PORT TOWNSEND — Once again, Olympic and Kitsap peninsula visual and culinary artists, established and newcomers, have donated functional art to the Northwind Arts Center Annual FUNctional ART FUNdraiser show and sale, set for 5:30 to 7 tonight.

Tickets are $15 per person to the show at the Cotton Building, 607 Water St., and can be purchased at Northwind Arts Center or at the door tonight.

Donating artists will receive free admission.

Functional art is what occupies that space between fine art and the everyday — aesthetic objects that serve utilitarian purposes.

Examples already submitted for this year’s 3rd annual FUNctional ART FUNdraiser include one-of-a-kind jewelry, chairs, children’s furniture, mirrors, bird houses and feeders and shoes.

“The FUNctional ART FUNdraiser is the only time to see and purchase this collection of art, individual pieces of which might be beautiful or whimsical or recycled or collaborative or whatever the artists come up with,” said Northwind Executive Director Michael D’Alessandro.

“This year we collected some items that were offered free to artists for transformation for the show, such as tables, chairs, boxes and other functional items,” according to event planner Patti Barrett.

“This is such a creative show,” said artist Sandy Eherenman. “It’s fun coming up with something that is unusual. Last year I recycled a wooden chair into a planter for succulents. I was pleased that its sale benefited Northwind Arts Center.”

The show’s main theme is gardens and gardening, reflecting the popularity of these themes in the previous FUNctional ART events; however, other items will also be exhibited and offered for sale.

This is the first year that culinary arts pieces will be offered.

“Northwind’s functional art shows have changed me from a mere admirer of art to a bit of a mad-dog creator of functional art,” said contributor and event organizer Polly Lyle.

“I’m always on the lookout for materials and techniques to make collaged and/or bejeweled donations. My mirrors and a cat bed made from a vintage suitcase have been sold for Northwind.

“This year I decoupaged a nearly full-sized mannequin in vegetables, fruits, butterflies and bees as a hat and scarf rack donation. I can’t stop.”

As a direct result of learning how to decorate mirrors for Northwind’s functional art events, Lyle has been commissioned by the Port Townsend Public Library Foundation to create one-of-a-kind mirrors for the Port Townsend Public Library.

In addition to the functional art show and sale, the event will feature music by Port Townsend’s Billy B. Brennan, wine and other refreshments.

Northwind Arts Center is a nonprofit organization at 701 Water St., founded in 2002 by Jeanette Best, Miriam Lansdon and Sylvia White.

Northwind currently offers literary, performance and visual art programs at the arts center and other locations, such as Jefferson Healthcare Hospital and the Port Townsend Public Library.

For more information, contact donate@northwind arts.org or call D’Alessandro at 360-379-1826.