PORT ANGELES — Gnomes now have homes thanks to Port Angeles ceramic artist Terri Enck.
Like many residents, Enck spent her quarantine time working in her garden, making improvements and cleaning up from winter. But she added a touch of whimsy.
Under a Japanese red maple and encircled with ferns and seasonal flowers is the artist’s “Fairy Garden,” so dubbed because of its handcrafted gnomes, and a smattering of metal fairy sculptures.
“Inspiration hit,” Enck said. “If there are fairies and gnomes, there must be a place for them to live year-round.”
Through high-fired ceramics, Enck created a series of gnome-fairy cottage designs that can withstand frosty winters.
First, she made templates for the miniature ceramic model homes. Slabs of clay were rolled out and textured, then cut and assembled. After the first firing, colorful glazes were applied, and before long, an entire village of creative cottages was nestled in the ferns.
In addition to her ocean-inspired ceramics, Enck has now added a fanciful forest line, available at Harbor Art Gallery at 114 N. Laurel, Port Angeles.
A large village of Enck’s whimsical cottages, fairy doors and mushrooms, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, can be viewed or purchased this month and in October when Enck’s work will be displayed in Harbor Art Gallery’s Featured Artist Room.
Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Enck will meet and greet gallery visitors Sept. 11 and Oct. 9.
