PORT TOWNSEND — “Surréalisme en plein air,” aka Surrealism outdoors, is the theme of Northwind Art’s Summer Gala, which will be in a new location this summer.
Early bird-priced tickets are on sale for the party, which is set for 5 p.m. June 28 at White Lotus Farm, 3723 Beaver Valley Road in Port Ludlow.
“It’s an evening in a gorgeous rural setting,” Northwind spokesperson Diane Urbani said. “We’ll be surrounded by flowers — including surrealistic ones local artists have made — and we will have live music, Castle & Crown wines, and dinner and Iberian charcuterie platters by Paella House.”
Local artist Margie McDonald will invite Gala-goers into an art project she has cooked up for the event. The SureReal band, featuring Dana Sullivan, George Radebaugh, Joel Stoner and Bobbi Nikles, will supply live music.
Larry Snyder, a popular auctioneer known as the Hope Dealer, will conduct a live auction of special local experience packages, and a short program will feature a slideshow and speakers sharing insights about Northwind Art’s work.
Tickets to the gala, Northwind Art’s biggest fundraiser of the year, are at https://northwindart.org/gala.
They are $140 per person and include dinner, appetizers, wine pairings, signature mocktails and participation in the live auction and art-making activities at White Lotus. Prices will rise $10 per ticket on June 9.
More information is at Jeanette Best Gallery, 701 Water St. in Port Townsend, where the hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.
“Let’s celebrate art together and enjoy an evening of connection and flat-out fun,” said Martha Worthley, Northwind Art executive director.
“Dress to join the Surrealistic theme and join in on keeping free thought, invention and creativity alive. This is a party to keep art and artists thriving in and around Port Townsend.”
The summer gala is a crucial event that benefits the nonprofit organization’s downtown gallery and its all-ages art school at Fort Worden State Park. Both the gallery and the school offer many free programs, including public gallery shows year-round, the Bunker teen art studio, the Aging Creatively classes and Print Night gatherings for photographers.
Thanks to donations, the school also offers scholarships for youngsters and adults.
The 2025 Northwind Art Gala is sponsored by the Jefferson County Farmers Markets, KPTZ Community Radio, the Leader, Good Man Sanitation, Castle & Crown Cellars and White Lotus Farm & Inn.
