A&E Briefs — July 30, 2025
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Learn to declutter
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) will host two free “Conquer Clutter” presentations led by professional organizer Darci Lee, founder of Natural Order, LLC. She will offer practical tips and tactics for clearing out clutter, organizing what remains, and being intentional about what you bring into your space in the future.
The first event will take place in person at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in the Raymond Carver Room at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. The second event will be offered virtually at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, on Zoom using the link at NOLS.org.
No registration is needed.
Visit NOLS.org/events for program information. Learn more about the presenter at naturalorderllc.com.
This event is part of the “Level Up at Your Library” Summer Reading Program, running through Aug. 23. Sign up for the all-ages reading challenge, earn a T-shirt, win prizes and participate in fun events.
For more information about the Summer Reading Program, visit NOLS.org/srp, call 360-417-8500 or email discover@nols.org. The Summer Reading Program is generously supported by local Friends of the Library groups.
First Friday Art Walk
Sequim’s First Friday Art Walk will take place at various venues throughout town from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1. For full details, see sequimgazette.com or SequimArtWalk.com.
Plein air exhibit, demo
Dandelion Botanical, 4681 Dungeness Way, will host a plein air exhibit and demonstration by contributing artists from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, coinciding with the Sequim First Friday Art Walk, which takes place from 5-8 p.m.
“En plein air” is a French term for painting out of doors. The plein air painter faces many challenges not encountered by artists working in the studio. Aside from cold, heat and insects, time is a challenge. Clouds don’t hold still. As a painting session lasts no more than two hours due to changing light and shade patterns, speed and spontaneity are required. Despite the inconveniences, there is an exhilaration of painting in the splendor of nature as artists interact with the sounds of bird song, the wind in the trees and perhaps water rushing over rocks.
In addition to offering a wide selection of herbs and books, Dandelion Botanical has a changing art exhibit every month. The Plein Air exhibit will hang during the month of August.
Join local artists Alice Crapo, Marian Morris, Andrea Woods, Hattie Kauffman, Katie Carlson and Kristine Henshaw for an evening of art and food. Accomplished acoustic guitarist and vocalist Gerry Sherman will provide music.
Learn to make a graphic novel
“Turn Your Story into a Graphic Novel” will be the subject of two free workshops with award-winning author and illustrator Kristin Varner offered by the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) on Saturday, Aug. 2. The workshops are open to aspiring artists and writers of all ages.
The morning session begins at 10:30 a.m. in the gym at Olympic Peninsula Academy, 400 N. Second Ave. in Sequim. The afternoon session starts at 3 p.m. in the Raymond Carver Room at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
During each hour-long workshop, Varner will guide participants through drawing original characters and creating mini four-panel comics. She will also share the creative process behind her middle grade graphic novels and describe how her childhood experiences have inspired her stories.
Varner is an award-winning author, illustrator and graphic novelist based in the Pacific Northwest. Her two middle grade novels, “Horse Trouble” (2021) and “Dog Trouble” (2024), are both recipients of the American Library Association’s “Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List” awards.
Visit kristinvarner.com to learn more about her work, and visit NOLS.org/events for more information about this and other free library events.
Writers Read event
Take a literary journey with Olympic Peninsula Authors during the next Writers Read event, which will take place from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St.
This month’s vacation theme invites writers to share stories, poems, and reflections that span the highs and lows of time away.
Expect tales of dream getaways, comic disasters, and quiet moments close to home, all in a relaxed and creative setting. Come hear how local authors interpret the art of vacationing — whether across the globe or in their own backyard.
This Writers Read event is free and the public is always welcome. Blue Whole Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit bluewholegallery.com or stop by the gallery.
Garden tour
Take a relaxing walk with Master Gardener Dave Eberle at Woodcock Demonstration Garden, 2711 Woodcock Road, during the August “walk about” event scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7.
Meet in the covered pavilion where you will be given a walking tour guide and the Clallam County Master Gardeners’ 2025 event schedule.
The focus of the walk about will be on vegetable growing and water conservation. The vegetable beds at the demonstration garden have expanded to include new varieties that should do well in this environment.
The orchard has also expanded to include more fruiting trees and is buzzing with pollinators on the white and pink flowers. The new wildflower garden has something different in bloom each month.
The pollinator and cottage gardens are full of color.
After the tour, attendees will be free to stroll around the gardens and speak with the Master Gardeners who are working to keep the site beautiful for the community’s enjoyment or relax with a picnic lunch at one of the picnic tables.
The Woodcock Demonstration Garden is a 2.74-acre site that has been in operation for more than 38 years. It is open to the public for educational purposes.
Ice cream fundraiser
The Sequim Prairie Grange, 290 Macleay Road, will host its final Ice Cream Social fundraiser of the summer on Sunday, Aug. 10 from 1-3 p.m.
Sundaes and banana splits complete with a selection of toppings can be purchased for $7.
Second Saturday Garden Walk
Walk along with Clallam County Master Gardeners and learn how best to maximize tomato harvests, protect plants from the Pacific Northwest’s fluctuating weather and how to continue late plantings for overwintering crops during the Second Saturday Garden Walk on Aug. 9.
The event will take place at the Fifth Street Community Garden, 328 E. Fifth Street in Port Angeles. Parking is available at City Hall, across from the garden.
Free and open to the public, the Second Saturday walks occur rain or shine from 10-11:30 a.m. and will continue through Sept. 13.
For more information, call Washington State University Extension at 360-565-2679 or 360-575-2678 or visit https://extension.wsu.edu/clallam/mg.
