‘Art Walk’ a feast for the eyes in Key Center

Barbara Bence settles in on a bench with her daughter, Virginia, left, to listen to music while tak-ing a break at Sunnycrest Nursery during the Key Center Art Walk. Photo by Karen Lovett, KP News

Local artists and art lovers strolled through Key Center enjoying many colorful creations during the first Key Center Art Walk.

The art display was open to all Key Peninsula artists the evening of July 29. The unjuried show, as well as food and drinks, were free to all exhibitors and the public. Artists received 100 percent profit of all sales.

Paintings and weavings were hung in the library, adjoining medical building, Key Center fire station, Blend Wine Shop and outside the Close to Home Espresso stand by the Food Market as well as at Sunnycrest Nursery.

A glittering array of intricate, beaded bracelets and necklaces were for sale at Blend. “It takes from six to 36 hours to make a piece,”Helen Roosa said. “I’ve been doing beads for eight years. I took every class and read every book. I used to teach classes at Gig Harbor Bead Shop. I get most of my beads from bead shows.”

Handwoven baskets and wall hangings were a testament to their creators’ expertise.

Approximately 300 works were on display including ceramic sculpture, pottery, drawing, photography, painting, weaving, beads, glass, baskets and woodcraft.

The reception, including food and wine, were provided by local artists in conjunction with Two Waters Art Alliance and advertisers.

The pleasant weather provided a comfortable atmosphere to sit and partake in refreshments and wander among flowers and shrubs and wide variety of artists’ work on display. Live music was provided by Purdy and the Spits.

Margo MacDonald and Taylor Reed were the two collaborators in charge of putting on the show.

Danny Martin had a live exhibition across the Key Peninsula Highway near the espresso stand. His colorful totem poles filled a table while he demonstrated carving of a new piece.

“I started carving totem poles in 1986 and learned from Raymond Williams,” he said.

The hand-crafted ketch built by Frank Garratt was on display outside the Key Center fire station. It will be auctioned off later in the year, with proceeds going to Mustard Seed.