Mural unveiling set in Port Angeles
The Uptown Arts District announced last week the unveiling of the first mural along Lauridsen Boulevard, public artwork by local artist Gianna Andrews. A Mural Launch Party will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at the Buena Luz Bakery, 1105 S. Eunice St., Port Angeles, on Saturday, July 27, to celebrate the colorful addition.
“As the first official mural, this is an exciting milestone for the Uptown Arts District and kicks off a larger program of work to add public art in our community,” said Kyle Zimmerman, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center Uptown Arts Coordinator. “Having a launch party is a way for us to showcase the work of one of our local artists and show the positive impact that public art has on our businesses and community.”
Funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts awarded to the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center on behalf of the Uptown Arts District, this mural is the first in a series of intended projects to generate artistic visibility within public spaces throughout the district.
The Uptown Arts District is a collaboration of organizations along the Lauridsen Boulevard corridor, includes the City of Port Angeles, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, North Olympic Library Port Angeles Branch, Olympic National Park, Peninsula College, Port Angeles Community Players, Port Angeles School District, Juan De Fuca Foundation, and Field Arts & Events Hall.
The mural’s inception came from Emily Little, owner of Buena Luz Bakery.
“I love Gianna’s work and we came up with the idea of a mural on the blank side of the building one day on a run,” Little said. “We both have enormous respect for each other’s business and the project came together seamlessly. This mural adds color and life to our space and showcases the talent within our community.”
Libraries hosting cartoon workshops
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) will host free cartoon drawing workshops for tweens with Aron Nels Steinke in Sequim, Forks and Port Angeles.
Photo by Renee Lopez / Aron Nels Steinke
Aron Nels Steinke, bestselling and award-winning creator of the “Mr. Wolf’s Class” series, will lead tweens in grades 4-7 as they design an anthropomorphic character and start creating a mini-comic.
The workshop schedule includes:
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 31 at the Olympic Peninsula Academy gym, 400 N. Second Ave.
• 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Forks Library, 171 S. Forks Ave.
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
This event is part of the “Read, Renew, Repeat” Summer Reading Program, happening now through Aug. 24. Sign up for a Reading Challenge, earn a T-shirt, win prizes and participate in fun events. For more about the Summer Reading Program, visit nols.org/srp, call 360-417-8500 or email to discover@nols.org.
Luau set at The Fifth
Enjoy the sounds and tastes of the Hawaiian islands at a special luau set for 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, at The Fifth Avenue, 500 West Hendrickson Road. This event free and open to the public.
Guests will be treated to live music by the Olympic Peninsula Ukulele Strummers, and adding to the tropical ambiance is a performance by the Hawaiian Dancers, showcasing traditional hula dances.
The Fifth Avenue’s chefs will prepare a variety of Hawaiian-inspired hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. In addition, the luau offers a raffle with a chance to win a specially curated basket.
Reservations for the event are appreciated but not required. For more information, call The Fifth Avenue at 360-683-3345.
‘Backyard Movies’ lineup set in PT
Port Townsend Film Festival (PTFF), Fort Worden Hospitality, and Friends of Fort Worden recently announced its 2024 season of “Backyard Movies at the Fort.”
The organizations host two free screenings of family-friendly movies “under the stars” on the Littlefield Green at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend in August.
Photos courtesy of Skwim Toastmasters Club / Learn about how champion speakers are coached at the July 30 Skwim Toastmasters Club, held both in person and online. Guest coaches include Nitay-Yair Levi (top left) and Alexandre Matte (top right), with district winners Fusey Gotuaco (bottom left) and Karen Gardner receiving coaching. Artwork courtesy of Port Townsend Film Festival / See a free screening of “Whale Rider” on Aug. 10. at the “Backyard Movies at the Fort” held at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend.
Playing on the PTFF’s 2024 theme of “Women & Film,” the movie series will show “Whale Rider” (PG-13, 101 minutes) at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10.
At 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, the series screens “Akeelah and the Bee” (PG, 112 minutes).
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, lounge chairs, along with warm clothing and blankets. A selection of snacks and beverages, including adult options, will be available for purchase.
For more information, visit ptfilm.org/free-summer-movies.
Toastmasters invite community to gathering
The Skwim Toastmasters Club will host “Champions Coaching Champions” at the group’s next meeting, set for 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, at the KSQM 91.5 FM Radio broadcasting office at 609 W. Washington St., and online.
This event is free and open to the public. Watch how good public speakers get coached to become champions.
RSVP at ccc730.eventbrite.com.
Guest coaches will be Nitay-Yair Levi and Alexandre Matte. Both world champions, Nitay-Yair took second place in the 2021 World Championship of Public Speaking with his moving speech entitled “Advice for Life,” and Alexandre won second place in 2022 with his charming speech “Missing Ingredient.”
Those coached on July 30 will be District 32 winner Karen Gardner of Alaska, and Fursey Gotuaco, a District 128 winner and semifinalist contender from China. For more about the group, visit skwimtm.org.
