Blue Whole Gallery sets 27th anniversary party

Local artists will celebrate nearly three decades of creativity in early June.

Members of the Blue Whole Gallery invite the community to celebrate the downtown Sequim venue’s 27th anniversary with a “meet the artists reception from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, June 7, at the gallery, 129 W, Washington St.

The gallery is a cooperative of 30 local artists representing many art mediums and 30 art styles, with artists ranging in age from 29-89.

Every member brings their unique view of art to the gallery, Blue Whole representatives note, and everything that happens in the business is taken care of by one of the members.

“We don’t just put paint on canvas — we paint the walls, scrub the floors and keep the books,” said Janet Piccola, a gallery member and newly-elected president.

Members also look to give back: in the past two years, the gallery has held five fundraising events on behalf of local nonprofits, with proceeds from the sale of selected items donated.

The most important part of being a member of the gallery is the artists community within the gallery, gallery member John Bertholl said.

“All of us get along with each other. If someone is in need or has a problem, all of us are there for them, for whatever they need,” he said.

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.