Twice the fun: July boasts two Sequim Art Walks

This month, there will be two First Friday Art Walks – one on the July 4 (Independence Day) holiday and the other on July 18, the start of Sequim Lavender Weekend.

Several venues will be open on July 4 and July 18 for art receptions and live music.

The color scheme for both art walks is purple, the color of Sequim’s famous lavender blooms.

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 to download and print your own map and find more information.

Events for July 4

Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., presents “Fire and Water” with artists Mary Franchini and Sheri Whetsine. They are both serious artists and passionate about their work, but they also like to play and have fun while creating their pieces, which are both innovative and diverse.

The artists will be on hand for two events during the month, an artist reception on July 4 from 4-7 p.m. and again on July 18 from 5-8 p.m.

Whetsine, a former firefighter and a glass artist, explains her medium as mesmerizing, delicate and strong, predictable and yet full of surprises. Using a kiln to transform glass into art is full of challenges.

“Sometimes I cut and place glass with careful intention; other times, I embrace spontaneity, letting fragments merge in unexpected ways,” she said. She described what emerges as “organized chaos in its most beautiful form.”

Franchini, working in acrylic and mixed media, uses the beauty of Sequim to inspire her creativity.

“I love to simplify landscapes and bring my own colors in and leave out what I don’t want — pushing colors to please me and emphasizing areas that I really like,” she said. She calls her pieces “tempering chaos.”

The A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery at 520 N. Sequim Ave. presents the “Fourth of July Open House Pacific Northwest Impressions Exhibit” with three artists, Len Zeoli, Michelle Lindblom, and Linda Tilley from 5-8 p.m. on July 4. The gallery will be closed on July 18.

As always, while visiting the main gallery, take a peek around the corner into Anne Milligan’s pastel studio for any works that might be in progress and see some of her finished pieces on display in the digital studio.

Sculptor Len Zeoli’s curiosity has shaped his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and artistic expression. While the physical act of making has always resonated with Zeoli, his desire to understand life in a broader context earned him a degree in Theology; and with more questions than answers, it ultimately led him back to science and a Ph.D in Conservation Biology.

For over four decades, wood has been both Zeoli’s medium and companion. He began as a woodworker, crafting furniture, boats, and architectural elements, but gradually his focus shifted to pure form: sculpture. Zeoli said, “My artistic practice explores the fundamental forces that shape life, drawing on the history of materials and the unseen dimensions of existence. My work reflects an ongoing dialogue between the material world and the deeper questions of human consciousness and origins.”

Artist Michelle Lindblom’s acrylic paintings and monotypes take you on an abstract and ethereal journey through her mesmerizing interpretations of the natural world. She holds advanced degrees in the fine arts and taught visual arts at the college level for over 24 years.

Now residing in Sequim from Bend, Oregon, she’s served on community arts committees and as a gallery coordinator and exhibition juror. Her artwork has been exhibited across the United States and in Europe. Lindblom said her approach to making marks is intuitive.

“Once the process begins, it becomes a visual playground of colors, textures, shapes and movement,” she said. “As the work evolves, intuition and formal knowledge guide the exploration, experimentation and discovery. My imagery portrays the continuous dialogues with my psyche, along with my awareness of the nuances of everyday experiences.”

Oil painter Linda Tilley’s representational works are a serene immersion into our endless scenic landscapes. Tilley said she is drawn to paint “en plein air,” inspired by the intensity of color, light, atmosphere and the energies of the world outside. She also uses the time she spends in nature to inform the works she creates when painting inside her studio.

From her home in Port Townsend, she’s traveled regionally and to Europe following her passion for plein air painting, continually learning and honing her skills to capture the experiences that she shares on her canvases. Over the years, this award-winning artist has had her work juried into multiple regional shows and exhibitions; and her paintings are hung in private collections across the United States.

The River House Bakery & Cafe at 120 W. Bell Street will be serving a limited dinner menu from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, July 4 and 5-8 p.m. on July 18. While reservations are encouraged, they are not required. Their dinner menu, along with a fresh sheet that changes weekly, will be available for dine-in or take-out.

The café’s featured Artist is Kelli Ward of KW Photography. Kelli will have on display a variety of local nature and landscape photography pieces.

Western Wanderer at 108 W. Washington St. hosts live music, decorative, storytelling apparel, and creative conversations July 4 and for Sequim Lavender Weekend. NorthStar Music performs and this month includes art pieces from the Sequim High School Art Show for sale.

At Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave., the featured artist in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery is Beverly Majors. Beverly’s Art experience spans over 40 years. As she worked through different mediums, Majors rested upon acrylic and scratch art. There is no one topic that interests more than any other, giving her an ever-changing variety of subject matter.

Events for July 18

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

Alder Wood Bistro at 139 W. Alder St. has artisan wood-fired local, seasonal, organic food in the heart of Sequim and inspiring artwork from community artists.

Over the Fence at 118 E. Washington St. hosts local artists. Explore your own creative force with pop-up art making. Over the Fence will be closed on July 4 and will be open late on July 18.

Wind Rose Cellars at 143 W. Washington St. features live music and award-winning artfully crafted wines and appetizing tidbits.

Sequim Spice and Tea at 139 W. Washington St. has unique art including glass, pottery, illustrations, and photography by local artists. You can also find artful, creative tea blends, colorful and fun teapots and cups, and cheerful culinary gifts.

Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures at 121 W. Washington St. features local and regional gifts and treats from around the area. Check out their unique creations full of Pacific Northwest and Sequim pride.

The featured artisan is Danielle Giroux of Giroux Studios. She specializes in handcrafted soap, body cream and lip balm focusing on sustainable packaging. She is enjoying a spot at the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market meeting community and creating new scents.

La Petite Maison Blanche at 213 E Washington St. features summer uniquely curated gifts and festive treats throughout the shop with inspiring singer Kate Lilly and talented artist Susan Kuznitsky.

The Ramen Shop/Soup in the Alley at 138 W. Washington St. features a rotation of local artists, live music, and dessert.

Pacific Mist Books at 122 West Washington Street 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.