Water theme pervades Sequim’s First Friday Art Walk in May

The Sequim Irrigation Festival’s “Where Water is Wealth” motto inspires the First Friday Art Walk Sequim’s aqua color theme this May.

The color aqua expresses responsible, sustainable elements of cool fresh water, abundant salty seas, renewing rain, and bright sunny skies. Art and music inspired by our natural resources, creativity, positive partnerships, and revolutionary ideas are included in the May Art Walk.

Besides wearing the color theme of aqua, attendees of the May 3 First Friday Art Walk are encouraged to consider “the rich history of irrigation in Sequim has given us the gift of sustainable life as we celebrate 129 years in 2024 with ‘Mountains to Shore, Whatever You are Looking For.’” Explore the creative and friendly events for all ages during the the two weeks of the festival (see irrigationfestival.com).

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.

Special events

La Petite Maison Blanche, 213 E Washington St., is celebrating its first anniversary with a party during the Sequim Art Walk. Come by and enjoy Welly’s — real fruit ice-cream from Port Angeles. The shop features uniquely curated gifts and festive treats throughout.

In the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery at the Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave., visit Barb Falk’s exhibition, “The Art of Tranquility. Falk’s mixed media paintings are a delicate balance of warm and cool tones that bring calmness, peacefulness and joy. Her 36 years of mixing painting medium and techniques reveal the contour, color, and composition flexibility and best features each medium has to offer.

The A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery, 520 N. Sequim Ave., features the Peninsula Fiber Artists’ exhibit, “Small Treasures.” Wearable art, hand-felted pieces, art quilts and small sculptures by artists from around the area are among the 44 pieces of textile art that will be on exhibit in the Main Gallery. Also take a look into Anne Milligan’s Pastel Studio for a peek at her works in progress and see her finished pieces on display in the Digital Studio.

Photo courtesy of Lora Amstrong / “Rose Bouquet” by Lora Armstrong, one of 15 Peninsula Fiber Artists with work on display this month at the A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery.

Photo courtesy of Lora Amstrong / “Rose Bouquet” by Lora Armstrong, one of 15 Peninsula Fiber Artists with work on display this month at the A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery.

Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasures, 121 W. Washington St., features an evening with Gianna Andrews, whose art is inspired by her love for the natural world. When she isn’t out exploring nature, she is painting in her studio nestled between the mountains and the sea on the Olympic Peninsula. “By sharing my art and story with the world, I hope to inspire others to reach for their dreams while protecting the planet we call home,” she says.

Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W Washington St., features the “Blossoming Futures: A Garden of Possibilities” exhibition with Molly White and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula fundraising effort. What do kids and art have in common? Both need to be nurtured to grow. With loving guidance, determination and patience, wonderful people and art emerge. White said she is excited to be partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs. “As a retired teacher of young children, I love sharing the windows with The Boys & Girls Clubs,” she said. “Children are our future and I love and have always loved helping them grow into thoughtful, kind, problem solving adults. Art was always a big part of my instruction as well!” Whitestill nurtures everything around her. Her animals, garden and grandson are now her benefactors. Her love of art and her subject matter comes through in the colorful whimsy and spirit seen in her paintings. She is a master in pastels, acrylics or oil. The artists at Blue Whole Gallery will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of selected works to the Boys & Girls Clubs throughout May. The Boys & Girls Clubs provide essential services to children 18 and younger. While in a safe and nurturing environment, the clubs offer various programs during the summer that focus on child development as well as academic enrichment keeping youths on track for the next school year.

Pacific Mist Books, 122 W, Washington St., hosts a book signing with local author Mary Oquendo, an education coach at Pawsitive Educational Training, and author of the sweet book, “A Spirited Life” which will be featured during the Sequim Art Walk. “A Spirited Life” chronicles the life of Spirit, Mary’s indomitable husky, as he navigates early health issues and becomes an instant sensation wherever he goes.

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.

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.

From 6-8 PM, 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.

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.

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

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

Alder Wood Bistro, 139 W Alder St., has artisan wood-fired local, seasonal, organic food in the heart of Sequim.

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

The River House Bakery & Cafe at 120 W. Bell Street hosts local artists with delicious food and bakery items.

Pacific Pantry, 229 S. Sequim Ave., is open until 7 p.m. and features artist Mahina Hawley.

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. May 3

Location: Various venues near downtown Sequim

On the web: SequimArtWalk.com

Photo courtesy of Lora Armstrong
“Rose Bouquet” by Lora Armstrong, one of 15 Peninsula Fiber Artists with work on display this month at the A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery.

Photo courtesy of Lora Armstrong “Rose Bouquet” by Lora Armstrong, one of 15 Peninsula Fiber Artists with work on display this month at the A. Milligan Art Studio & Gallery.