Art Blast!

Clallam Mosaic artists featured in the Port Angeles Main Library

When: exhibit opens at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 27-July 24

Where: Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 South Peabody St., Port Angeles

Clallam Mosaic artists are excited to display their artwork alongside artists Tim Roos and Bonnie Clark at the Port Angeles Main Library starting April 27.

More than 20 artists from Clallam Mosaic will showcase their work at the library’s quarterly Art Blast! event with an artist reception starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and live music provided by a Seattle-based septet En Canto at 7 p.m.

Clallam Mosaic is a nonprofit organization that has provided clients with developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers a variety of programs for life-long education, leisure and recreation for 20 years.

One of the programs it offers to its clients are art classs exploring a range of mediums, from collaborative woven textile baskets and paper mache sculptures to abstract watercolor paintings and unique mixed media self-portraits. Two art classes are offered in Port Angeles and one in Sequim. The artwork created by Clallam Mosaic artists will remain on exhibit through July 24.

Clallam Mosaic Executive Director Priya Jayadev said this art show is a way to increase public awareness of the talents of people with developmental disabilities.

“This (art show) showcases their ability,” Jayadev said.

One of her wishes is to have a traveling show in the future at local businesses “to expand awareness of ability beyond disability.”

Greta Hanson, a co-art instructor for Clallam Mosaic art classes in Port Angeles, said all of the artists at Clallam Mosaic are passionate about their work. “The artists at Clallam Mosaic are very enthusiastic,” Hanson said. “They are very dedicated and hard working at what they do.”

She said this art show is a great way for many of the artists to get recognition for their work. Each artist has one piece that will be featured in the show.

“I think the public will really enjoy this art because it gives a flavor for the developmentally disabled community,” Hanson said. “I don’t know if they often get recognized as artists but they definitely are.”

Two Sequim-based Clallam Mosaic artists whose work will be featured in the show include Joy Morrill and Michael Rief.

Hanson said each of these artists has their own individual style.

Morrill said she enjoys working with rainbow colors and is excited to share her artwork with other people.

“Joy really does have her own style and it comes out in each piece of art she makes,” Hanson said. “She uses a lot of color and detail and she takes a lot of time on each one.”

Hanson said Michael also has his own style and he is very patriotic.

“I love being able to create art while being with my friends and finding our artistic talent!” Rief said. “My favorite project so far has been the self portraits.”

“I’m very excited about being in the art show as we all put a lot of hard work into,” he said.

The Port Angeles Main Library is open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.

To learn more about Clallam Mosaic, visit http://www.clallammosaic.org/.

Michael Rief’s artwork will be on display at the Port Angeles Main Library starting April 27. “I’m very excited about being in the art show as we all put a lot of hard work into,” he said. Submitted photo