PORT ANGELES — Bob Boardman, a guitarist, mandolinist and artist, loved the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts for its community energy, wild variety and the chance it gave him and his wife, Susan Chadd, to host visiting musicians in their home on Little River Road.
This weekend Boardman, who was killed Oct. 16 by a mountain goat in Olympic National Park, will be remembered in a tapestry above the festival’s main stage.
The blue, green and gold creation honors “Bob’s music, humor, humble grace, contagious delight and gratitude,” artist Piper Corbett wrote in a tribute to be placed beside it.
Corbett made the tapestry for Boardman’s memorial gathering Oct. 30 at the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Center.
Backdrop for stage
The piece, which stretches about 20 feet by 10 feet, will serve as the backdrop for the festival stage at the Vern Burton Community Center at 308 W. Fourth St.
Twenty-six performing artists will appear on that stage this holiday weekend, from the Kazüm acrobalance dance troupe at 5 p.m. today to Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks at 4 p.m. Monday.
The tapestry is “an attempt to help reflect the many cultures and traditions that Bob embraced,” Corbett wrote.
An artist who lives in Port Townsend, Corbett met Boardman years ago at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes at Fort Worden State Park, where he performed and mentored young players.
This weekend, during the 18th annual Juan de Fuca Festival, “We’re remembering him and all he did for the whole community,” said festival board member Nancy Vivolo.
“We want people to think of Bob.”
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3550 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
