We envision a community rich in the arts
where creative culture is a local legacy
fostering generations of accomplished artists and makers
preserving a vibrant quality of life for all
We are Northwind Art
Built on a strong foundation of community
Northwind Art was founded in January 2021, when two established art organizations, Port Townsend School of the Arts and Northwind Arts Center, joined together as a way to weather the COVID storm and to support artists during difficult times—we are now known simply as NORTHWIND ART.
Northwind Art is a non-profit organization that puts artists at the heart of all we do. Three main pillars, EDUCATION, EXHIBITS, and ARTIST RESOURCES are the focus of our work and mission.
Our incredible community of donors, partners, and grant organizations make it all possible.
“Port Townsend, Washington is a small town with a big heart for art.”
— Teresa Verraes, Northwind Art Executive Director
THIS PLACE
Rooted in the arts, surrounded by natural beauty
Northwind Art is located in Port Townsend, Washington, a historic seaport on the northeast tip of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, just two hours from Seattle. It is a place that has valued artists and makers for centuries—including wooden boat builders and artisans who continue to thrive today.
This magical spot, and the natural beauty that surrounds it, feeds artists’ souls and creativity. In 2020, the area stretching from the historic downtown and uptown districts to the Fort Worden campus was officially named the Port Townsend Creative District by the Washington State Arts Commission.
You can find Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery and Grover Gallery in the Creative District’s downtown area, and Northwind Art School in Makers Square at Fort Worden State Park.
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Creative District
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Northwind Art School
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Jeanette Best Gallery
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Grover Gallery
The Northwind Art galleries and school campus are found throughout the newly designated Port Townsend Creative District.
Northwind Art School
Makers Square, Building 306 Fort Worden State Park
Jeanette Best Gallery
701 Water Street, Downtown Port Townsend
Grover Gallery
236 Taylor Street, Downtown Port Townsend
Our name is from this place...
Our name, NORTHWIND, is from this place. Where wind meets land and sea. Where motion propels creativity. Where history is brought forward. Where, from the depths of our community, art flourishes.
A story of the S’Klallam, the Nux Sklai Yem, Strong People who have lived for millennia on this land, describes a time when the North Wind blew too hard for days on end. Several animals tried, but it was the clever Wren who finally persuaded him to stop. Since then, the North Wind never blows more than seven days at a time.*
*This traditional story was told by Jamestown S’Klallam ancestors Joe and Lily Johnson and is shared here with permission of the Johnson family.
OUR PEOPLE
The heart of our organization
Board of Directors
Dr. Linda Rosenbury, President
Patricia Webber, Secretary
Lorraine Vagner, Treasurer
Stacey Brotherton
David Engle
Brian Goodman
Tracy Bigelow Grisman
Lynn Marlow
Micah Wallace
Martha Worthley
Staff
Teresa Verraes, Executive Director
Michael Vince Snyder DuBose, Exhibitions Director
Kerry Tremain, Design Director
Diane Urbani, Communications Manager
Tener Wade, Development Manager
Kate Lovejoy, Education Manager
Rachel Jenkins, Office Manager
Ken Hulick, Artist Showcase Gallery Manager
Sandra Petranek, Gallery Sales Associate
Corinne Humphrey, Gallery Sales Associate
Leila Block, Education Assistant
Kristen Gerrish, Education Registrar
Teachers
Our teachers are all artists themselves. Each term, over 30 different teaching artists offer online and in-person workshops, classes and lectures – and their encouragement and inspiration brings out the artist in students of all skill levels and ages.
The diversity of styles and mediums offered by our local and visiting teaching artists keeps our catalogue fresh and varied while supporting fundamentals and creative process exploration.
If you are interested in teaching with us, please let us know.
Volunteers
Volunteers are an essential part of our team. We rely on an active and growing group of volunteers to support projects – from assisting in classrooms to helping at galleries and events. Our volunteers are enthusiastic about our community, art, and arts education.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, please let us know.
OUR DONORS
Make it possible
The generosity of our donors manifests a community rich in the arts and makes it possible for artists of all ages, abilities, and walks of life to enjoy art programs and education scholarships. From small to large contributions, every dollar counts.
Help us continue to transform lives through art.
OUR PARTNERS
Shared vision. Shared community. Moving forward together.
Working together, we ensure that arts and culture remain vibrant for all. Our shared future is even brighter through the collaboration and strength of these partnerships.
FORT WORDEN CAMPUS PARTNERS
Learn
Discover our catalog of classes, workshops and lectures for adults and youth.
See
Grow
Deepen your connection and get member perks by joining the Northwind Art family.