As we celebrate the Winter Solstice and the return of the sun, December’s First Friday Art Walk color theme is gold — representing rekindled optimism, superb festivities, admiration, prosperity, kindhearted deeds and lifelong fellowships.
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, and find special events, links and how to be part of art.
Enjoy an evening on the town with family, friends and guests supporting the option to dress in shades of gold or glittery interpretations of this festive time of year to celebrate happiness, harmony, and hope. Ugly holiday sweaters are most welcome.
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
While on the Art Walk, play “Elk on a Shelf” — a scavenger hunt for youths aged 15 and under. Get game cards at participating storefronts and bring completed cards to That Takes the Cake, 171 W. Washington St., by 5 p.m. on Jan. 2; winners are announced Jan. 3.
The A. Milligan Art Studio and Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave., hosts the Olympic Peninsula Art Association’s Members Show and Fundraiser. Visitors have a chance to vote for their favorite works of art and the “People’s Choice Awards” will be presented to the winners that night during the reception. A silent auction of various items from area businesses and individual donations will also be held. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the association’s Art Scholarship Program.
La Petite Maison Blanche at 213 E. Washington St. features painter Lynne Fearman, along with uniquely curated gifts and festive treats throughout the shop.
For the Art Walk, visit Sofie’s Florist Pop-Up Christmas store at 463 W. Washington St.
In the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery at the Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave., explore the Olympic Driftwood Sculptors, with works from many of the club’s 45. At the reception, in addition to many completed sculptures, club members will have a demonstration table featuring driftwood sculpture art-in-progress, as well as tools used to coax out the hidden beauty from the raw wood.
From 5-6 p.m. at the City of Sequim Civic Center, 152 W. Cedar St., the Sequim Arts Commission invites the community to celebrate the ninth-annual student holiday ornament display and tree lighting by Mayor Tom Ferrell. All fourth-grade students in the Sequim School District have been invited to create a holiday ornament inspired by the theme, “What Brings You Joy.” Light refreshments and joyous cheer will be aplenty. The City Arts Advisory Commission hosts the “Elemental; Fire, Water, Wood, Earth, Metal, Air” on view in the Karen Kuznek-Reese Gallery.
Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St. has the “Rowed To Gold” exhibition, which features gallery member’s art around all things rowing and water. Members support local high school students’ efforts to bring a screening of “The Boys in the Boat” to Sequim, and their efforts to support homeless students. The gallery too supports their fundraising effort to provide housing for Sequim’s homeless student, and will accept cash and check donations for the Joe Rantz House during December on behalf of Sunrise Rotary and The Interact Club. Proceeds from the sale of selected art will be donated by gallery artists to the Joe Rantz House. The annual Gift Gallery will once again be showcased in the main gallery for the entire month of December.
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.
Locally Known Cowork, 112 W Washington St., features artists Emma Gockerell and Kelli Ward.
Pacific Mist Books, 122 W. 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.
Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures at 121 W. Washington St. features local and regional gifts and treats from around the area. Check out their unique gift boxes and fun gift items with Pacific Northwest and Sequim pride.
Wild Goddess Brews-n-Bites, 145 E. Washington St. Suite D, has small bites, salads, dips and boards. Have a comfy seat and enjoy a wide selection of beverages along with delightful live music.
From 5:30-7:30 p.m., Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Sequim Habitat Boutique Store at 213 E. Washington St. has fabulous live music with The OG.
Sequim Spice and Tea, 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.
Over the Fence, a destination home and garden store at 118 E. Washington St., hosts one of their local makers.
Locally created gifts don Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop at 120 W. Washington St., including farm-fresh lavender creations, treats, and inspired vintage décor items.
At Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W. Washington St., enjoy 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.
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. Dec. 1
Location: Various venues near downtown Sequim
On the web: SequimArtWalk.com
