SEQUIM — The Sequim Irrigation Festival, which begins celebrating “where water is wealth for the 128th year this weekend, has inspired the aqua color theme during the Sequim First Friday Art Walk.
First Friday Art Walk Sequim is a free, self-guided tour of Sequim art venues from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. the first Friday of every month.
“The color aqua expresses responsible, sustainable elements of cool fresh water, abundant salty seas, renewing rain, and bright sunny skies,” said Renne Emiko Brock, who has organized the monthly tour since 2006.
“Art and music inspired by our natural resources, creativity, positive partnerships and revolutionary ideas are included in the May First Friday Art Walk Sequim.,” she said.
Brock encourages visitors to wear the color theme of aqua, but also urges people to dress up in “amazing, amusing hats for the Irrigation Festival’s theme of ‘128 — Out the Gate’ combination of our irrigation water flowing and the Kentucky Derby flair,” she said.
Special events
• Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures, 121 W. Washington St., features Brian and Wendy Fuller of Fairview Lake Studios. Their pottery incorporates unique objects into everyday life that can help to elevate simple acts like preparing foods or serving a meal.
The artists will be present to talk about their handcrafted pieces.
Items are made using stoneware clay and glazes that are lead-free and safe for food, microwave and dishwasher. All clay and glazes materials are obtained locally.
• Pacific Mist – Books, Cards & Gifts, 122 W. Washington St., hosts Elle Payne and her book, “Stories, Musings, and Advice from a Funeral Director.”
As a funeral director by day and ballet teacher by night, Payne brings humor, compassion, and sound advice from her experiences in a career path often shrouded in mystery.
• Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St. has “May Flowers” exhibit that features Mary Franchini, an acrylic and mixed media painter, and Jane Smith, a 3-D multimedia artist.
The artists will be on hand during the walk.
• Strait Turners, an AAW (American Association of Woodturners) chapter wood lathe club on the Olympic Peninsula, will be showing members work in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery at the Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave.
The exhibit “Round and Brown (& Beyond)” is a display of a variety of club member turnings, many of which will be available for purchase.
All of the items are hand crafted and turned from local woods, regional woods, exotic imported woods and other additional materials. The club meets once a month at the Gardiner Community Center on the third Saturday at noon. Meetings include educational speakers, wood and tool sales, social time, a library, and hands-on demonstrations.
• Peninsula ART Friends (PAF) has the club’s artwork on display at Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W. Washington St. Participating artists are Beverly Beighle, Melissa Doyel, Connie Drysdale, Cecilia Olivera-Hillway, Roger Huntley, Sarah Hurt, Allyne Lawson, Jerri Moore and Shirley Rudolf.
• Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Sequim Habitat Boutique Store, 213 E. Washington St. hosts live music with OG from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Rainshadow Café, 157 W. Cedar St., presents live music with Dawn & Steve from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Singing and dancing is encouraged.
• Locally Known Cowork, 112 W. Washington St,. features artists Emma Gockerell and Stephanie Kunz.
Gockerell said she is a face painter and artist: “I love pointillism and adding every dot by hand in every piece of artwork I create. A mom of four and a veteran … [and] happy to be local in Sequim.”
• Sequim Spice and Tea, 139 W. Washington St., has unique art including glass, pottery, illustration and photography of local artists.
In addition the store has tea blends, teapots and cups, and culinary gifts.
• Soup in the Alley, 138 W. Washington St., features a rotation of local artists, live music and treats.
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@uniqueasyou.com. Artists of any media are encouraged to get information to her for publicity and opportunities.
Visit SequimArtWalk.com to download and print a map, find special events and links, and how to be part of art.
Join the Art Walk Facebook page at facebook.com/sequimartwalk.
