First Friday goes gold to light up December’s night sky

First Friday Art Walk Sequim’s theme is gold for Dec. 6th.

Gold is the color of our star Sol as we celebrate the Winter Solstice and the return of the sun during December. The impressive, shiny color of gold represents luminous hope, superb festivities, admiration, prosperity, rekindled optimism, kindhearted deeds, and lifelong fellowships. As you enjoy an evening on the town with family, friends, and guests who join our welcoming community, you will find works of art and folks supporting the option to dress in shades of gold or glittery interpretations of this festive time of year to celebrate happiness, harmony, and hope.

As a monthly tradition, First Friday Art Walk Sequim is a fun and free self-guided tour of local art venues in Sequim on the First Friday of every month from 5-8 p.m. Find more information and a full list of participants at SequimArtWalk.com.

Some of the event’s highlights include:

Over the Fence, 118 E. Washington St., hosts local artist Mary Beth Beuke of West Coast Sea Glass.

Mary Beth creates high quality, fine silver art-jewelry that features the world’s rarest sea glass pieces in every color, an awe-inspiring photographer, and her book “The Ultimate Guide to Sea Glass” has been on one of Amazon’s “best seller” lists. Mary Beth founded the West Coast Sea Glass company in 1998, yet she has studied jewelry design, metal smithing and has been creating wearable art for over forty years. “The unique beauty of sea glass is that each piece is distinct from the next and has been on a one-of-a-kind journey. I believe the piece of sea glass usually dictates the form of jewelry that it will eventually find itself.”

The A. Milligan Art Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave. between the Olympic Theatre Arts Center and Sequim Museum and Arts, hosts the Olympic Peninsula Art Association’s Annual Members Show and Fundraiser to benefit the OPAA’s Art Scholarship Program. Visitors to the Gallery will have a chance to vote for their favorite works of art in the “People’s Choice Awards” with the winning artists announced during the reception. Enter a drawing for a small donation to win one of the various items donated by area businesses, restaurants, theaters, artists and more. All will make great gifts to give to yourself or a friend during this festive holiday season!

At Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Avenue in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery, explore a photography exhibition of Randall Tomaras. A world traveler, he will be sharing his stunning photographs that include his explorations, portraits, landscapes, fine art stunners, and local events and sights. Always teaching, Randy also has his new photo book in two volumes of “It is NOT the camera” with 115 photos and 115 short stories that will improve your images and your communication, regardless of your level.

Locally Known Cowork,112 W. Washington St., features the North Olympic Shuttle and Spindle Guild Annual Fiber Arts Sale. For more than 40 years, their members have included fiber artists, fiber animal owners, and fiber interested fans from beginners to advanced that offer ways to learn more through workshops, study groups, and monthly meetings. There is a strong spirit of mentoring, camaraderie and support within the guild.

Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures, 121 W. Washington Street features local artists and regional gifts and treats from around the area. Check out their unique gift boxes and fun gift items with Pacific Northwest and Sequim pride.

Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., celebrates this holiday season with their annual Holiday Gift Gallery and exhibition “Visions of Winter” that displays in the front windows with winter themed works from all the gallery artists. Shayna Robnett whose art medium is oil painting, is curating the window display. When asked about the show, Robnett talked about the challenge of combining the work of 29 artists into one display. “Everyone’s work is so unique and different! Combining the paintings with the 3D work and having the display look balanced is an undertaking. It’s all about color and size.”

Long-time artist Carol Janda will also return to the gallery for the month of December after retiring from the local art community a year ago to be closer to family in Issaquah. Blue Whole Gallery holiday hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

Pacific Mist Books, 122 W. Washington St., offers an eclectic mix of new and vintage books, cards, and gifts. They host a book signing with Robert Schmidt, author of “The Last Kingdom Standing” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

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

La Petite Maison Blanche, 213 E. Washington St., features artwork, uniquely curated gifts, treats throughout the shop, and culinary goodies to add zest to your life. Explore the support of local artists and performers, like Katy Lily, at this eye candy, delightful shop.

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

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

Sofie’s Flowers. 127 W. Washington St., is filled with holiday inspired décor with local and unforgettable gifts that warm your heart and some that grow. For over three decades, Sofie’s Florist has been a cherished part of our community, delivering fresh, high-quality artistic floral designs.

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

Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W. Washington St., offers award-winning, artfully crafted wines and appetizing tidbits.

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

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

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

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

Join In

Initiated in 2006, the First Friday Art Walk Sequim is an encouraging and educational arts event that is sponsored and produced by Renne Emiko Brock. Our mission is to create approachable and accessible art and cultural venues that encourage the community to connect and celebrate expression and diversity.

Want 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 renneemiko@gmail.com.

First Friday Art Walk Sequim

Theme: gold

5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6

Various Venues in Sequim

SequimArtWalk.com. facebook.com/sequimartwalk

Images courtesy Mary Beth Beuke 
Gold sea glass by Mary Beth Beuke of West Coast Sea Glass will be featured at Over the Fence, 118 E. Washington St., during the First Friday Art Walk.

Images courtesy Mary Beth Beuke Gold sea glass by Mary Beth Beuke of West Coast Sea Glass will be featured at Over the Fence, 118 E. Washington St., during the First Friday Art Walk.

Artwork by Jeannine Chappell / “Winter Solstice” by Jeannine Chappell is one of the pieces for the featured artist at the Blue Whole Gallery’s “Visions of Winter” exhibit this December at the Blue Whole Gallery.

Artwork by Jeannine Chappell / “Winter Solstice” by Jeannine Chappell is one of the pieces for the featured artist at the Blue Whole Gallery’s “Visions of Winter” exhibit this December at the Blue Whole Gallery.

Photo courtesy Blue Whole Gallery/ Carol Janda, a long-time artist selling at the Blue Whole Gallery who retired last year, returns to the Sequim gallery for December and the First Friday Art Walk.

Photo courtesy Blue Whole Gallery/ Carol Janda, a long-time artist selling at the Blue Whole Gallery who retired last year, returns to the Sequim gallery for December and the First Friday Art Walk.