Works by 70 regional artists come to Blue Whole Gallery

By Sequim Gazette staff • October 29, 2025 1:30 am

Blue Whole Gallery invites the public to attend a reception celebrating the opening of its new exhibit “Ten by Ten” on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 4-7 p.m.

The exhibit is a new concept for the gallery, and was the idea of gallery member Julie Hembree. It features the works of 70 local and regional artists. Each hanging piece of art is 10” by 10” and available for sale. The exhibit will hang in the gallery throughout the month of November.

Work began on the project in January. Artists were invited to submit work in all mediums.

The month of November was chosen since tourism has slowed and there aren’t other major art shows going on that month. That timing also gave the exhibition committee time to get all the operational details worked out.

“We had no idea how many artists would respond to our call,” said Janet Piccola, gallery president, in an announcement about the show. “Initially we hoped to have 36 artists submit one or two pieces. We knew we could fill one wall if we had that level of response. We also figured we could back fill with gallery artists if we didn’t get a strong response.”

The gallery began to advertise the show via social media and local art groups. Gallery members went to Port Townsend, Forks, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge with flyers to advertise in other galleries. Applicants had until Sept. 1 to apply. By mid-July the response was so great that the gallery opened up additional wall space for display. At the time entries closed, over 70 local and regional artists had applied, entering 130 pieces of art.

“When I proposed the idea of a Ten by Ten exhibition, I had no idea it would be this large,” Hembree said in the release. “I’m so excited on all levels. I can’t wait to see the art and meet all of these wonderful artists. I’m sure it’s going to be a fun event for all of us.”

Hembree has been the main contact for the show and has worked on it since January

“We want this to be an annual event for the artist community and the gallery,” Hembree said. “Next year should be easier now that we have all our systems in place. It’s a lot of work to put an exhibition like this together. We are just fortunate to have gallery members willing to dig in and get things done.”

Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 29, Mary Franchini, Shayna Robnett, and Marilyn Hiestead, along with a crew of other gallery members, will begin to hang the show. It will take several days to get everything in place. None of the pieces will be available for purchase until the opening reception.

Blue Whole Gallery is located at 129 W. Washington St.

For more information visit bluewholegallery.com.