Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County Painted Door Project

What: Artist reception, preview

When: 4-6 p.m., Friday, April 15

Where: Sunland Golf & County Club, 109 Hilltop Drive

Cost: Free

More info: Visit www.habitatclallam.org or call  Colleen Robinson at 681-6780.

Artists from across Clallam County have painted doors to both celebrate and support Habitat for Humanity.

Each unique work of art incorporates the theme of “25” to reflect the nonprofit’s local presence.

“A few caring people had an idea 25 years ago, bringing it to fruition by getting an affiliate accreditation from Habitat for Humanity International,” said Colleen Robinson, Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County community outreach director.

Now, 25 years later, Robinson said, that effort has resulted in the construction of 28 homes and changed “countless families and our community for the better.”

The Painted Door Project was a creative, engaging way to recognize the affiliate because “we all walk through figurative doors of opportunity that change our life and actual doors are big, impactful and make a statement,” Robinson said.

“Having people interpret ’25’ seemed challenging, but people are so creative and the finished doors really showcase that in a big way,” she said.

For the first time the entire collection of 34 doors will come together for a free, public artist reception and preview from 4-6 p.m., Friday, April 15.

The reception is “an opportunity to share them (doors) with the public and celebrate the artists and thank them for their donation of time and talent,” Robinson said.

Most participating artists will be on hand to give insight into their door and portrayal of Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s 25 years. The doors will be judged and those placing first in the three categories: individual, group and youth, will be announced.

Additionally, a People’s Choice selection from each community represented including Sequim, Port Angeles and Forks, will be awarded.

“Our 25th anniversary of partnering with low-income families in Clallam County is exciting to celebrate in such a fun way with these doors — doors opening to a new start for the nearly 30 families who have moved from deplorable living conditions into a simple, decent, affordable home that they actually helped build,” said Cyndi Hueth, Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County executive director.

The reception is a warm-up to the affiliate’s largest annual fundraiser “A Taste of the Peninsula” on Saturday, April 16, where the 34 doors will be auctioned off.

The event gathers under one roof a variety of restaurants and wineries to offer tastes of the area’s artisan cuisine and beverages. Coupled with the culinary creations, the local band Strait Shots will provide live music.

In addition to raising funds, the event is a chance for Habitat for Humanity Clallam County officials to acknowledge their 2015 community partners and present its supporters with awards, as well as a handful of the affiliate’s founders.

Tickets for “A Taste of the Peninsula” are available online at www.habitatclallam.org and will be for sale at Friday’s reception.