to our unique ecosystem in such a direct way has brought her more recent works to life and she’s excited to explore the depth of color, texture and incredible critters she comes across during her adventures,” exhibit organizers said.
Stanton’s multi-media 3D pieces are inspired by her appreciation for children’s whimsical perspectives, which she developed during a career in primary education. Watercolor and pen and ink is the medium she chooses for her work.
She moved to Port Townsend from Colorado in 2012.
Stanton’s initial interest in art was sparked by her grandmother, an oil painter. Her first medium was watercolor, learning independently and through coursework. Her love of drawing incorporated pen and ink into her watercolor paintings, exhibit organizers said, and acrylics offered yet another layer of opportunities.
Her husband, Steve, provides “raw material” for her 3D work in his wood shop. She incorporates acrylic painting, wood burning, wirework and added findings.
For more information, phone 360-379-8110 or see www.porttownsendgallery.com.
Sue Stanton’s work takes whimsical turns.
