The First Friday Art Walk Sequim color theme for October is orange — one of the brighter colors in fall as summer fades away.

The hospitable hue of orange reminds us of cozy fires, snuggly seasonal sweaters, nesting and organizing, friendship made out of admirable interests, delightful sweets, encouraging teachers and mentors. On Oct.4, find works of art and folks supporting the option to dress in shades of orange or spicy fall colors as they enjoy an evening on the town with friends and family.

First Friday Art Walk Sequim is a fun, free, self-guided tour of local art venues in Sequim from 5-8 p.m. the first Friday of every month. Visit SequimArtWalk.com to download and print your own map, find special events, links and how to be part of art.

Initiated in 2006, the Art Walk is an encouraging and educational arts event sponsored and produced by Renne Emiko Brock with a mission to create approachable, accessible art and cultural venues that encourage the community to connect and celebrate expression and diversity.

Special events

Explore the 19th-annual North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival fiber arts exhibition “Sublime Marvel – Splendor, Enterprise, & Awe” at Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave. During the Art Walk reception, many fiber artists and fiber arts advocates will be demonstrating their passion and artistry. The exhibit’s artists include: Lora Armstrong, Aaron Asselin, Renne Emiko Brock, Jordan Carter, Caroline Evergreen, Liisa Fagerlund, Mary Lou Giacomelli, Lynn Gilles, Jennifer Harris, Estelle Jackson, Connie McGuire, Robin Nelson, Sew `n Sews, Marla Varner, Prabha Werner and Jean Wyatt.

Artwork by Prabha Werner A close-up of “Catching the Splash” by Prabha Werner, whose artistry will be on display with others during the 19th-annual North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival fiber arts exhibition, “Sublime Marvel – Splendor, Enterprise, & Awe” at Sequim Museum & Arts in October.

The exhibition’s theme supports the enrapturing beauty and inspiring awe of inclusive, fostering fiber mediums that motivate earth-moving collaboration, and build super friendships to create opportunities to learn, exhibit, and potentially build small businesses.

The festival includes the First Friday Art Walk Sequim Reception from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 4, with fiber arts demonstrations and sales and another opening reception 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. The festival is an opportunity to experience positive inclusion, creative expression, encouraged education, the economic enterprise of art, and fostering fiber arts. See FiberArtsFestival.org.

The A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave., is full of colorful original paintings of area artists, Suzan Noyes joins artist and gallery owner Anne Milligan in the Main Gallery this month. Many of you have enjoyed Suzan’s scenic paintings onstage at the Olympic Theatre Arts Center in Sequim, but that’s only a small sample of her artistic abilities. Noyes has worked in the advertising world as a colorist and illustrator; and as a muralist with her works adorning various city walls. Her fine artwork has been exhibited in numerous solo shows and juried exhibitions over the past 40 years. She most enjoys painting natural subjects such as trees, foliage, florals, landscapes and seascapes. Noyes says, “Nature attracts me with ever-changing lights and darks, these lend drama to simple views. The texture of bark and play of sun on leaf and water always stops me for a sketch or photographs. Back in my studio, one vignette will stand out, make me grab my pastels – this is what I love sharing with others.” Milligan has had her fingers immersed in art and design since she could wield a crayon. After studying fashion design in New York City, she went on to design costumes for avant-garde off-off Broadway productions. She’s etched commissioned works into granite with diamond scribes; and created plans for highly functional cabinetry as an interior designer. During several years of traveling, she painted commissioned portraits on her laptop before finally landing in her current studio in Sequim. An award-winning artist, her paintings have been juried into regional and international exhibitions, and her works hang in private collections across the country and in Europe. She says, “When I paint, I’m trying to capture that ethereal breath that brings life to the canvas and makes it more than just the painting itself. For me, the measure of a successful painting is a smile, a laugh, a look that conveys a sense of familiarity, of connection. It’s that signal from the viewer that, through this silent language, my painting has spoken to them.”

Artwork courtesy of Suzan Noyes / “Sky Blue Pink” by Suzan Noyes, whose artwork will be on display alongside Anne Milligan at the A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery this month.

These two seasoned artists have very different approaches to painting in the pastel medium and this exhibit showcases their own unique styles and hand. Often a misunderstood medium, “pastel” refers to the form of the paint (in this case a dry, solid pigment) as opposed to the colors of the painting itself. It’s a versatile medium and can be used as a drawing tool or like a paint brush; wet or dry, and in combination with watercolor, ink, or acrylic paint, to name but a few.

Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., has the show “Bright and Beautiful” featuring Terri Biondolino, Jeff Considine, Laura Moore, Nancy Peet, Shayna Robnett and Randy Tierney. What do an environmental specialist, a CPA, a dentist, a mother, an animal shelter co-founder, and a product development specialist all have in common? They all recently joined Blue Whole Gallery as artists. Their art is as diverse as their former and, in one case, current careers. They all share a passion for beauty, color and of course art. Peet, Robnett and Tierney are all painters. Peet is a watercolorist focusing on bright florals. Robnett’s art reflects her love of the Peninsula in landscape oils.

Artwork courtesy of Randy Tierney “Leaves” by Randy Tierney, a featured artist at the Blue Whole Gallery in October.

Tierney’s work is based in the Sumi painting style and tradition. Biondolino’s expertise is centered in a challenging form of porcelain, specifically colored clay known as Nerikomi. Considine designs and creates unique wooden boxes. Moore uses everything she sees in nature to design and create her jewelry.

Sequim Spice and Tea, 139 W. Washington St., has unique art including glass, pottery, illustration and photography of local artists. Find artful, creative tea blends, colorful and fun teapots and cups and cheerful culinary gifts.

Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures, 121 W. Washington St., features David Rogers of Maddie’s Mushrooms. The farm grows and propagates gourmet mushrooms available at local farmer’s market and served at restaurants around the Olympic Peninsula. Come by and chat with Rogers about the upcoming Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival (Oct. 17-20).

Pacific Mist Books, 122 W. Washington St., hosts Clay Vermulm, a horror author, book editor and creative podcaster. The bookstore features copies of Vermulm’s debut novella, “Crevasse,” his short story collection, “Blue Rare,” and two collections of short stories.

From 6-8 p.m. at Rainshadow Café, 157 W. Cedar St., enjoy live music with Dawn & Steve. Come sing your favorite songs with a full menu and drinks to enjoy. Some dancing is encouraged, too.

La Petite Maison Blanche, 213 E. Washington St., features artwork, uniquely curated gifts, treats throughout the shop, and culinary goodies.

Artwork by Marla Varner / “Vote” by Marla Varner, who joins other fiber artists in demonstrating their passion and artistry at the 19th-annual North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival fiber arts exhibition “Sublime Marvel – Splendor, Enterprise, & Awe,” held at Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave.

Sofie’s Flowers, now at 127 W. Washington St., has artful blooms, delightful home décor and local artists’ creations.

Over the Fence, a destination home and garden store at 118 E. Washington St., hosts one of their local makers.

Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W. Washington St., enjoy award winning artfully crafted wines and appetizing tidbits.

Soup in the Alley, 138 W. Washington St., features a rotation of local artists, live music, and treats.

Alder Wood Bistro, 139 W. Alder St., has artisan wood-fired local, seasonal, organic food in the heart of Sequim.

Locally created gifts don Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop at 120 W. Washington St. Check out farm fresh lavender creations, treats and inspired vintage décor items.

Pacific Pantry at 229 S. Sequim Ave. is open until 7 p.m. and hosts a rotation of local artists.

The River House Bakery & Café, 120 W. Bell St., hosts local artists with delicious food and bakery items.

For more

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.

To create inclusion between venues, artists and audience, everyone is encouraged to participate in the Art Walk’s monthly themes as a fun community activity in any creative form they wish to express it. January is silver, February is red, March is green, April is pink, May is aqua, June is white, July is purple, August is yellow, September is blue, October is orange, November is brown and December is gold.

Join the Art Walk Facebook page at facebook.com/sequimartwalk.

First Friday Art Walk Sequim

When: 5-8 p.m. Oct. 4

Location: Various venues near downtown Sequim

On the web: SequimArtWalk.com