SEQUIM — Fall is here, and so is autumn’s splendor in shades of orange.
Find works of art decked out in fall colors throughout the October First Friday Art Walk in Sequim, set from 5 to 8 tonight.
First Friday Art Walk Sequim is a free, self-guided tour of local art venues in Sequim on the first Friday of every month. Visit online at www.SequimArtWalk.com to download a map and find special events and links.
The mission, event organizers say, is to create approachable, accessible art and cultural venues that encourage the community to connect and celebrate expression and diversity.
The 12th annual North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival, an interactive fiber arts event connecting the community with activities today through Sunday, starts at the Sequim Art Walk.
“Threads Count — Textiles, Technology & Tales” kicks off with a 5 p.m. opening reception of the juried fiber arts exhibition that will be on view through Nov. 25 at the Sequim Museum & Arts, 175 W. Cedar St.
During the Art Walk, the Gallery at Fifth Avenue senior living facility at 500 Hendrickson Road will feature artist Beverly Beighle with her show, “Torn Between Two Art Forms.” The show offers her art quilts and paintings.
Fiber creations by local artists with handcrafted works and artful up-cycled items will be on view at The Bag Ladies of Sequim at 161 W. Washington St.
Artists create colorful usable items from old wool blankets and garments that have otherwise seen their last days. All of their creations are one-of-a-kind items that are handmade. Each item has a unique combination of felting, hand dying, beading, embroidering and appliqueing. Several other artists’ works are for sale in their shop.
Local Yarn Shop at 213 E. Washington St. will host live music and motivating fiber arts demonstrations.
Distinctive perspectives will be on display with Jan Kepley’s photographs and greeting cards at Pacific Pantry at 229 S. Sequim Ave.
Lamb Farm Kitchen Shoppe at 272 W. Bell St. (behind the Oak Table Cafe) will present a book signing with Kate McDermott of Port Angeles, the author of “The Art of Pie.”
The city of Sequim Arts Commission will present the “Found Art Exhibit” in the Sequim Civic Center lobby at 152 W. Cedar St.
The art exhibited — which will be on view through December — will be based on collected items. Art made from driftwood, yard tools, shells, paper and many other mediums will be on display.
During tonight’s Art Walk, three free workshops are available. At 5:15 p.m., Gavin Wuttken from Around Again will demonstrate making collectibles into art. At 6 p.m., Tim and Toy from Saturday Markets Steampunk Art will share their craft, and at 6:45 p.m., Mary Beth Burke will demonstrate how she makes sea glass into art.
Fine jewelry demonstrations are planned by D’Ann Gonzales and Gail Mclaine at R&T Crystals ’n’ Beads at 158 E. Bell St., where a storewide sale is set.
Blue Whole Gallery’s “Rhythm and Shape” exhibit will feature photographer Katherine Loveland and painter Priscilla Patterson at 129 W. Washington St.
Loveland said the theme is “Through the Looking Glass” from Lewis Carroll’s 1871 book.
“The window will display my macro photography, which, like Carroll’s book, portrays familiar objects as unfamiliar, an alternative universe,” Loveland said.
Patterson has focused her art on combining the intricacies of man-made objects, buildings and transportation vehicles, particularly aircraft, with nature.
The Sequim Library at 630 N. Sequim Ave. will feature its new Art in the Library exhibit with the silk batik art and oil paintings of Carolyn Doe, running today through Jan. 29.
After a 6 p.m. reception, songwriting duo Vellamo, made up of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala, will perform both English and Finnish works, as well as ballads from the Celtic and Scandinavian folk traditions, at 6:30 p.m.
Art Walk is sponsored and produced by Renne Emiko Brock.
Follow luminarias
Brock said visitors should look for luminarias or “festival lights” to connect the artful spots as the Art Walk celebrates its 11th anniversary this month.
“Thanks to altruistic, collaborative commitment, the First Friday Art Walk Sequim continues to grow and prosper with the encouragement of our community, businesses, educational and cultural institutions, and artists,” Brock said.
“It is has always been free for businesses and artists of all media to participate and free to the public to enjoy.”
Color is orange
A color is assigned to each month’s art walk. Orange is October’s.
To participate as a venue or artist on the official First Friday Art Walk Sequim map, listing and website, contact Brock at 360-460-3023 or renne@uniqueas you.com.
See and/or join the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sequim artwalk.
