First Friday Art Walk Sequim
November 1, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Various Venues in Sequim WA
November 1 Art Walk Color Theme is BROWN! Brown is the color of fall harvest and abundance, the turning of the leaves, sweet chocolate, and seasonal spicy treats. Brown represents steadfast alliances, community minded activities, solid assemblies, family trees with deep roots and supportive branches, and warm comforting homesteads. You will find works of art and folks supporting the option to dress in shades of bountiful brown or representations of hearth and harvest as they enjoy an evening on the town with down to earth friends and family.
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 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Visit online at SequimArtWalk.com as your resource to download and print your own map, find out what special events are happening, links, and how you can be part of art.
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.
Special events for November 1:
Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures at 121 W Washington Street features their 5th Annual Sweets & Treats Holiday Tasting. Lots of chocolate! Pre-orders will begin for gift boxes full of local goodies and supporting local creations.
Blue Whole Gallery at 129 W Washington St. features the “Thankful for Nature’s Treasures” exhibition with Melissa Doyel and Julie Hembree. They are thankful to be living in Sequim, thankful to be members of Blue Whole Gallery and thankful to be surrounded by the natural beauty of the area. Melissa paints in both watercolor and acrylic. She doesn’t consider herself a landscape or portrait artist, but rather paints images of subjects that capture her attention and her emotion. “When we are out hiking, sometimes I see something that captures me and I just have to paint it! I’ll look at it, whether it’s the ocean or a flower, and say, how can I best portray that? I think I’ll paint that in acrylic.” Melissa, a former EBay project manager, is thankful to be surrounded by so much beauty here in the Northwest.
Julie Hembree is often found wandering the beaches of the Olympic Peninsula with her dog Rex. While Rex is off searching up good smell, Julie with her head down, is searching the beach for sea glass, shells or anything else that she might incorporate into her repurposed art. Her creations are whimsical and reflective of her creative nature as well as the ocean and beach. “After collecting shells and beach stuff for my whole life, I decided I had to do something with all of it. I sure wasn’t going to stop picking up shells and rocks!” And her unique art medium was born. She recently returned from a trip to the Caribbean with an entire suitcase full of shells and rocks. Julie, a former teacher, lives within a few blocks of the Strait and beaches she loves. She is thankful to have her art inspiration so close.
The A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery at 520 N. Sequim Avenue features new artwork added to the vibrant original pastel paintings “Duet” exhibit in the Main Gallery of area artist, Suzan Noyes along with artist and gallery owner Anne Milligan. These two seasoned artists have very different approaches to painting in the pastel medium and this exhibit showcases their own unique styles and hand. Pastel is a versatile medium and can be used as a drawing tool or like a paint brush; wet or dry, and in combination with watercolor, ink, or acrylic paint, to name but a few. Anne has had her fingers immersed in art and design since she discovered her kindergarten’s stash of finger paints. After studying fashion design in New York City, she went on to design costumes for avante garde off-off Broadway productions. She’s etched commissioned works into granite with diamond scribes; and created plans for highly functional cabinetry as an interior designer. During several years of traveling, she painted commissioned portraits on her laptop before finally landing in her current studio in Sequim. An award-winning artist, her paintings have been juried into regional and international exhibitions, and her works hang in private collections across the country and in Europe. Anne says,” When I paint, I’m trying to capture that ethereal breath that brings life to the canvas and makes it more than just the painting itself. For me, the measure of a successful painting is a smile, a laugh, a look that conveys a sense of familiarity, of connection. It’s that signal from the viewer that, through this silent language, my painting has spoken to them.”
Many have enjoyed Suzan’s scenic paintings onstage at the Olympic Theatre Arts Center in Sequim, but that’s only a small sample of her artistic abilities. Suzan has worked in the advertising world as a colorist and illustrator; and as a muralist with her works adorning various city walls. Her fine artwork has been exhibited in numerous solo shows and juried exhibitions over the past forty years. She most enjoys painting natural subjects such as trees, foliage, florals, landscapes and seascapes. Suzan says, “Nature attracts me with ever-changing lights and darks, these lend drama to simple views. The texture of bark and play of sun on leaf and water always stops me for a sketch or photographs. Back in my studio, one vignette will stand out, make me grab my pastels – this is what I love sharing with others.”
Explore the 19th Annual North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival fiber arts exhibition “Sublime Marvel – Splendor, Enterprise, & Awe” at the Sequim Museum & Arts at 544 N Sequim Avenue, Sequim WA. During the Art Walk reception, many fiber artists and fiber arts advocates will be demonstrating their passion and selling their artistry. “Sublime Marvel – Splendor, Enterprise, & Awe” artists include Lora Armstrong, Aaron Asselin, Renne Emiko Brock, Jordan Carter, Caroline Evergreen, Liisa Fagerlund, Mary Lou Giacomelli, Lynn Gilles, Jennifer Harris, Estelle Jackson, Connie McGuire, Robin Nelson, Sew `n Sews, Marla Varner, Prabha Werner, and Jean Wyatt. The 19th Annual North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival is an opportunity to experience positive inclusion, creative expression, encouraged education, the economic enterprise of art, and fostering fiber arts. FiberArtsFestival.org
The exhibition’s theme supports the enrapturing beauty and inspiring awe of inclusive, fostering fiber mediums that motivate earth-moving collaboration, and build super friendships to create opportunities to learn, exhibit, and potentially build small businesses. Admiration of toil and talent cultivates the evolution of excellence within one’s personal journey, learning and expressing themselves uniquely while being supportive of the efforts of fellow artists. Striving for wonder and encouragement, we celebrate fiber artists who boldly share their art with courage and fortitude, open to both copying and constructive criticism. Their hero’s arc includes the strength of inquisitiveness, leading to the surprising beauty of growing imagination and the capability to compose original creations using fused fibers, artistic adventures, and superpowers for good.
Pacific Mist Books at 122 West Washington Street hosts local author Melanie Richardson Dundy with her new children’s picture book on its way to becoming a Christmas favorite! It’s not surprising that Santa Claus has a dog, but, up until now, nobody has met him. Pine Cone is an adorable little corgi. He’s a constant companion to Santa especially on Christmas Eve when he has very special responsibilities. With full-color illustrations on every page, kids of all ages can follow Pine Cone as he helps Santa get ready for Christmas! Also available at Pacific Mist Books—locally made, hand-crocheted child’s neck scarf to match the one the pup is wearing in the book. Pacific Mist Books shares the love of reading and offers an eclectic mix of new and vintage books, cards, and gifts including local authors and artists.
From 5:30 to 7:30 PM, Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Sequim Habitat Boutique Store at 213 E Washington St. has fabulous live music with Reckless Dove!
Sofie’s Flowers at 127 W Washington St. welcomes featured artist Jennifer Dempsey of The Luxe Forager along with artful blooms, delightful holiday home décor, and local artists wears and creations. Jennifer’s stunning velvet and driftwood mushroom home décor pieces are inspired by her deep connection with nature and her desire to honor the memory of loved ones through creativity. For over a decade, she’s been crafting art with a bit of whimsy and wonder, bringing her unique style to life with organic materials and jewel-toned fabrics. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, with its own personality!
From 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Rainshadow Café at 157 West Cedar Street has live music with Dawn & Steve. Come sing your favorite songs with a full menu and drinks to enjoy. Some dancing is encouraged too.
La Petite Maison Blanche at 213 E Washington St. features artwork, uniquely curated gifts, treats throughout the shop, and culinary goodies to add zest to your life. La Petite Maison Blanche features uniquely curated gifts and festive treats throughout the shop and hear live music with Kate Lily.
Over the Fence, a destination home and garden store, at 118 E. Washington St. is hosting their Christmas Open House during the Art Walk with live music to make spirits bright! They will be serving their popular Finch & Fennel Hot Apple Cider and homemade cookies while they last!
Wind Rose Cellars at 143 W Washington St. enjoy award winning artfully crafted wines and appetizing tidbits.
Soup in the Alley at 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.
Locally created gifts don Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop at 120 W Washington Street has charming farm fresh lavender creations, treats, and inspired vintage décor items.
Pacific Pantry at 229 S Sequim Avenue is open until 7:00 PM and hosts a rotation of local artists.
The River House Bakery & Cafe at 120 W. Bell Street hosts local artists with delicious food and bakery items.
Want to participate as a venue or artist on the Official First Friday Art Walk Sequim Map, Listing, and Website, please contact Renne Emiko Brock at 360-460-3023 or renneemiko@gmail.com If you are an artist of any media, please get your information to Renne for publicity and opportunities. Thank you for your support!
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.
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Thank you very much!