PURPLE, MOUNTAINS AND MAJESTY

Published 2:40 pm Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Eight years ago, the Sequim Lavender Festival poster was a bestseller. That work by North Olympic Peninsula artist Carol Janda inspired the festival committee to commission her to create the 2010 image.

The poster will be sold at the Lavender Festival July 16-18, and its likeness will be on the festival buttons and T-shirts.

Janda began painting in 1970 while living in Glacier Bay, Alaska. She taught in public schools in Maryland, Montana and Alaska while following her husband, who is with the National Park Service.

Several years ago, her husband was transferred to Olympic National Park.

Janda said she particularly enjoys living on the North Olympic Peninsula because it reminds of her of Alaska.

She is a member of Northwest Watercolor Society and Sequim Arts. She teaches watercolor for Peninsula College’s continuing education program, at the Orchards in Port Angeles, and at the

Sequim Senior Activity Center.

Janda’s work — including the Lavender Festival painting – is featured at the Blue Whole Gallery, 120 W. Washington St., in the the Sequim First Friday Artwalk on April 2.