Call for ‘eco art’

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) invites Olympic Peninsula residents to submit artwork inspired by environmental conservation for the “Eco Art in the Library” exhibition that will be displayed in the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

Online applications at nols.org/eco-art will be accepted through Earth Day, Monday, April 22.

Adults, teens and children of all artistic experience levels are encouraged to enter the exhibition, part of the library system’s all-ages Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat.” Creative work in any format and medium will be considered — from nature-inspired finger painting to sculpture, video, poetry, and more. Materials can include found and recycled objects.

The exhibition opens with a reception on Friday, June 21, and remains on view through Saturday, Aug. 24. Selected artists can drop off work June 15 and 17, and may choose to list their artwork for sale; the library does not charge or take a commission.

For more information, visit nols.org/eco-art, call 360-417-8500 or email to art@nols.org.

Art photography demo set at Blue Whole

Jennifer Rose and Sheri Whetsine will offer their insights into how to photograph three-dimensional objects at a free demonstration from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at the Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St.

Photo courtesy of Blue Whole Gallery Learn from artists/amateur photographers Jennifer Rose and Sheri Whetsine in a free workshop about how to photograph three-dimensional objects on April 23 at the Blue Whole Gallery.

Rose and Whetsine, both artists at Blue Whole Gallery and amateur photographers, have been challenged trying to photograph their own art for use on web pages and as entries into art shows. During the demonstration, they will be sharing what they have learned.

Rose is a jewelry artist and uses macro effects in her photography. Whetsine, a glass artist, has to cope with glare and reflection. Both artists insist that the results be true to color.

For more about the gallery, visit bluewholegallery.com.

Dance party slated at The Lodge in Sequim

The Lodge at Sherwood Village hosts a “Spring onto the Dance Floor Dance Party” from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at 660 W. Evergreen Farm Way.

The Buck Ellard Band will be providing the musical entertainment for the afternoon, offering a mix of country hits, classic rock, blues, and original tunes.

“We’re honored to be a part of the ‘Spring onto the Dance Floor Dance Party’,” Ellard said. “We’re ready to get the crowd moving and make it a day to remember!”

Guests will be treated to complimentary refreshments. There is no cover charge for the dance party, and RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. For more information or to RSVP, call The Lodge at Sherwood Village at 360-681-3100.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, enjoy some great music, and celebrate the Spring season,” said Michelle Headrick, manager/marketing director at The Lodge at Sherwood Village.

Ekphrastic poetry reading event on tap

The Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., is hosting an ekphrastic poetry reading event with the Olympic Peninsula Authors (OPA) from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. This event is free and open to the public.

Ekphrastic poems refer to poetry that is inspired by visual art. OPA authors will be reading poems inspired by artwork presently displayed in the Blue Whole Gallery. There are plans to incorporate these poems into a book that will be for sale later in the year.

“Bringing together our local authors and artists with these ekphrastic poems is a powerful way to connect the arts in Sequim,” gallery board president Jolene Sanborn said.

Selected authors will read their pieces, offering attendees a chance to connect with the creators behind the narratives. Attendees are encouraged to explore the gallery before and after the event.

Blue Whole Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, visit bluewholegallery.com.

Flower arrangement lesson at ‘Blooms & Bites’

Sherwood Assisted Living will host “Blooms & Bites,” a Japanese-style flower arranging class, starting at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at 550 West Hendrickson Road.

Led by floral designers Eiko Wine and Sharon Psenak, the class aims to inspire participants to tap into their creativity and appreciate the natural beauty around them. Wine, a graduate of floral and clothing design school in Japan, brings decades of expertise to the table. Having worked together at Simply Flowers floral boutique, Psenak also contributes her passion for floral arranging.

“At Sherwood Assisted Living, we are committed to providing enriching experiences for our residents and the community,” says Janaye Birkland, marketing director at Sherwood Assisted Living. “Blooms & Bites offers a unique opportunity for individuals to learn the art of floral arrangement while enjoying delectable appetizers crafted by our talented chefs.”

During the class, participants will learn to design stunning floral arrangements using both purchased flowers and botanical elements sourced from nature, such as those found in their own yards or on nature walks. Eiko and Sharon will guide attendees in discovering the artistic potential in the natural world around them, empowering them to create beautiful compositions.

Spaces for Blooms & Bites are limited, and interested individuals are encouraged to RSVP by calling 360-683-3348 to secure their tickets in advance.

Tickets are $20 and include fresh flowers for the arrangement, a vase for the floral creation, specially crafted appetizers by Sherwood’s chefs, and refreshing drinks to complement the experience.

Imagined Reality group returns to Sequim’s OTA

Enjoy a night of improv and laughs with Imagined Reality Improv, who returns to the stage at Olympic Theatre Arts (414 N. Sequim Ave.) at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 20. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Since 2016, Imagined Reality Improv has been bringing laughter to audiences throughout Western Washington.

While the members of the group share a love of improv, they come from varied walks of life: a scientist, two lawyers, a classical musician, a professor and a writer, each bringing something unique to the performances and creating one-of-a-kind shows based on suggestions from the audience.

Tickets are $15 and are available at olympictheatrearts.org or by calling the box office (360-683-7236) between 1-4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Poetry reading set in PT

Be among the first to hear a new collection of poems read by Anna Odessa Linzer, and American Book Award-winning novelist and poet, from her new book, “Season Unleashed.”

Linzer will read at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at the Pope Marine Building, 530 Water St., Port Townsend.

The event is free, but registration is required. Register to attend at annalinzer.com/events/season-unleashed-book-launch-party-Friday-4-19/form.

“Linzer’s poems reveal a keen awareness born of the paths and beaches she walks daily, intertwining her life on the Suquamish Port Madison Indian Reservation with her years on Shaw Island, in the rainforest along the Hoh River, and in the isolation of Dabob Bay,” event organizers note. “A cold-water swimmer, Linzer glides through the seasons in the cool blue-green waters she calls home.”

For more about the author, visit annalinzer.com.