The color theme for the First Friday Art Walk Sequim on Jan. 6 is silver, with hints of black and white, to celebrate the New Year filled with idealistic goals for the future, optimistic hope, and civic reflection.

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 your own map, find special events, links and how to be part of art.

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

Pacific Mist – Books, Cards & Gifts, 122 W. Washington St., hosts Sequim artist and author Mary Beth Beuke of West Coast Sea Glass, who is a creator of fine silver and sea glass jewelry, bulk sea glass, beach gifts, sea glass book, and photography.

A Pacific Northwest native, Mary Beth has grown up along and extensively traveled the North American continent’s west coast and more. She has spent a lifetime along the shore, living, working, studying and recreating on beaches all over the world. Mary Beth founded the West Coast Sea Glass company in 1998. She has studied jewelry design, metal smithing and has been creating wearable art for over forty years.

“The unique beauty of sea glass is that each piece is distinct from the next and has been on a one-of-a-kind journey,” Beuke said. “I believe the piece of sea glass usually dictates the form of jewelry that it will eventually find itself in and I am committed to moving the West Coast Sea Glass line into fresh, artistic directions.”

Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., features “The Joy of Creativity” with Jean Glaser, painter of animal portraits, and mixed media sculptor Deborah Harrison.

Glaser shares, “Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have a BFA from Arizona State in Ceramics and have shown in galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona, in Park City & Salt Lake City, Utah, and now in Sequim, Washington. I worked for over 30 years in the medium of food and restaurants, including my own.

“I began painting full-time in 2009, animals being my main subjects. Now I sculpt with brushes and paints. My favorite mediums are acrylic on paper, mixed media, and collage. While I am painting an animal it feels as though we are having a conversation; as the conversation progresses the animal’s essence emerges.”

Submitted art / “Salish Sea II” by Deborah Harrison, a featured artist at the Blue Whole Gallery in January.

Harrison states, “Ever since I was a child I have been mesmerized by the translucent beauty of stained glass. All grown up now, I still am allured by its magic: the dance of light with glistening textures and rich, bold colors captivates me. I enjoy taking risks and experimenting. Several years ago, I invented a novel approach, with pleasing results: I layer the glass. Not only does this technique give a three-dimensional aspect, but it also adds a rich complexity to my designs.

“My current subject matter reflects my deep love for the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. I especially enjoy using a rippled glass called ‘water-glass.’ When natural light shines through it, the blue hues shimmer, and give the sensation of gazing upon sunlit waters.”

The City of Sequim’s Arts Advisory Commission and participating artists invite the community to the opening reception of the “Let’s Explore Color” art exhibit, set for 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, in the Karen Kuznek-Reese Gallery at the Sequim Civic Center, 152 W. Cedar St.

Submitted art / “Dahlias in the Garden” by Jean Wyatt, a featured artist at the City of Sequim’s “Let’s Explore Color” art exhibit in January.

The exhibit is comprised of 17 pieces of work from local artists “exploring complimentary and contrasting color in beautiful compositions,” organizers note. The exhibit will be on display Jan. 6-March 29. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The city will also host an Open Music Jam Session from 5-7 p.m. on Jan. 6 at the Civic Center. The arts commission invites all to bring their acoustic instruments and/or voice for the informal gathering of people who like to make music. Chairs will be provided.

In January, several First Friday Art Walk venues often take time for family and friends. Please support their reflective time with a return to the First Friday Art Walk in February.

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. Jan. 6

Location: Various venues near downtown Sequim

On the web: SequimArtWalk.com