We envision a community rich in the arts
where creative culture is a local legacy
fostering generations of artists and makers
preserving a vibrant quality of life for all
We are Northwind Art
PHOTO CREDIT: Kerry Tremain, Marsh Wren, Fir Island
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 nonprofit 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.
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 in the Creative District’s downtown area, and Northwind Art School in the Creative Corridor at Fort Worden State Park.
- Creative District
- Northwind Art School
- Jeanette Best Gallery
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Northwind Art's Jeanette Best Gallery and school campus are within the designated Port Townsend Creative District.
Northwind Art School
Makers Square, Building 306 Fort Worden State Park
NORTHWIND ART SCHOOL nurtures artists of every age and at every stage – offering the best in experiential learning—both online and in-person. Professional artists, local and visiting, teach a range of techniques and processes with a robust course catalog that includes mixed media, drawing, painting, printmaking, textile arts, seasonal youth camps and so much more.
Jeanette Best Gallery
701 Water Street, Downtown Port Townsend
JEANETTE BEST GALLERY memorializes a well-loved local artist and arts organizer and is located on the main thoroughfare in downtown Port Townsend. It features two large, light-filled and highly trafficked exhibit spaces that host juried exhibitions and promote, support and advance artists at all stages of their career.
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
From teaching to exhibiting to professional development, our focus is to inspire and elevate each artist. Guiding this range of connected and individual journeys is no small feat. We could not do what we do without a passionate and committed team of directors, staff, teachers and volunteers.
Board of Directors
Dr. Linda Rosenbury, President
Lorraine Vagner, Vice President
Lynn Marlow, Treasurer
Robin Purcell, Secretary
Mack Pearl
Melody Sky Weaver
Staff
Martha Worthley,
Executive Director
360-301-1494
Diane Urbani,
Communications Manager
communications@northwindart.org
Kate Lovejoy,
Education Director
education@northwindart.org
Mary Black, Development Manager and Finance Administrator development@northwindart.org
Sandra Petranek,
Gallery Sales Associate
sales@northwindart.org
Leila Block, Education and Gallery Assistant admin@northwindart.org
Kristen Gerrish, Gallery Administrator registrar@northwindart.org
Kerry Tremain, Design Director
kerry.tremain@gmail.com
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.
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OUR DONORS
Make it possible
The generosity of our donors manifests a thriving arts community, making it possible for people 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 collaboration with our sponsors, including:
The Law Offices of Steve Dowdell
The Port Townsend Leader
We're grateful also for our community partners, including Jefferson Healthcare, the City of Port Townsend and the Port Ludlow Art League.
BUSINESS PARTNERS
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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WE ALSO THANK OUR FORT WORDEN CAMPUS PARTNERS
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Learn
Discover our catalog of classes, workshops and lectures for adults and youth.
See
Get delighted and inspired at our two galleries with rotating exhibits and retail shop.
Grow
Deepen your connection and get member perks by joining the Northwind Art family.