A gifted ceramic artist and an award-winning photographer are the featured artists at the Blue Whole Gallery’s newest exhibit, “Inspired By Nature.”

Katherine “Kate” Loveland and Mike Middlestead will share their art in the front windows of the gallery at 129 W. Washington Street during the month of November.

Meet the artists from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, during the First Friday Art Walk event.

Blue Whole Gallery’s regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays.

Loveland, a photographer with an eye for storytelling through nature, will exhibit her fine art photography. She said she is fascinated by the abstract in nature and, occasionally, in inorganic objects.

Loveland uses repetitions and variations of patterns, shapes, textures and colors to produce tactile sculptural images.

During her 30 years as a clinical psychologist, she frequently used the power of the image to enable patients to access deeper self-awareness.

“It is her hope that her images evoke similar responses in the viewer,” exhibit organizers say.

Middlestead is ceramic artist specializing in stoneware and earthenware pottery and sculptures.

After 25 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, he returned to school to study environmental science. During an Introduction to Art class, he discovered ceramics and hasn’t looked back.

Sculptural work has recently consumed most of Middlestead’s efforts, and his love for water and the environment is a focal point for his forms. A large installation piece called “Market Price” was purchased by the Peninsula College Foundation and can be found on permanent display at the college.

For more information, visit bluewholegallery.com.

Photo courtesy of Blue Whole Gallery / Artwork by Mike Middlestead (pictured) and Katherine “Kate” Loveland are featured at the Blue Whole Gallery in November.