Authors reschedule event at Blue Whole
The Blue Whole Gallery hosts the Olympic Peninsula Authors (OPA) from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, a Writers Read event that was scheduled in January but postponed because of inclement weather.
Authors from the OPA will read aloud their poetry or prose pieces on the theme “new beginnings” at the gallery at 129 W. Washington St. in downtown Sequim. Authors will address questions such as, why do we need new beginnings? What is wrong with the old? How does it feel to stare at a blank canvas, a blank page, a newly found piece of driftwood, or a scary idea?
Selected authors will read their pieces, offering attendees a chance to connect with the creators behind the narratives. Attendees are encouraged to explore the gallery before and after the event.
Like other Writers Read events, this is free and open to the public.
“We are excited to begin this new year with the Olympic Peninsula authors,” said the Blue Whole Gallery board president Jolene Sanborn.
Blue Whole Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit bluewholegallery.com.
K-von coming to PC’s Little Theater
Kevan Moezzi, a comedian, actor and author who goes by K-von, returns to Peninsula College for a comedy show at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1, at the school’s Little Theater, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles.
The Florida-based comedian, who recently appeared alongside Jon Heder in the film “Funny Thing About Love,” will entertain an audience of students and community members for a 60-minute show. Admission is free to students and by donation (any amount) to others.
“I’m very excited to return and make people laugh with my new jokes,” Moezzi said. “We want the students there, as well as those who love comedy in the community. Peninsula College is the hidden jewel of Washington. A gorgeous campus, a beautiful theater.”
K-von has appeared on Dry Bar Comedy specials, NETFLIX, NBC’s Last Comic Standing and in a TED Talk showcase.
“He is one of the most popular comedians we’ve had here over the years, and we are thrilled that he agreed to do another show for us,” said Rick Ross, associate dean for student life. “My student programmers really enjoy comedy shows and they are excited to have K-von back. “
This year’s show includes a bonus act: PC Drama instructor Dr. Lara Starcevich welcomes Port Angeles’ very own improv troupe: IWANT (improv-without-a-net) that takes the stage at 6:30 p.m.
Shuttle, spindle guild group sets meeting
The North Olympic Shuttle and Spindle Guild’s monthly meeting is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1033 N. Barr Road, between Sequim and Port Angeles.
The meeting includes a short member meeting, show-and-tell, social time and a program. Two guild members will give a presentation on the textile tour of Sweden that they took in the fall.
They will share their exploration of a variety of Swedish fiber traditions, from loom manufacturing, to revered museums that house generations of costumes and folk-art treasures.
Attendees will see linen weaving where products are created for the royal court, embassies and the Nobel banquet.
For more information about the North Olympic Shuttle and Spindle Guild, email to n.o.shuttleandspindleguild@gmail.com or visit nossg.org.
PAFAC’s ‘Strong Together’ exhibit reception set
The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center (1203 E. Lauridsen Blvd.) will host an opening reception for “Strong Together: An ArtistBook Collaborative” from 5:30-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9. All are invited to join for the opening to celebrate the newly displayed artworks.
The opening reception is free to attend and open to the public, with donations welcomed.
The exhibit is the result of intentional collaboration. Artists inter-weaved the common threads discovered through conversations into mixed media book works. Artwork was selected by jurors Jan Dove and Lindsey Shepherd.
The exhibit features artist books from 21 artists and their collaborators. They include John Arbuckle, Alicia Bailey, Alison Birmingham, Servane Briand, Debbi Commodore, Jan Dove, Mari Eckstein Gower, Lucia Harrison, Pamela Hastings, Belinda Hill, Bonnie Julien, Carrie Larson, Dorothy McCuiston, Laurel Moorhead, Randi Parkhurst, Gina Pisello, Marilyn Stablein, Ann Storey, Rachel Watson and Suze Woolf Ray Zill.
“Some artists who labor under the illusion of working alone find that something special happens when they choose to make art in an extended exchange of ideas and ideals with other artists. They find a kind of synchronicity unavailable in any other way,” curator Jan Dove said.
Many of the works in the show will be available for purchase. Artwork sold through the Fine Arts Center supports both the artist and helps to sustain the programs, exhibits, and educational offerings of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center.
“Strong Together: An ArtistBook Collaborative” will remain on display at the historic Esther Webster Gallery during regular gallery hours (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) from Feb. 10-March 24.
Those interested in the art form are invited to learn more at the Art Book Binding Workshop set for 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the center, where artist Gina Pisello will teach participants how to bind artwork into a book form. Tickets are $45 for PAFAC Members and $55 for the general public. Get tickets at pafac.kindful.com/e/art-book-binding-workshop.
PTFF seeking screenplays, short films
The Port Townsend Film Festival (PTFF) kicks off its 25th year with new initiatives.
The organization is offering its first short screenplay competition, open to screenwriters residing in the Olympic Peninsula, Kitsap Peninsula or Puget Sound islands. The writer must be a resident of one of the following Washington State counties: Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, San Juan.
Scripts must be five pages/five minutes, adhere to standard screenplay format, have no more than five unique settings, and have nor more than five “compelling personas.”
The winning screenplay receives a full production by a team of regional filmmakers — including members of the Port Townsend Film Festival, Jefferson County Filmmakers Collective and Port Townsend Film Studio — along with inclusion in the Port Townsend Film Festival (Sept. 19-22), support and mentorship on navigating film festival submissions sand more. See ptfilmfest.com/screenplaycontest.
PTFF is also looking to highlight short films produced locally. Festival organizers will feature the chosen films in the festival program and other marketing materials. See filmfreeway.com/PortTownsendFilmFestival.
PTFF has also moved “Women & Film” mini-festival from April to its annual events in September. See ptfilmfest.com/year-round-programming.
Photo courtesy of Port Angeles Fine Arts Center “Threads of Life Codex 2022” by Servane Briand and collaborator Paloma Lucas. The work and artists are featured in Port Angeles Fine Arts Center’s “Strong Together: An ArtistBook Collaborative” exhibit, which opens Friday, Feb. 9.
