originally posted on sanjuanislander.com 12/12/2008
In these deep dark days [both daylight wise and economically] art is more of a necessity than ever. The color, the texture and the emotional connection brings a ray of light into our worlds.
I have noticed over the years how people visiting my gallery, look upon the gallery experience as a source of nourishment and sustenance for their souls.
With this notion in mind, I recently walked through the galleries in Friday Harbor. My experience was an amazing diversity of context and content exists in this local art community of galleries.
Starting with the Westcott Bay Institute's Island Museum of Art, Spring Street, current show, Etherea, a black and white photography show featuring the island artists, Danielle Dean Palmer, Joan Benny and Grace Seltzer-Kelly. The diversity of the subject matter and the quality of the work is insightful, and a thoughtful view of each photographer's body of work (On display till December 20th).
Next I ventured down Nichols Street to Bison Gallery, where the theme of flight is apparent in the works of the Dale Crawford, carved and sculpted wood eagles worthy of the Audubon Society and the water media of Orcas Island's Frank Loudon, a top Aviator artist, who has been painting for over 50 years, is currently being presented.
Over at the San Juan Gallery, "A" Street, beside the works of owners, BJ and Matt Dollahite, they are presenting the an artist new to them, John Page, whose newest landscape work's explore how texture and color interact on a two-dimensional surface becoming somewhat atmospheric and sometimes abstract.
At Friday Harbor Art Studio, Web Street, this space is dedicated to showing the works of owner/artist, Howie Rosenfeld. Howie has been creating beautifully detailed scrimshaw, drypoint engravings and block prints of traditional sailing vessels and marine life. He encourages custom work.
At Arctic Raven Gallery on 1st Street, the subtle color and rhythms characterize the newest print works of featured artist, Susan Point. Susan is one of the Northwest Coast's most acclaimed artists, including a stunning set of house posts located here at the Port of Friday Harbor.
Up the Spring Street at Island Studios offers something for just about every taste with the works from over 150 artisans. Of special interest are the relief black and white block prints by local artist, Dona Reed. Darleen Nixon's jewelry created using Italian glass and sterling silver are colorful and beautiful!
And my gallery, waterworks gallery, Spring Street and Argyle street, is presenting the newest works by island favorites, Tom Small (stone sculpture) and Jaime Ellsworth (encaustic and oil paintings). New to the gallery, Jennifer Williams, mixed media environmental paintings and Jamie Kirkpatrick, ceramics and new works by gallery artists.
So after this tour, I would encourage you to walk the town and see for yourself what these local galleries are showcasing this month.
Whatever your taste, or budget, you just might find yourself falling in love with a work of art. You can make a difference. Shop local and give ART!
Ruth--Nice work!
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous! I think that there's a lot of good in finding new ways to reach people and form connections with them--this is how you found me, right?!
We were talking about the same thing you wrote about above at the Downtown Chamber Forum, yesterday, and Deborah, with the Visitors Bureau, likes the idea of a "First Thursday" modeled after the Portland version--open galleries and eateries once a month for people to experience art and have fun at the same time. Let's see if we can get something like this going in Friday Harbor!
My best friend is an artist in NYC (check out his terrific work at www.gwynjoy.com) and I've bought work from Joan Benney, before, at a showing in Steps a couple of years ago. I think there's got to be more like me out there, piqued and ready to engage in the local art scene.
Let's keep the art and foodie thing going this year, what do you think?
Sam