PORT ANGELES — The transformations happening around us — and in us — are the inspiration for “Exotic Terrane,” a show opening today at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, 1203 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
Admission is free to the exhibition, a blend of work by three artists: Seattleites Kristin Schimik and Carol Gouthro, and Bellingham printmaker-painter Sheila Sondik.
On Friday, the trio will give a free presentation on their art at 4 p.m. and then stay for a reception, also open to the public, at 4:30 p.m.
“Each of these three highly skilled artists took totally different approaches to the theme,” said Robin Anderson, executive director of the center.
In their art, the trio is exploring their personal feelings about change in the landscape surrounding them.
The resulting sculptures and printed images, Anderson said, reflect “some of the exciting contemporary work being produced by the arts community.”
The title “Exotic Terrane” refers to a geologic phenomenon, she added.
A terrane is a piece of the Earth’s crust that has broken off from one tectonic plate and attached to the crust lying on another plate.
‘Exotic’ terrane
That crustal block or fragment preserves its own distinctive geologic history, which is different from that of the surrounding areas — hence “exotic” terrane.
“All three of us are working on the borders of reality, fantasy and abstraction,” said Sondik, while Gouthro pointed out her favorite elements.
“Exotic Terrane” is loaded with “dramatic details, powerful forms, daring pattern play [and] wild color mixes,” she said.
To go with the show, Gouthro, Sondik and Schimik will teach a set of workshops for artists next month.
Mandalas, painting on Masa paper and “Exuberant Clay!” are among the three-hour classes set for March 8, 9, 28 and 30 for a fee of $40 each.
“Exotic Terrane,” meanwhile, will stay on display through March 30 at the fine arts center, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
For information about the show and the workshops, visit www.PAFAC.org or phone 360-457-3532.
________
Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
