The Waterfront Art Gallery moved out of The Landing mall in downtown Port Angeles but art remains very much alive in the building.

The Landings Art Gallery celebrated its soft opening on Friday, Feb. 13.

Despite being a traditionally spooky day, members aren’t superstitious about the gallery’s future. In fact, with freshly painted walls and a new layout, the space looks better than ever, according to gallery manager Sharon Shenar.

"It’s much more of a classic style than before," Shenar said.

"People who have visited the gallery since it changed to the Landings Art Gallery have commented on how beautiful and peaceful it is."

Fifteen artists from the North Olympic Peninsula have work on display at the gallery inluding a fabric artist, potter, painters and jewelry makers.

Sequim artists include Hazelle Lout, Sandra Cutsinger, Randy Radock and Shenar. A photographer from Indianola and a woodworker from Port Townsend will join next month.

Because it’s a private gallery – as opposed to a cooperative – members simply are accepted or turned away without a jury process, based on what they can add to the gallery.

"I would love to have more artists in here," Shenar said.

"Maybe more artists from Sequim … or somebody who does pen and ink, watercolor or bronze sculpture."

A grand opening celebration tentatively is scheduled for April, possibly in coordination with the Second Friday Art Walk.

Visitors are welcome to stop by in the meantime.

"We are here and people are welcome to look and purchase," Shenar said.

Artists of the month will be featured but not until the gallery is at full capacity and officially open, Shenar said.

In addition to other community events, the gallery will participate in the April downtown Easter treasure hunt.

"The goal is to grow and be a wonderful spot for people to

come, see the art and take advantage of the gallery," Shenar said.

"It’s a central place for out-of-town and out-of-country traffic and a real opportunity for artists to show their work in a different atmosphere."

Ashley Miller can be reached at ashleyo@sequimgazette.com.