When it came time to figure out a theme for The Blue Whole Gallery’s 26th anniversary, longtime gallery member/exhibit curator Mary Franchini turned to a friend.

“Karen Teig came to my rescue,” Franchini said. “Karen found the 26th wedding anniversary is dubbed the ‘Picture Anniversary.’ How perfect is that for an art gallery? This theme gives every member the opportunity to show the community one of their favorite pieces of work.”

The community is invited to celebrate the gallery’s 26th year with “Picture This #26,” an exhibit that starts in June. Stop by between 5-8 p.m. on Friday, June 2, during the First Friday Art Walk, and meet many of the gallery’s 30-plus members.

The gallery, at 129 W. Washington St., began with just 14 artists and by the end of the first year had more than 40. Members pay dues, work in the gallery and share in the different jobs the gallery requires.

The gallery also provides venues for other art forms such as the Olympic Peninsula Authors event, Writer’s Read, where the local authors share their work with the community on a monthly basis.

The Blue Whole highlights student-artists each month and provides a scholarship to a local student each year, and supports local non-profits by partnering with them in fundraising activities.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, visit bluewholegallery.com.

Artwork courtesy of Blue Whole Gallery / “Lavender Sunrise” by Julie Senf, featured artwork at the Blue Whole Gallery’s June 2023 exhibit, “Picture This #26.”

Artwork courtesy of Blue Whole Gallery / “Susan” by Jolene Sanborn, featured artwork at the Blue Whole Gallery’s June 2023 exhibit, “Picture This #26.”

Artwork courtesy of Blue Whole Gallery / “Picture This by Marilyn Evans — featured artwork at the Blue Whole Gallery’s June 2023 exhibit, “Picture This #26.”