Irene Loghry (forefront) and Dee Green of Studio by the Creek create artwork for the group’s March show at the Museum and Arts Center. Photo by Renee Mizar
By Renee Mizar
Publicity coordinator
A reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 4, at the Museum and Arts Center exhibit center, 175 W. Cedar St., Sequim, celebrates the art arising from a studio nestled on the banks of McDonnell Creek in Agnew, where seven local women gather to paint, draw, sculpt and share in the bonds of friendship. The show runs March 1-26, and all the works displayed are for sale.
“Autumn in the Tetons,” by Bettye Tabain
For the women who comprise the Studio by the Creek, art is a process in which talents are explored, friendships forged and positive reinforcement shared.
“We were all successful, busy women who never had time for this. It took retirement to bring it out,” Studio by the Creek founder Dee Green said of the group. “It’s a very special sisterhood.”
While the group’s members have exhibited before, Green said the March exhibit is the first in which all the current members have participated. Artwork ranges from bronze sculptures, pottery, pastels, inks and dyes, and mixed media to paintings done in acrylics, oils, and watercolors.
“Every woman needs girlfriends. These ladies are my lifelines, my sisters, my friends, my confidants,” said Diana Miller of Agnew, who has been part of the group for four years and is teaching her 5-year-old granddaughter pottery at the studio.
“Kah Tai Lagoon Pathway,” by Donna Standerwick
“It’s one place where I feel you can be totally yourself and feel safe about it. There’s no pretense,” Miller said.
Amid the supportive environment of the group, the women routinely help each other, which they refer to as “giving cream,” whether by providing constructive criticism of in-process works, sharing art supplies and techniques, or offering friendly ears to discuss art or other subjects.
“It’s not really about doing art. Mine is more about an expression of freedom,” said Debbi Hilt, who is the newest member of the group. “With art, or with us, anything goes.”
The MAC Exhibit Center is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
For more information, call the MAC Exhibit Center at 683-8110 or visit www.mac sequim.org.
