[Today and tonight signify Friday, Sept. 13.]
PORT TOWNSEND — Today and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., artist John Hillmer is celebrating “Mexican In(ter)dependence” by opening his studio at Fort Worden State Park, 200 Battery Way.
Art lovers are invited to visit Hillmer’s space in Building 205 on the Fort Worden campus, where he’ll show recent paintings and giclee prints inspired by his life in San Miguel de Allende, a mountain town in the Mexican state of Guanajuato.
The theme of Hillmer’s show is “El Grito 2,” in the spirit of el grito — the shout of “Viva México!” — on Sept. 16, the Mexican day of independence.
Hillmer has been an artist in residence with the Centrum Foundation in Port Townsend, creating stage backdrops for the Jazz Port Townsend and Acoustic Blues festivals. His large acrylic stage murals have also made appearances with artists from Ray Charles and Taj Mahal to Maya Angelou, and at Seattle’s Earshot Jazz and ZooTunes concerts.
His paintings on display now reflect Hillmer’s prisms as an artist and a traveler of the world. He observes Mexico from a mythical or spiritual — not so much historical — perspective, said Centrum program manager Jordan Hartt.
“Stop by, have a look, and celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day,” he added.