More than 200 art lovers attended the Blue Whole Gallery’s first Gala Art Auction on Saturday, Oct. 30, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s parish hall.

Twinkling white lights in elegant willow branches decorated the room as attendees enjoyed finger foods while listening to jazz musicians Fish and Nordquist. 

Auctioneer Coffee Miklos kept things lively all evening as patrons bid on original acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewelry. Gallery president Barb Boerigter reported more than $5,000 in art sales from the auctions.

Thirty members of the Blue Whole Gallery donated art for the auction and waived their commissions for the event. All proceeds from the auction support the operation of the Blue Whole Gallery, a favorite in downtown Sequim for the past 13 years.

Special thanks go to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, musicians Chuck Fischer and Keith Nordquist, Pan d’Amore bakery and A Catered Affair for contributing to the success of the evening.

The Blue Whole hosts a reception for November artists of the month Ryoko Toyama and Barb Boerigter from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, at the gallery, 129 W. Washington St., Sequim.