February’s First Friday Art Walk is full of heart

Enjoy an evening filled with love, passionate pursuits, red apparel, warm hearts, the virtues of fine wine, chocolate and sweet treats.

February’s First Friday Art Walk Sequim on Feb. 3 embraces red as the theme color that represents heartfelt forte, vehement affection, driven leadership, active endeavors, and intense jubilation. It is also National Wear Red Day to increase awareness of heart health.

Art Walk participants will find works of art and folks supporting the option to decorate and dress in all shades of red from blush to burgundy for the evening out on the town.

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

Pacific Mist – Books, Cards & Gifts, 122 W. Washington St., hosts WeDoFudge, owned and operated by Christina and Charles Norman. Offering samples of their delectable delights, a wide range of tasty fudge — and soft, salty, sweet, cashew delight — will be available for purchase, just in time for Valentine’s Day. And, Pacific Mist Books will be hosting J Wyatt Art. A skilled bookbinder and artist, Wyatt is featuring a fine selection of her hardcover and softcover journals, puzzles and art tiles.

Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., features abstract expressionist Terry Grasteit and ceramic artist Janet Piccola will showcase their original artwork rooted in “The World Around Us” exhibition. Piccola, who is a local potter, enjoys creating pottery on the potter’s wheel, as well as creating art using slab-built techniques and sculptural techniques. Grasteit said her goal is to create paintings that contain the elements of the world around us in new and unusual ways.

Check out a new venue to the Sequim Art Walk: Christmas Collections by Sofie’s, 123 E. Washington St. It is full of holiday goodies, delightful décor and inspired gifts.

Starting at 5 p.m., the City of Sequim and the City Arts Advisory Commission hosts the First Friday Open Music Jam and the “Let’s Explore Color” art exhibition reception at the Sequim Civic Center, 152 W. Cedar St.

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

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

Locally-created gifts adorn Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop, 120 W. Washington St., which has delightful farm fresh lavender creations, treats and inspired vintage décor items.

At 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.

At a new location, Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Sequim Habitat Boutique Store is at 154 W. Washington St., with live music.

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.

Submitted photo Made from recycled material, “Circuitree” by Christopher Allen is on display in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery at Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave.

Submitted photo Check out creative, edible fudge creations by WeDoFudge at Pacific Mist – Books, Cards & Gifts during the First Friday Art Walk Sequim on Feb. 3.