PORT TOWNSEND — The feeling of life in the Pacific Northwest comes through — in a variety of ways — in the 40 works of art chosen for “Northwest Expressions,” the next show at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery.
The exhibition opens Friday at the gallery at 701 Water St. in downtown Port Townsend, and it presents art by makers from across Oregon and Washington, Northwind spokesperson Diane Urbani said.
The venue, which also houses the Artists Showcase exhibition in the large room adjacent to the streetside gallery, is open from noon to 5 p.m. daily.
“Northwest Expressions’” jurors Richard Jesse Watson and Jesse Joshua Watson, well-known artists who are father and son, selected the artworks from more than 600 submissions.
“That was a lot of art. But it was a terrific experience to see such a range of creativity,” Richard said, adding, “we each separately viewed, examined and pondered every piece several times. Dozens and dozens of times. Eventually we compared notes and observed which ones stood out to both of us. We also looked closely at the pieces where we had different takes on the art and discussed insights we might not have thought of.”
Soon after the show is fully installed in the gallery, the Watsons will name the jurors’ choice and merit awards, which total $1,400 in cash prizes for the winning artists.
“‘Northwest Expressions’ covers a range of media, styles and moods, and goes from plein air paintings to jewelry to absolutely stunning photography,” Urbani said.
“Passing by the Pool,” a photograph by Christina Heliker of Sequim, captures a shimmering reflection in green water. “Mountains Revealed,” Scott Pascoe of Port Townsend’s soft pastel, and “After the Storm,” a watercolor by David Van Galen of Seattle, show off quintessentially Northwest skies.
“Ferry Booth” by Aubrey Benasa of Seattle is an oil painting of a classic scene, while “Direct Line to Nature” by Joshua Phelps of Edmonds is a comical photo of a phone booth.
Artists from 17 cities are represented in “Northwest Expressions.” They include Port Angeles, Bremerton, Port Hadlock and Tahuya as well as Oregon City, Ore., and Portland, Ore.
It was a privilege to dive “deep into art and into the minds and hearts of these artists,” Richard said.
The show will stay on view through Sept. 29. More information about Northwind’s exhibitions and art classes can be found at https://northwindart.org.
“Ferry Booth,” an oil painting by Aubrey Benasa of Seattle, appears in Northwind Art’s new “Northwest Expressions” show at Jeanette Best Gallery.
“Passing by the Pool,” a photograph by Christina Heliker of Sequim, is among the 40 works in Northwind Art’s new “Northwest Expressions” show at Jeanette Best Gallery. (Christina Heliker)
