First Friday Art Walk takes place Nov. 7

Brown theme color symbolizes warm acceptance, harvest, abundance

The Nov. 7 Sequim Art Walk’s theme color is brown, symbolizing warm acceptance, fall harvest and abundance, the turning of the leaves, and seasonal spicy treats.

“Brown represents solid assemblies, family trees with deep roots and supportive branches, community-minded activities, comforting homesteads, and steadfast alliances,” organizer Renne Emiko Brock wrote in her announcement about this month’s art tour.

First Friday Art Walk Sequim is a fun and free self-guided tour of local art venues in Sequim on the First Friday of every month from 5-8 p.m. Visit online at SequimArtWalk.com as your resource to download and print your own map, find out what special events are happening, links, and how you can be part of art.

Here are some of the special events that are planned:

Pop-Art exhibit

The Sequim Museum & Arts at 544 N. Sequim Ave. in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery features the “Pop-Art” exhibition by Cammry Lapka. Lapka is a comic book artist and illustrator based in Port Angeles. Over the last five years they have published books such as “Black Market Heroine,” which was written by bestseller Russell Nohelty, “Cat Trails” written by Enrique Rosado, Nosferati and George Smith: “Paranormal Investigator of the PNW” which were both written and drawn by Lapka.

They also have a lot of other independent comics published through writers across the globe. Lapka also enjoys utilizing acrylics, watercolors, alcohol markers and ink for traditional art, drawing inspiration from pop culture, fantasy and anime.

Lapka was the first chair of the Peninsula College Creative Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Network, which is a student-led support and networking club for current and future business owners who attend Peninsula College. It is open to all Peninsula College students interested in expression, collaboration, and opportunities.

Image courtesy Cammry Lapka/
During the First Friday Art Walk, Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave., hosts in its Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery hosts the“Pop-Art” exhibition by Cammry Lapka, a comic book artist and illustrator based in Port Angeles. Pictured is “Mushroom Dragon.”

Image courtesy Cammry Lapka/ During the First Friday Art Walk, Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave., hosts in its Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery hosts the“Pop-Art” exhibition by Cammry Lapka, a comic book artist and illustrator based in Port Angeles. Pictured is “Mushroom Dragon.”

Nature vs. Machine

Blue Whole Gallery at 129 W. Washington St. features Molly Chris White, a painter, and Mike Middlestead, a ceramicist, in the “Nature vs. Machine” exhibit. “Nature vs. Machine” explores the contrasting characteristics and interactions between the natural world and human-made technology. Nature represents organic complexity, adaptability and intricate systems. Machines embody precision, efficiency and the potential for both progress and disruption. Both artists bring to light their interpretations of this theme through the art they are displaying.

White is a former teacher and long-time artist whose focus on nature includes whimsical interpretations of animals. “I love capturing the expressions of animals,” she said. “The theme for this show has been a fun challenge for me. Combining a horse with a steampunk background takes whimsy to a whole new level!”

Middlestead is a retired Coast Guard aircraft mechanic. For this show, he is combining his love of ceramics with the mechanical aspects of his former life.

“I’m very comfortable with machinery and all the parts that make up a piece of equipment,” he said. “For this show my pieces combine nature and metal through clay. I love learning new processes when I am creating my art. I’ve learned a lot making these pieces!”

Image courtesy Molly Chris White/
The Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., features Molly Chris White, a painter (pictures is “Fetch!”), and Mike Middlestead, a ceramicist, in the “Nature vs. Machine” exhibit.

Image courtesy Molly Chris White/ The Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., features Molly Chris White, a painter (pictures is “Fetch!”), and Mike Middlestead, a ceramicist, in the “Nature vs. Machine” exhibit.

Chiaroscuro

The A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery at 520 N. Sequim Ave. continues to host the engaging “Chiaroscuro” exhibit with Sequim artist Suzan Noyes, jewelry maker Dee Shire, and Anne Milligan in the Main Gallery for the show’s final reception.

The exhibit is composed of a collection of works that use strong contrasts to create a sense of volume, depth and dramatic effect, or ‘Chiaroscuro’ – an Italian term which literally means ‘light-dark’. It describes how the artist orchestrates values to model form and evoke mood in their pieces.

Suzan Noyes’ scenic work has been enjoyed on stage at the Olympic Theatre Arts Center in Sequim, but set design isn’t all she has in her repertoire. She’s worked as an advertising colorist and illustrator, as a muralist in several cities, and her artwork has been exhibited in numerous solo shows and juried exhibitions over the past 40 years.

“I so appreciate how this exhibit emphasizes light and dark, with the myriad of painted effects that push landscapes, street scenes and simple florals into dramatic focus,” Noyes said. “It’s been a treat sharing Anne’s gallery space. I’m enjoying exploring the extremes of light and dark in my paintings, and look forward to seeing what has developed along the way as we continue to add new pieces to the show.”

Said Milligan: “I’ve always been intrigued by chiaroscuro works and I’m very excited about this exhibit. The show has received a lot of insightful and heartfelt feedback from our much appreciated visitors and collectors who’ve had a chance to see it. The works that I’ve created for this exhibit have given me the opportunity to delve deeply into the concept, using chiaroscuro techniques to capture an ethereal quality that brings mystery and life to the canvas, and invites the viewer to immerse themselves into the scene. I’m pleased to invite you to come see it.”

New jewelry creations by Shire will also be added this month. A Sequim snowbird and a self-taught artisan, Shire travels the world in search of rare artifacts and says she chooses her pieces based on their uncommon beauty — pieces that she feels will be shared and cherished as uniquely special adornments.

Shires’ works are inspired by nature, anthropology, paleontology and the talents and creations of other artists. Her jewelry has been appreciated throughout the U.S. and Western Europe for the past 25 years.

Image courtesy of Suzan Noyes/
During the First Friday Art Walk, the A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave., hosts its “Chiaroscuro” exhibit with Sequim artist Suzan Noyes (pictured is “Chinese Vase”), jewelry maker Dee Shire, and Anne Milligan in the Main Gallery for the show’s final reception.

Image courtesy of Suzan Noyes/ During the First Friday Art Walk, the A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave., hosts its “Chiaroscuro” exhibit with Sequim artist Suzan Noyes (pictured is “Chinese Vase”), jewelry maker Dee Shire, and Anne Milligan in the Main Gallery for the show’s final reception.

Other offerings

Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures at 121 W. Washington St. features their annual evening Sweets & Treats Holiday Tasting. Attendees can enjoy lots of chocolate and indulge in this year’s flavors in hot cocoa, popcorn, taffy and more. Support local artists, creators, and makers of goodies with a sneak peek of their gift boxes.

Wind Rose Cellars at 143 W. Washington St. has live music from 6-8 p.m. with the vocal jazz of the Jessie Lee Trio while visitors enjoy award winning artfully crafted wines and appetizing tidbits.

The City of Sequim Arts Commission showcases the “Black & White” exhibition exploring the power, elegance, and emotion found in the absence of color in the Karen Kuznek-Reese Gallery at the Sequim Civic Center, 152 West Cedar St. An artists’ reception will take place from 5-7 p.m. with musical entertainment and light refreshments.

With 24 artists, black and white — together with the full range of grays — have long been used to evoke drama, purity, and depth. For this exhibition, artists were invited to interpret this classic palette in any way they desired: abstraction, realism, minimalism, or bold expression.

Works in the exhibition explore duality, balance, tension, or harmony by using black, white, and shades of gray as dominant elements. This show celebrates the timeless contrast of light and shadow, form and texture, simplicity and complexity. Black and white offer a powerful means to explore contrast, emotion, and form.

Warm and Spicy! 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.

Pondicherri at 121 E. Washington St. with artist Kathy Nichols that includes greeting cards and prints among other things. From 4:30-7 p.m. she will be demonstrating how to create your own Christmas tree group or an ornament design. You are also invited to participate for free and create one of your own. Art supplies provided. RSVPs to 360-681-0954 are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome.

For a full listing, visit SequimArtWalk.com.

Sofie’s Flowers at 127 W. Washington St. has their holiday kickoff event, providing growing and lively artful creations from local artists and decorative pieces reflecting the warmth of the holiday season including décor, gifts, and stocking stuffers.

La Petite Maison Blanche at 213 E Washington St. features artwork, uniquely curated gifts, treats throughout the shop, and culinary goodies.

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

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.

Over the Fence at 118 E. Washington St. hosts local artists in their amazing shop. You can explore your own creative force with pop-up art making!

Western Wanderer at 108 W Washington St. hosts live music, decorative, storytelling apparel, and creative conversations.

The River House Bakery & Cafe at 120 W. Bell Street will be serving a limited dinner menu from 5-8 p.m. The café also features local artists.

Pacific Mist Books at 122 West Washington St. shares the love of reading and offers an eclectic mix of new and vintage books, cards, and gifts including local authors and artists.

Pacific Pantry at 229 S. Sequim Ave. is open until 7 p.m. and hosts a rotation of local artists.

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