Rainshadow Artisans is a local nonprofit that allows artists to collaborate with other artists and show their own art to the community. The group was first formed and received non-profit status in March.

Gina Luellen, group treasurer and artist, is also one of its founders. She said what inspired the formation of this group was just a need for artists to be able to effectively showcase their work in a cost-effective manner.

Rainshadow Artisans hosts art shows — but unlike galleries, these shows give guests the opportunity to talk and interact with the artists, according to board president Vicki Swann.

“That’s what the shows are all about, giving the artists a place to not only express or show their work but express their passion about their work,” Swann said.

According to Luellen, other venues where artists can show their pieces can be costly because of the overhead costs and the percentage they take from artists. This causes artists to raise the prices of their pieces.

“In my opinion, one of the great things about hosting shows like this is that, as an artist, we get to really introduce our inspiration of why we do what we do and where it comes from,” Luellen said.

Swann said the importance of having organizations like Rainshadow Artisans is being able to bring like-minded people together.

“Some of our folks need a little encouragement,” Swann said. “Some of our folks need some information they may not have access to.”

For the future of Rainshadow Artisans, Luellen said that she hopes that they get a chance to collaborate with other non-profits and partner with seniors, children and other people in the community as well.

“I don’t think that in the normal natural course of the day that everybody gets the opportunity to explore art and develop some artistic talent,” Luellen said.

Rainshadow Artisans hopes to have some seminars and workshops to help with collaboration, Swann said. They would also like to bring in guest artists and speakers later this year.

“Some folks want help with running a business,” Swann said. “Or we’re meeting people at the shows who don’t necessarily live here but are interested in what we’re doing.”

Rainshadow Artisans is having a series of art shows on the second Saturday of each month from July-September at the Dungeness River Nature Center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Road.

The first show of this series was in June and Swann said that a highlight for her was the camaraderie and the good vibes between the artists at the show.

“It was an amazing turnout from Sequim and the surrounding area,” Swann said. “[It] showed a lot of support for us.”

To keep up with Rainshadow Artisans and their shows, visit rainshadowartisans.org or go to @rainshadowartisans on Instagram and Facebook.

Photo Courtesy of Vicki Swann / Catherine Lanham is one of the artists at Rainshadow Artisans. She creates art from sea pebbles and sea glass.

Artwork courtesy of Gina Luellen/ Artist Gina Luellen said she likes to combine realistic art with photographs. This piece is named “Bright in Flight” and combines a photo of a Rhododendron with a painting of a hummingbird.

Photo courtesy of Vicki Swann/ Paulette Hill is one of the artists at Rainshadow Artisans. Hill creates jewelry with beads as well as “natural beach and shell accents.”