First Friday Art Walk to celebrate Sequim’s summer sun

Stroll or dance in the summer sunshine with the yellow theme color for the First Friday Art Walk Sequim in August.

The positive intensity of yellow represents expressive enthusiasm, joyful happiness, positive friendships, and empowers collective generosity, goodwill, and integrity.

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.

Everyone is encouraged to wear yellow or cheerful, fun, Aloha print apparel during the Art Walk to celebrate sunny Sequim.

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

The Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave., features the Peninsula Art Quilters’ “Capturing Stories with Thread” exhibition in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery. The Peninsula Art Quilters — a sub-group of the Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Club — are a group of “adventurous” quilters who delight in creating original quilt and fiber art designs and continually expanding their repertoire of quilting techniques, and combine artistic skills and mixed media with quilting. Exhibition artists include Norma Herbold, Beverly Beighle, Marianne Nolte, Anne Davies, Gladis Marr, Marca Davies, Mary-Lou Giacomelli, Prabha Werner, Barbara Johnson, Carol Geer, Helga Barton and Jane Kirby.

Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W Washington St., features “What a Wonderful World” with artists Janet Piccola and Jolene Sanborn. One passion they share is their love of travel and experiencing this amazing planet. Those experiences inform all aspects of their lives.

Artwork courtesy of Jolene Sanborn / “High Country Meadow” by Jolene Sanborn, one of the featured artists at the Blue Whole Gallery in August.

Artwork courtesy of Jolene Sanborn / “High Country Meadow” by Jolene Sanborn, one of the featured artists at the Blue Whole Gallery in August.

The A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave., hosts the “Plein Air Inspirations” exhibit with Jinx Bryant, Joyce Hester, Marian Morris and Roger Morris. Each of the artists expresses a deep affinity for painting in the open air, though their styles and individual interpretations are delightfully varied. Visitos are also encouraged to take a look around the corner into Anne Milligan’s Pastel Studio for a peek at her works in progress, and see some of her finished pieces on display in the Digital Studio.

Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures, 121 W. Washington St., features an “Evening with Sticks ‘n Stones” artist Diane Fatzinger. She creates sweet stories as stone shadow boxes often expressed as Wee Pebble Art. Forage also features local artists and inspired gifts by Washington state and the Olympic Peninsula.

Pacific Mist Books, 122 W. Washington St., hosts Darcy Guyant, an award-winning children’s book author and retired U.S. Coast Guard helicopter pilot. Stationed in Port Angeles for eight years, Guyant now writes children’s books about Coast Guard rescue missions based on his real-life experiences.

At the City of Sequim Civic Center, 152 W. Cedar St., the City Arts Advisory Commission hosts the opening reception of “To Feel, Focus on Texture” on view in the Karen Kuznek-Reese Gallery. At the same location from 5-7 p.m., the First Friday Open Music Jam happens. Bring an acoustic instrument and/or a voice and join the group for an informal gathering of people who like to make music.

Sofie’s Flowers, 127 W. Washington St., with artful blooms and has joined the art walk in their new location downtown. Their artist during the art walk is their very own floral designer, Sharrai M. She will have beautiful tropical arrangements on display and will also be doing live designing demonstrations throughout the evening.

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.

From 5:30-7:30 p.m., Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Sequim Habitat Boutique Store at 213 E Washington St. has live music with Reckless Dove.

Sequim Spice and Tea, 139 W. Washington St., has unique art including glass, pottery, illustration and photography of local artists, as well as artful, creative tea blends, colorful and fun teapots and cups, and culinary gifts.

Artwork courtesy of Beverly Beighle
“Celebrate the Day” by Beverly Beighle, one of the Peninsula Art Quilters whose art is on display in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery at the Sequim Museum & Arts in August.

Artwork courtesy of Beverly Beighle “Celebrate the Day” by Beverly Beighle, one of the Peninsula Art Quilters whose art is on display in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery at the Sequim Museum & Arts in August.

Soup in the Alley, 138 W. Washington St., features a rotation of local artists, live music and treats.

Alder Wood Bistro, 139 W. Alder St., has artisan wood-fired local, seasonal, organic food in the heart of Sequim.

Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop, 120 W. Washington St., has farm fresh lavender creations, treats and inspired vintage décor items.

The River House Bakery & Café, 120 W. Bell St., hosts local artists with delicious food and bakery items.

Pacific Pantry at 229 S. Sequim Ave. is open until 7 p.m. and hosts a rotation of local artists.

Wild Goddess Brews-n-Bites, 145 E. Washington St. Suite D, has small bites, salads, dips and boards. Have a comfy seat and enjoy a wide selection of beverages along with live music.

La Petite Maison Blanche, 213 E. Washington St., features uniquely curated gifts and festive treats throughout the shop and hear live music with Kate Lily.

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.

First Friday Art Walk Sequim

When: 5-8 p.m. Aug. 2

Location: Various venues near downtown Sequim

On the web: SequimArtWalk.com