Authors set reading at Blue Whole Gallery
The Olympic Peninsula Authors (OPA) welcomes the community to their authors from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St.
The theme for this free Writers Read event is “Voices of Inspiration.” It showcases “the pivotal role that gratitude plays in the creative process, as writers share their personal stories of inspiration,” organizers say.
“We are thrilled to host this event, which brings together writers to express their thankfulness for the inspirations that fuel their writing,” said Jolene Sanborn, a Blue Whole Gallery board member.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. Visit bluewholegallery.com.
Chorale sets fall concert
The Northwest Women’s Chorale will present a Fall concert, “Gather Together,” celebrating community, at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Lopez Ave., Port Angeles.
This is the group’s first venture into a pre-Thanksgiving concert; previous concerts have been later in the year with a more Christmas/winter theme. A pre-concert chat will be presented at 6:45 p.m. for this concert with comments more specific to the music being presented.
Admission is a suggested donation of $15 at the door.
Get more information at nwwomenschorale.org.
Deadline nears for city art exhibit
The City of Sequim Arts Commission (SAC) is seeking submissions of artwork that explores the concept “To Enlighten: Focus on Light and Shadow” in the next exhibit in the Karen Kuznek-Reese Gallery at the Sequim Civic Center, 152 West Cedar Street. In this exhibition the jury will be looking for how the artists developed aspects of light and shadow in their work to create depth, tension, define forms, or create atmosphere.
Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. Only digital applications will be considered. To enter, complete the form at this link which allows you to download up to three images (preferably 300 dpi) per entry form.jotform.com/232545759538166.
All entries will be juried by the SAC by Monday, November 27. Artists will be notified of their status by Wednesday, November 29. Artwork delivery will be scheduled for the week of December 4, and you will be contacted to schedule delivery of your artwork to the Sequim Civic Center. The Artist Reception and Exhibition Opening will take place during the First Friday Art Walk on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display January 5 through March 26, 2024.
For complete entry guidelines and exhibit information, visit sequimwa.gov/694/Artist-Opportunities or contact Arts Coordinator Sarah Hurt at shurt@sequimwa.gov or 360-582-2477.
$5K match for concert benefiting Food Bank
Like last year’s concert, an anonymous donor is matching funds up to $5,000 for the Sequim Food Bank fundraising concert, set this year for 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Sequim Elks Lodge, 143 Port Williams Road.
Performers include The Sequim Fiddlers, Jason Paul, FarmStrong, Jean Lenke, The OG Band and more.
Admission is by donation with light refreshments, a cash bar, and attendees can bring their own dinner.
For more information, contact sequimfoodbankbenefitconcert@gmail.com. Or, donate online at sequimfoodbank.org/donate.
Tannahill Weavers set Sequim concert
The Tannahill Weavers, one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands, comes to Sequim for a concert slated for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 525 N. Fifth Ave.
Organizers say this concert will be a likely sellout of the 125-seat venue, so those interested must make reservations by emailing to stlukesconcerts@gmail.com.
Cost is $30 per person, cash, at the door.
Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland, and named for the town’s historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the Tannahill Weavers have made an international name for their special brand of Celtic music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms.
For more about the group, visit tannahillweavers.com/bio.
Libraries to host top selling writer/illustrator
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) hosts national bestselling writer and illustrator Matt Kracht for an author talk and book signing from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
Kracht will talk about his books, “OMFG, Bees!,” “The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America,” and “The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World.” Afterward, the author will answer audience questions and sign books, available for purchase at the event courtesy of Odyssey Bookshop.
Known as the cantankerous, bird-loathing author of the “Dumb Bird” field guides, Kracht describes himself as an amateur naturalist who creates books that celebrate the humor inherent in life’s absurdities.
His most recent book, “OMFG, Bees!,” is filled with watercolor and ink drawings, humorous quips, lists, and facts that paint a charming and enthusiastic picture of these pollinators.
For more about this event, visit nols.org/mattkracht, call 360-417-8500 or email to discover@nols.org.
Poet to talk at Peninsula College
Poet Charlotte Gould Warren will speak about her work at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, in the Raymond Carver room of the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
Charlotte will be joined by Alice Derry, faculty emerita at Peninsula College and Warren’s friend.
Warren grew up in India, the daughter of missionary parents. As a child, she knew Mahatma Gandhi and even sat in his lap once when he visited with her family. Her first book of poetry, “Gandhi’s Lap,” was selected from among 385 manuscripts for the Washington Prize in 2000.
Charlotte taught at Peninsula College and has called the Olympic Peninsula home for nearly 60 years. Charlotte’s soulmate George passed in 2019 after 58 years of shared lives. Her new work of poetry, “If Not Him,” is dedicated in his memory.
Author to talk of U.S. Coast Guard rescues
Author John Kopp, a former member of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Cape Disappointment rescue boat crew, will share historical details and personal insights during his presentation, “From Oars to Engines: The Rescue Boat Crews of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and U.S. Coast Guard.”
The free event is offered at two locations of the North Olympic Library System (NOLS): from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the Sequim Library, 630 N. Sequim Ave., and 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
Kopp will provide an overview of the history and evolution of the U.S. Coast Guard’s rescue boat community. He’ll answer audience questions and sign his book, “CG 41332: Surfmen, the Cape Disappointment Motor Lifeboat School, and the Forgotten Tragedy that Transformed U.S. Coast Guard Boat Operations,” which will be available for purchase at the event.
For event information, visit nols.org/coastguard, call 360-417-8500 or email to discover@nols.org.
NOSSG group to talk ‘Weaver and Storyteller’
The North Olympic Shuttle & Spindle Guild’s next meeting is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1033 N. Barr Road, between Sequim and Port Angeles.
This meeting’s topic is “Weaver and Storyteller.” The agenda includes a short member meeting, show-and-tell, social time and a program.
Photo courtesy of Dawn Martin / Dawn Martin and Steve Anderson — along with Russ Lowry on drums — will play favorite songs from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, at the Sequim Elks Lodge on Nov. 12.
