Blue is the color for First Friday Art Walk
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, September 3, 2025
September’s First Friday Art Walk takes place from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 at various venues around Sequim. Every month has a theme color, and September’s theme color is blue.
For full details about the September Art Walk, visit sequimartwalk.com or sequimgazette.com. Here is an abbreviated version of some of the events planned:
Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., features “Nature Nurtures” with Marilyn Hiestand and Shayna Robnett. Both artists find their work informed by nature. Marilyn is a lifelong artist with expertise in many mediums. Shayna found her way to art through oil painting during the pandemic. Marilyn finds the natural environment healing, whether she is sitting on the ground in a fairy ring or observing the cycle of life springing up from a nurse log. “I find extreme peacefulness in those settings,” states Hiestand. “In troubled times, it gives me hope. That’s why I paint so much from nature.” Shayna describes painting as a form of meditation where her mind can go completely blank and she experiences the deep sense of calm. “Nature vs. nurture leads me to question if I control the paint brush or does the inspiration of my environment allow the brush to flow across the canvas?” says Robnett. “Painting has become an important piece of my soul that I didn’t know existed before now.”
The City of Sequim Arts Commission hosts the “Northwest Elements” art exhibit opening and artist reception from 5-7 p.m. at the Sequim Civic Center, 152 W. Cedar Street. This juried exhibition celebrates the raw beauty, cultural richness, and elemental forces that define the Pacific Northwest.
Inspired by the region’s iconic landscapes — towering evergreens, misty coastlines, mountain peaks, and rain-washed skies — the exhibition honors the natural and cultural elements that shape life in the Northwest. From the serenity of moss-draped forests to the power of Pacific surf and the quiet resilience of community, “Northwest Elements” reflects the deep and enduring connections between people and place.
The Sequim Museum & Arts at 544 N. Sequim Ave. features Peninsula Art Quilters’ “Challenging our Creativity,” a show of art quilts and fiber arts. Peninsula Art Quilters (a sub-group of the larger Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Club) are adventurous quilters who take joy in creating original quilt and fiber art designs and continually expanding their repertoire of quilting techniques. They combine artistic skills and mixed media with quilting.
The group meets monthly to learn from each other, and they stretch their creativity with group and personal challenge topics. Members rose to the challenge with topics including “Inspired by Birds,” “Trees on the Discovery Trail,” and “Circles.”
The Rain Shadow Artisans are going to be in Whimsey Park at 130 E. Washington St. next to Jose’s Salsa House. Their nonprofit organization’s mission is to support, encourage and inspire artisans to practice and share with the community through group events.
Peninsula College Community Education Department will be also at Whimsey Park featuring a performance from belly dance students.
La Petite Maison Blanche, 213 E. Washington St., features artwork, uniquely curated gifts, treats throughout the shop, and culinary goodies to add zest to your life. Explore the support of local artists and performers, such as Katy Lily.
The A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery at 520 N. Sequim Ave. hosts the opening reception of the new exhibit Chiaroscuro, as Sequim artist Suzan Noyes joins artist and gallery owner Anne Milligan in the Main Gallery. Chiaroscuro, an Italian term that means ‘light-dark,’ is a technique using strong contrasts to create a sense of volume, depth, and dramatic effect. It describes how the artist manipulates values to model form and evoke mood in their paintings.
Anne has had her fingers immersed in art and design since she could wield a crayon. She studied fashion design in New York City, and designed costumes for avante garde off-off Broadway productions. She’s etched portraits into granite with diamond scribes; created plans for highly functional cabinetry as an interior designer; painted commissioned portraits on her laptop while traveling; and now works as a pastelist in her Sequim studio. An award-winning artist and Signature Member of the Northwest Pastel Society, her paintings have been juried into regional and international exhibitions, and hang in private collections across the country and in Europe. Anne says, “I’ve always been intrigued by chiaroscuro works. I’m at home using the technique and incorporating it, to some extent, in most of what I paint. I imagine that’s because I was taught traditionally, using charcoal before color; and from working for so many years on deep black granite. I’m thrilled to be painting in this familiar dramatic style for this exhibit. It captures that ethereal quality of bringing mystery and life to the canvas so well, and invites the viewer to come in for a closer look.”
Quite a few have enjoyed Suzan’s scenic works onstage at the Olympic Theatre Arts Center in Sequim, but that’s only a small sample of her artistic abilities. Suzan has worked in advertising as a colorist and illustrator; and as a muralist with her works adorning many walls in various cities. 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 that lend drama to simple views. Recently I’ve found early traditional methods of Still Life and studio vignettes alluring. My work for this exhibit has been an intriguing experiment for me. I’ve retained my love of color and use of intense lights and darks in these pieces; but I’ve used a different approach, creating smaller paintings, in a different manner than usual, and incorporating the frame as an integral part of the works and artistic process.”
The Juan de Fuca Harmony chorus will be represented by the quartet “No Batteries Required” throughout the Sequim Art Walk venues.
Sofie’s Flowers at 127 W. Washington St. welcomes featured artist Jessika Kearns from 5-7:30 p.m. Kearns has been making art her entire life, studying sculpture and eventually graduating with a degree in Art History. After a hiatus, she returned to her creative practice during early motherhood — finding inspiration in using leftover paint from her child’s sensory play. Her work spans oil paintings, watercolor, and pen & ink drawings, and has been described as introspective and impressionistic.
Through her art, Kearns invites viewers to slow down in a busy world and connect with what matters most — nature, story, and the feeling of being interconnected. Her pieces are less about exact representation and more about capturing how a moment feels, like a memory or daydream that you can step into and make your own.
Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures at 121 W. Washington St. features local artists and inspired gifts by our state and the Olympic Peninsula.
Sequim Spice and Tea at 139 W Washington St. has unique art including glass, pottery, illustration, and photography of local artists. You can also find artful, creative tea blends, colorful and fun teapots and cups, and cheerful culinary gifts.
From 6-8 p.m., Rainshadow Café at 157 West Cedar St. has live music with Dawn & Steve. Come sing your favorite songs with a full menu and drinks to enjoy. Some dancing is encouraged too.
Pacific Mist Books at 122 West Washington Street shares the love of reading and offers an eclectic mix of new and vintage books, cards, and gifts including local authors and artists.
Over the Fence at 118 E. Washington St. hosts local artists.
Alder Wood Bistro at 139 W Alder St. has artisan wood-fired local, seasonal, organic food in the heart of Sequim. While you dine, check out their walls filled with unique art by local artists.
Soup in the Alley at 138 W. Washington St. features a rotation of local artists, live music, and treats.
Locally created gifts can be found at Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop at 120 W. Washington St. They have farm fresh lavender creations, treats, and inspired vintage décor items.
The River House Bakery & Cafe at 120 W. Bell St. hosts local artists with delicious food and bakery items.
Pacific Pantry at 229 S. Sequim Ave. is open until 7 p.m. and hosts a rotation of local artists.
Western Wanderer at 108 W. Washington St. hosts live music, decorative, storytelling apparel, and creative conversations.
