Pink theme, BirdQuest mark First Friday’ April Art Walk

The color theme for the First Friday Art Walk Sequim on April 5 is pink — as spring flaunts hope and high spirits with the return of bright flowers and fluttering feathered friends.

Participants will find works of art and folks supporting the option to dress in all spring shades of pink from strong burgundy to soft blush for the evening out on the town — and some pink flamingos, too.

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 own 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 Brock with a mission to create approachable, accessible art and cultural venues that encourage the community to connect and celebrate expression and diversity.

Artwork courtesy of Annette Clem Art by Annette Clem, one of the North Olympic Watercolorists (NOW) artists featured at the River House Bakery & Café in April.

It’s time for BirdFest-BirdQuest! This contest runs through April and is sponsored by Sequim-Dungeness Chamber of Commerce merchants group. During the Art Walk, find fine art feathered friends at several locations in a fun free game for everyone that brings together high school students, merchants and the community to support the Olympic Bird Festival and encourage local shopping. Find and match the ceramic bird sculptures created by Sequim High School ceramics students to the business where they are hidden. Game cards available at and can be returned to each of the participating merchants and the Sequim Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center at 1192 E. Washington St. (see olympicbirdfest.org).

In the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery at Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave., visit Phil Tauran’s “Moments of life” collection. Tauran is a French photographer based in Sequim since 2011. “Moments of Life” is a sort of retrospective of his work as an artist in search of creativity and light. This study includes photos spanning a period of about 10 years, including his latest creations.

Artwork courtesy of Mahina Hawley / “Basket Star” by Mahina Hawley, the featured artist at Pacific Pantry during the First Friday Art Walk Sequim in April.

Interested from the beginning by the magic of black and white, Tauran predominantly developed his fascination for landscapes and in particular trees, and also street photography. He explains, “Everything I photograph, I do it in the moment, and these moments are precious to me, because sometimes they are impossible to reproduce. You only have one chance. As a photographer you must be ready: your mind, your soul and of course your eyes must work in harmony. This is the secret, and it is also valid for all artistic creations.”

The A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave., features the artworks of Patricia Warner and Cat Stanfield. Warner is an engineer by trade and an artist by heart. She is originally from Massachusetts, but now enjoys her home in Sequim. She paints in an expressionist manner and her self-immersed approach to painting involves layering, scraping, using various found tools and her fingers to manipulate her surfaces and materials. Her works are based on real and imagined landscapes and her creations have an organic, familiar feel. Warner says, “I’m influenced by the connections in nature; the way colors, shapes and textures connect and how these all combine to make a connection with my viewer.” Cat Stanfield has been an artist since childhood. She studied fine arts and interior design at the Design Institute of San Diego. Her work as a professional model with Elite Model Agency took her to New York City and Paris, where she was immersed in the beautifully sophisticated world of high fashion and design; all of which influence the appealing modern aesthetic apparent in her current works.Her “SeaRenity” collection is a series of mixed media pieces in an abstract expressionism style. Living close to the water in San Diego and now in the Pacific Northwest, Cat says of her collection, “I have a deep appreciation for the awe-inspiring beauty, vastness and energy of the ocean. Its power seems infinite and eternal.” While visiting the Gallery, have a look around the corner into Anne Milligan’s Pastel Studio to see what’s new on her easel this month. Milligan’s painting style is described as impressionistic-realism and her paintings are a pleasant contrast and compliment to the imaginative abstracts in the Main Gallery. The A. Milligan Art Gallery is across from the High School, between the Olympic Theatre Arts Center and the Sequim Museum and Arts Center. Sequim Museum & Arts has offered the designated parking area on the south side of their building for any overflow parking.

Artwork courtesy of Cat Stanfield / “Rose Water” by Cat Stanfield, a featured artist at the A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery during the First Friday Art Walk Sequim in April.

Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., presents artwork by painter Mary Franchini and bead worker Jennifer Rose. Franchini, whose art is her chosen work, presents pieces this month which highlight color and light. She states, “My pieces can be called many things, but fun, abstract or tempering chaos may describe what I do.” Daily she can be found in her happy place, her studio, creating with acrylics and mixed media. Rose’s medium is bead work and her work is full of color and sparkle. Much of her inspiration comes from nature. Sheshares , “I love incorporating themes from nature into my work.” Bird shapes and feathers are often presented within her work. Each piece is exquisite and unique, displaying a high attention to detail.

Pacific Pantry, 229 S. Sequim Ave., is open until 7 p.m. and features artist Mahina Hawley. She said she became a photographer in 2006 and specializes in high school senior, newborn, family, and individual/business portrait photography, noting, “I love to play with light and details, and my mind is constantly open to trying new and creative things.” Hawley was the featured 2023 Sunshine Festival artist.

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.

The River House Bakery & Cafe, 120 W. Bell St., hosts local artist with delicious food and bakery items. This month, the North Olympic Watercolorists (NOW) presenting artists are Terri Adams, Gayle Brauner, Annette Clem, Connie Drysdale, James Gift, Shannon Goose, Marilyn Hiestand and Sue Rescigna.

Artwork courtesy of Pat Warner / “Skyfall” by Pat Warner, a featured artist at the A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery during the First Friday Art Walk Sequim in April.

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 selection of beverages along with live music.

Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures, 121 W Washington St., will feature artist Pat Reichner of Pacific Northwest Natural Designs. Explore his woodworking and his old-world craftsman style of bird sculptures. Forage features local and regional gifts and treats from around the area. Check out their unique creations full of Pacific Northwest and Sequim pride.

Pacific Mist Books, 122 W. Washington St., hosts Carol Pearson with Lizzie Betz Jewelry, offering handcrafted pieces using semi-precious stones and a whole lot of talent. Pacific Mist Books shares the love of reading and offers an eclectic mix of new and vintage books, cards, and gifts including local authors and artists.

Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W Washington St,. features live music with Mixed Company from 6-8 p.m. An energetic merging of guitar, bass and violin, blend into a wide range of genres, creating styles of folk, jazz, Irish, bluegrass and sweet classics from around the world. Also, enjoy award-winning, artfully crafted wines and appetizing tidbits.

La Petite Maison Blanche, 213 E .Washington St., features uniquely curated gifts and festive treats throughout the shop.

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

Artwork courtesy of Cat Stanfield / “Lucid Dreams” by Cat Stanfield, a featured artist at the A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery during the First Friday Art Walk Sequim in April.

Sequim Spice and Tea, 139 W. Washington St., has unique art including glass, pottery, illustration and photography of local artists. Also find artful, creative tea blends, colorful teapots and cups and cheerful culinary gifts.

Over the Fence, a destination home and garden store at 118 E. Washington St., is hosting one of their local makers.

Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop at 120 W. Washington St. has locally created gifts, farm fresh lavender creations, treats and inspired vintage décor items.

Soup in the Alley at 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. April 5

Location: Various venues near downtown Sequim

On the web: SequimArtWalk.com