SEQUIM — First Friday Art Walk will celebrate autumn with a brown-themed walk from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at various venues in downtown Sequim.
Maps for the self-guided tour are available at www.sequimartwalk.com.
Special events in November include:
• Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., will host a reception for Melissa Doyel and Julie Hembree.
Doyel and Hembree will exhibit “Thankful for Nature’s Treasures” during November.
Doyel, who paints in both watercolor and acrylic, paints images of subjects that capture her attention and emotion.
“When we are out hiking, sometimes I see something that captures me and I just have to paint it,” Doyel said. “I’ll look at it, whether it’s the ocean or a flower, and say, how can I best portray that? I think I’ll paint that in acrylic.”
Hembree collects sea glass, shells or anything else that she might incorporate into her repurposed art while wandering the local beaches with her dog Rex.
“After collecting shells and beach stuff for my whole life, I decided I had to do something with all of it,” Hembree said. “I sure wasn’t going to stop picking up shells and rocks.”
“Thankful for Nature’s Treasures” will be featured in the windows of Blue Whole Gallery throughout November.
• The A. Milligan Art Studio and Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave., will feature new artwork in the main gallery’s “Duet” exhibit by Suzan Noyes and gallery owner Anne Milligan.
“Duet” features pastel, a versatile medium that can be used as a drawing tool or like a paint brush; wet or dry and in combination with watercolor, ink or acrylic paint.
The artists bring different approaches to pastel art, and the exhibit showcases their unique styles and hand.
“When I paint, I’m trying to capture that ethereal breath that brings life to the canvas and makes it more than just the painting itself,” Milligan said. “For me, the measure of a successful painting is a smile, a laugh, a look that conveys a sense of familiarity, of connection. It’s that signal from the viewer that, through this silent language, my painting has spoken to them.”
“Nature attracts me with ever-changing lights and darks. These lend drama to simple views,” Noyes said. “The texture of bark and play of sun on leaf and water always stops me for a sketch or photographs. Back in my studio, one vignette will stand out, make me grab my pastels — this is what I love sharing with others.”
• Sequim Museum and Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave., will host a reception for the artists on exhibit in the 19th North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival’s “Sublime Marvel — Splendor, Enterprise & Awe.”
Artists displaying work in the exhibit include Lora Armstrong, Aaron Asselin, Renne Emiko Brock, Jordan Carter, Caroline Evergreen, Liisa Fagerlund, Mary Lou Giacomelli, Lynn Gilles, Jennifer Harris, Estelle Jackson, Connie McGuire, Robin Nelson, Sew ‘n Sews, Marla Varner, Prabha Werner and Jean Wyatt.
• Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures, 121 W. Washington St., will host its fifth Sweets & Treats Holiday Tasting. Pre-orders will begin for gift boxes full of local goodies and supporting local creations.
• Pacific Mist Books, 122 W. Washington St., will host local author Melanie Richardson Dundy, whose new children’s picture book is “Does Santa Have A Dog?”
Pacific Mist Books shares the love of reading and offers an eclectic mix of new and vintage books, cards and gifts, including local authors and artists.
• Sofie’s Flowers, 127 W. Washington St., will host Jennifer Dempsey of The Luxe Forager with artful blooms, delightful holiday home décor and local artists’ creations.
Dempsey creates velvet and driftwood mushroom home décor pieces inspired by her connection with nature.
• Wild Goddess Brews-n-Bites, 145 E. Washington St., Suite D, will have small bites, salads, dips and boards with a wide selection of beverages and live music.
• La Petite Maison Blanche, 213 E. Washington St., will feature uniquely curated gifts and festive treats throughout the shop and live music with Kate Lily.
• Over the Fence, 118 E. Washington St., will host its Christmas Open House with live music, Finch & Fennel Hot Apple Cider and homemade cookies.
• Rainshadow Cafe, 157 W. Cedar St., will host live music by Dawn and Steve from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• The Habitat Boutique Store, 213 E. Washington St., will have live music by Reckless Dove from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Sequim Spice and Tea, 139 W. Washington St., will have unique art, including glass, pottery, illustration and local artists’ photography. Participants also can find creative tea blends, colorful teapots and cups and culinary gifts.
• Soup in the Alley, 138 W. Washington St., will feature a rotation of local artists, live music and treats.
• Alder Wood Bistro, 139 W. Alder St., will serve artisan wood-fired local, seasonal, organic food.
• The Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop, 120 W. Washington St., will have farm-fresh lavender creations, treats and vintage décor items.
• Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W. Washington St., will serve crafted wines and appetizing tidbits.
• The River House Bakery and Cafe, 120 W. Bell St., will host local artists with food and bakery items.
• Pacific Pantry, 229 S. Sequim Ave., will be open until 7 p.m. with a rotation of local artists.
For more information, including adding a venue or an artist to the listing, call Renne Emiko Brock at 360-460-3023 or email renneemiko@gmail.com.
“Whispers of the Sea” by Julie Hembree is part of the “Thankful for Nature’s Treasures” exhibit at Blue Whole Gallery.
“High Desert Zen” by Suzan Noyes joins the “Duet” exhibit at the A. Milligan Gallery.
“Autumn Lights” by Anne Milligan is an addition to the “Duets” watercolor exhibit.
