First Friday Art Walk to dazzle with color spectrum

The color theme for the June 2023 First Friday Art Walk is white and the whole visible spectrum. White represents inclusive acceptance, hope, open minds, pure and thoughtful actions, friendly impressions, and blank canvases that are receptive to any positive vision. It is a chance to dress in white and rainbow colors, be magical, shiny, and show off every color of the visible spectrum — and bright tie-dyes are perfect!

First Friday Art Walk Sequim is a fun, free, self-guided tour of local art venues in Sequim from 5-8 p.m. the first Friday of every month. Visit SequimArtWalk.com to download and print a map, find special events and links, and learn how to be part of art.

Initiated in 2006, the Art Walk is an encouraging and educational arts event sponsored and produced by Renne Emiko Brock with a mission to create approachable, accessible art and cultural venues that encourage the community to connect and celebrate expression and diversity.

Special events

A new venue for the First Friday Art Walk is the A. Milligan Art Studio and Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave. Enjoy refreshments and light treats at the “Opening Preview” with artist Anne Milligan in her working studio and soon-to-be-open art gallery. Her digital and pastel paintings will be on exhibit and for sale in this historic, 123-year-old bungalow.

“There are many similarities between pastel and digital painting,” Milligan says. “Each has it’s own challenges and appeal, but there is nothing like the feeling of holding that pastel stick of pure pigment in your hand and being totally immersed in the mess of the process.”

Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N Sequim Avenue will have “A Photographic Journey,” the Olympic Peaks Camera Club’s exhibition in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery. The club’s mission is to connect, educate, and support photographers from beginner to professional all across the North Olympic Peninsula, including Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend and surrounding areas. They provide multiple activities each month for members to learn and practice photographic skills. The exhibition of 12 artists runs through June 24.

Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures, 121 W. Washington St., features artist Jean Wyatt of J Wyatt Art, with her colorful works in acrylic, pencil and various media. “I like to create art that makes me smile and happy when I look at it. My art is meant to be fun … often a little off-beat,” she said.

Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop, 120 W. Washington St., hosts glass artist Susan Zarit. Originally beginning her career as a French and history teacher, Zarit transitioned into advocacy for nonprofits. Her passion, however, has always been in glass art and helping others. She makes custom stained and fused glass art; proceeds from each sale benefit local charities.

Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., offers the “Picture This #26” exhibit. A co-op gallery with about 30 members, the gallery was born 26 years ago. Founders used the name Blue Whole Gallery to highlight the gallery’s inclusion of diverse art forms. It began with just 14 artists and by the end of the first year, there were more than 40.

Pacific Mist – Books, Cards & Gifts, 122 W. Washington St., hosts a “Jump Into Summer Reading” sale with a variety of used children’s and young adult books.

From 5:30-7:30 p.m., the Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Sequim Habitat Boutique Store, 213 E. Washington St., has fabulous live music with OG.

From 6-8 p.m., Rainshadow Café at 157 W. 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.

Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W. Washington St., offers award-winning, artfully crafted wines and appetizing tidbits.

Soup in the Alley, 138 W. Washington St., features a rotation of local artists, live music and treats.

The City of Sequim and the City Arts Advisory Commission is hosting the “Digital Origins; Artistic Expression Through Technology” art exhibition at the Sequim Civic Center, 152 W. Cedar St. Discover the Sequim Irrigation Festival Community Art Project on display, where the 128th festival logo has been colorized by community members.

Olympic Theatre Arts at 414 N Sequim Avenue has the play “The Nerd” at 7 p.m.; ticket information is at olympictheatrearts.org. (See story in this edition).

For more

To participate as a venue or artist on the Official First Friday Art Walk Sequim map, listing and website, contact Brock at 360-460-3023 or renne@uniqueasyou.com. Artists of any media are encouraged to get information to her for publicity and opportunities.

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.

Join the Art Walk Facebook page at facebook.com/sequimartwalk.

First Friday Art Walk Sequim

When: 5-8 p.m. June 2

Location: Various venues near downtown Sequim

On the web: SequimArtWalk.com

Photo courtesy of First Friday Art Walk / See what community members have created with the Sequim Irrigation Festival Community Art Project at the City of Sequim and the City Arts Advisory Commission’s “Digital Origins; Artistic Expression Through Technology” art exhibition, held at the Sequim Vicic Center during the First Friday Art Walk on June 2.

Artwork courtesy of Jean Wyatt / “Mindy in Flowers by Jean Wyatt, a featured artist at Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures during the First Friday Art Walk on June 2.

Photos courtesy of Olympic Peaks Camera Club / Check out the Olympic Peaks Camera Club’s “A Photographic Journey” exhibit at Sequim Museum & Arts during the First Friday Art Walk on June 2.