September 2024

The State of the Art: Northwind Art Gala!

When throwing a party, I like to make sure some key elements are covered. Is there color? A beautiful underlying scheme that provides punctuation and surprise? What's the shape of things? Is there a variety in scale? Something for everyone?

And what is the overall composition?

If the composition is you — the art lovers of our community — then I know it will be a good party.

Come and celebrate the arts in your life. Come and celebrate the way you experience art through Northwind. Join the party and create the pathway to the next year of classes, exhibitions, artist talks, gallery events and art in the community.

The Northwind Art Gala is set for 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Otober 19, at the historic USO Hall at Fort Worden. Its warm wooden floors and paned glass windows, enhanced with soft lighting and flowers, promise to be worthy of a still-life — but it will be full of life as you enter, choose some hors d'oeuvres and a drink. Maybe you'll want to taste our signature gala cocktail dreamed up especially for this occasion!

Before we sit down to dinner, there will be time to talk with other guests and mingle. We thought about all of you who, as art lovers, will add to the décor — we know that an art gala in particular brings out the artist in all of us. To make a memory, try your hand at creating a composition with friends (with your cell phone) at the photo booth backdrop. We hope you'll email your favorite photos to us after the p(arty).

And dinner: In all my travels, I've found nothing to compare to a dinner of Northwest bounty ... the beautiful pink of line-caught, wild Alaska salmon on a plate is a visual feast as well as delicious — expertly prepared by Cape Cleare's cooks, with vegetarian delights on the menu as well.

The artful bakers among us are making delicious sweets of all kinds for you to bid on and share with your table for dessert, including dark chocolate cake, tiramisu, and more.

But mostly, in this place created with art in mind, we want to engage you in a talk about art and its important role as the foundation of the community we want to live in, and to ask for your support.

Yes, there will be an auction and I'll send out the list of items to you before the party. Auction items include a private screening party in the Starlight Room, two Russell Jaqua scultpures, and travel to foreign locations chosen for their beauty. And raise your paddle for general support and funds to provide scholarships!

For tickets — early bird priced through this Tuesday, September 17, only — go to NorthwindArt.org/gala and join the party. The price will rise on September 18, so now is the best time to reserve yours.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Martha Worthley

Northwind Art Executive Director

Every first Saturday of the month, Port Townsend's art galleries stay open until 8 PM for refreshments, conversation and exploration of new art! At our downtown gallery, the doors are open wide and local artists are on hand to talk about their creative processes.  

Art Walk

First Saturdays, 5-8 PM

Jeanette Best Gallery

701 Water Street, Port Townsend

Free to the public

On view October 5:

Elemental, an exhibition featuring the work of painter Jeanne Toal and sculptor Jan Hoy