A Taste of the Peninsula

What: Evening of food, wine, inspiration and the opportunity to support the work of Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County.

When: 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 16

Where: Sunland Golf & Country Club, 109 Hilltop Drive

Cost: Tickets $100

More info: Call 681-6780 or see www.habitatclallam.org.

Artists throughout the county have painted 33 doors, each conveying their own interpretation of 25 in honor of Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s 25 years in existence.

“Some of the paintings have pretty touching stories behind them,” Colleen Robinson, Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County community outreach director, said. “It’s amazing how the theme of 25 was worked into each.”

Robinson became inspired to organize the “Artistic Door Project” after noticing a couple of painted doors on display while attending the Habitat for Humanity annual U.S. conference, she said.

The project invites individual or groups of local artists to paint a door — turning something ordinary into a unique, creative work of art. The painted doors will then be auctioned off in support of Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County at the annual event, “A Taste of the Peninsula,” on Saturday, April 16.

To turn the Artistic Door Project into a reality, Robinson has worked with a committee since late last year, noting the project has been a true “group effort” from the volunteer committee members and donated talent and time of the artists to the donated doors from the Habitat Store.

“The whole process has been really fun and exciting,” she said.

Natalie Andrzejeski painted one of 12 doors done by Sequim artists. As a member of the City of Sequim Arts Advisory Commission, she was nominated by the commission to participate in the project.

Andrzejeski describes her painting “Pathway to Dreamland” as a way to convey the importance of art, music and dance in education and endless possibilities, whereas artist Renne Emiko Brock-Richmond painted “Love Interlace” which is about inclusion in a community, she said.

“Being part of a family or a neighborhood empowers people and improves us all as a whole when people belong and have a home,” she said.

Brock-Richmond reflects the inspiration of her door through a series of knotted roses.

Like Brock-Richmond’s and Andrzejeski’s paintings, behind each of the 33 doors there’s a different meaning, Robinson said.

A sneak peek of the painted doors done by Sequim artists will be on display during the First Friday Art Walk on March 4 in the City of Sequim Civic Center. The entire collection by artists in Sequim, Port Angeles and Forks will come together during a reception, open to the public from 4-6 p.m., Friday, April 15, at Sunland Golf & Country Club ballroom, 109 Hilltop Drive, Sequim.

Taste of the Peninsula

The Artistic Door Project is one of two new components of A Taste of the Peninsula. Secondly, Robinson said, a local band the Straight Shots is slated to provide entertainment throughout the evening, which aims to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County, celebrate the affiliate’s parters and engage the community.

For the second year, Habitat officials will gather together under one roof a variety of restaurants and wineries to offer tastes of the area’s artisan cuisine and beverages.

The evening is structured to encourage people to mingle throughout the event, Robinson said, moving from one restaurant or winery to the next, while experiencing a range of distinct flavors.

Last year, the event raised $42,000, but Robinson hopes to double that, she said. All proceeds support the affiliate’s effort to provide affordable housing.

Since it began in 1991, 27 houses have been built through Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County, including 10 in Sequim.

Cyndi Hueth, Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County executive director, has been with the local affiliate since 2014, but was involved with Habitat for Humanity since the early 2000s in California.

Working to serve a smaller population has its pros and cons, Hueth said.

“The collaboration here is important, especially with fewer resources than those often found in larger cities like Seattle,” she said. “It’s not easy to end the need, but it’s easier when you’re working together.”

In response to an identified local need, Hueth and her colleagues have worked to spearhead a Neighborhood Revitalization program to provide preservation, repair and weatherization assistance to low-income homeowners. In Sequim the “focus neighborhood” is between Sequim Avenue and Second Street.

“We’re looking for homeowners to come forward,” Hueth said.

Examples of projects range from fence repair to outside step or ramp repair to exterior painting.

Lex Morgan, a founder of the local Habitat affiliate, is supportive of the Neighborhood Revitalization program.

“I am really pleased it’s growing into what it is,” Morgan said, reflecting on Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s humble beginnings, which got its start as the Dungeness Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Nearly two decades later, Morgan has become involved again by serving on the affiliate’s Advisory Council.

“At the first Advisory Council meeting, I asked if there were any homeowners that are still in their homes that I was a part of,” Morgan said. “I learned there are still several and their mortgages are just about to be paid off.”

“That’s pretty amazing for those families,” he said. “I felt a little continuity with that.”

For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s 25th anniversary celebration and A Taste of the Peninsula, visit www.habitatclallam.org or call 681-6780.

Reach Alana Linderoth at alinderoth@sequimgazette.com.