SEQUIM — The First Friday Art Walk will kick off the Sequim Sunshine Festival on Friday with a Jamestown S’Klallam story about why it is always sunny in Sequim.
Tribal member Mackenzie Grinnell will tell the tale at the totem pole on the Civic Center Plaza at 152 W. Cedar St. at 5:10 p.m.
Also at the civic center will be the “Let’s Explore Color” art exhibition hosted by the City of Sequim and the City Arts Advisory Commission. Other activities on the first day of the festival will include the Explore the Interactive Light Experience by Ross A. Brown at the clubhouse at Pioneer Memorial Park, 387 E. Washington St. This will continue on Saturday.
And from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Olympic Theatre Arts Gathering Hall, 414 N. Sequim Ave., a free concert by the Navy Band Northwest Popular Music Group’s five-piece band is planned.
First Friday Art Walk Sequim is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. the first Friday of the month. Visitors are encouraged to take a self-guided tour to various venues near downtown Sequim.
The color theme for March is green, with glowing lights to celebrate Sequim sunshine — even at night, said Renne Emiko Brock, who has organized the art walks since 2006.
“Unearth an evening filled with green apparel and glow-in-the-dark adornment that hints of promising starts, spring sprouting, revitalized good fortune, and motivated anticipation,” she said in a press release. “Green represents new ideas, wellness, youthful pursuits, generous support, nurturing natures, and eternal good spirits.”
Other special events on Friday are:
• Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., which will feature the “Home Is Where The Art Is” exhibit — a partnership between the gallery and Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County, curated by veteran artist Janet Piccola.
During the month of March, artists at gallery will donate proceeds from sales of selected artwork to the Habitat for Humanity mission. Visitors can not only see the artwork but also meet some of the Habitat for Humanity volunteers and employees.
• Sequim Museum & Arts, 544 N. Sequim Ave., will have its quilt collection in the Judith McInnes Tozzer Art Gallery. On the history exhibits, visitors can learn more about local “Boys in the Boat.”
• Rainshadow Café, at 157 W. Cedar St., will offer live music with Dawn & Steve from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Singing and dancing will be encouraged.
• Sequim Spice and Tea, 139 W. Washington St., will have art including glass, pottery, illustration and photography of local artists, as well as tea blends, teapots and cups and culinary gifts.
• Pacific Mist — Books, Cards & Gifts, 122 W. Washington St., will host local artists and authors.
• Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop, at 120 W. Washington St., will feature farm-fresh lavender creations, treats and vintage décor items.
• Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W. Washington St., will provide wines and tidbits.
• Soup in the Alley, 138 W. Washington St., will feature a rotation of local artists, live music and treats.
• Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County’s Sequim Habitat Boutique Store, 154 W. Washington St., will offer live music.
To participate as a venue or artist on the Official First Friday Art Walk Sequim map, listing and website, contact Brock at 360-460-3023 or renne@uniqueasyou.com. Artists of any media are encouraged to get information to her for publicity and opportunities.
Visit SequimArtWalk.com to download and print your own map, find special events, links and how to be part of art.
The Facebook page is at facebook.com/sequim artwalk.