GALLERY HAPPENINGS IN JUNE

In June, Port Townsend’s Northwind Arts Center presents a unique exhibition, “Cross Pollination”, which deals with organic, nature-based imagery in abstract ways. The show’s title takes its cue from the contemporary concern with the environment, and these four distinct views contain references from the smallest parts of nature to the vastness of space. The images explore the mysterious world around us in sizes ranging from small etchings to a large, multi-paneled painting.

Stephen Yates has lived in Port Townsend for over 25 years. His work has received many awards and his paintings hang in many prestigious collections. “I have on-going interest in the idea of forms moving through atmospheres. Over the years I have explored the atmosphere of water, from seas to streams with forms suggesting sticks, fish, shadows and reflections,” writes Yates. Botany is another of Yates’ inspirations. He grows plants, arranges them, and paints them.

Marsha Slomowitz is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and has lived and exhibited on the East and West Coasts. She now resides in Port Townsend, where in 2006, she founded the print-making guild, Corvidae Press, in association with Centrum. Key to her work is an exploration of the natural world and how we choose to explain it – from mathematical, mystical or ethnographic theory to the sciences of cellular structure and botany.

Stacie Chappell, from Monroe, Washington, has had her work described as standing somewhere “between a scientific blueprint and a childlike doodle.” She draws upon life experience as her main influence; a particular time, mood, or memory. Her paintings are quite intuitive and noted for their energy and color. She says of her process that she is “pushing the element of surprise.” Her work does actually seem to buzz.

Melanie Boone has come to the Olympic Peninsula from southern California. Like Yates, she is fascinated by water and her paintings for this exhibition incorporate seaweed, sand, mica, gold and silver leaf and crushed metal powders. “My intention,” she writes, “is to express the beauty, joy, power and movement I feel when I am in or near the water.”

These four accomplished artists share many interests and approaches to art. Their joint effort in hanging this show is sure to provide viewers with some fresh outlooks.

“Cross Pollination” opens at Northwind Arts Center, 2409 Jefferson St., on Friday, June 6. An opening reception takes place on Saturday, June 7 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Gallery hours are noon-5 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

COFFEE TALK

There will be a Coffee Talk with the “Cross Pollination” artists on Friday, June 20 at 7 pm at the Northwind Arts Center.