Emerging artists to hit Old Town Silverdale

By RACHEL BRANT

Staff writer

The Old Town Silverdale Art Walk started in 2003 and five years later, it’s still going strong.

The Old Town Silverdale Art Walk is Friday, March 14, throughout Old Town Silverdale. The nine juried artists will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. to answer questions and chat about their creations.

Art Walk Coordinator Denise Mahoney said the art walk always draws a large crowd and she hopes to see even more people this Friday.

“We always have between 300 and 400 people,” Mahoney said. “If it rains we’ll still end up with about 200. We always have a really good turnout.”

Eight businesses will exhibit artwork ranging from brightly colored landscapes to abstract pieces. Mahoney said four of the nine artists are just emerging into the art community and their artwork is impressive. The following Old Town Silverdale businesses will feature the works of nine talented artists:

• Grape Expectations: Tim Johnsrude

• Monica’s Waterfront Bakery: Kristen Alvarado and Evy Halvorsen

• Lisa Stirrett Glass Studio: Jenean Cameron

• Olympic Veterinary Hospital: Rob Ladely

• Linda’s Knit N’ Stitch: Christy Camerer

• Ronaldo & Company: Heidi Giacalone

• The Backdoor Gallery at Two Bits Barbershop: Rebecca Morse

• Jeanette’s Old Town Flowers: Jeff Boggs

Mahoney said this art walk’s crop of artists really “wowed” her.

“We have some very great artists this time, not that we don’t always have great artists, but this time it really struck me,” Mahoney said.

Several independent galleries will feature artwork as well. Silverdale Fine Arts Gallery, Old Town Custom Framing & Gallery and The Backdoor Gallery have featured artists. Kitsap Arts will show student art and The Bead Garden will show their own staff’s artwork. The Port of Silverdale will feature a Borana Woven Vessel Collection.

Several Old Town Silverdale businesses will offer promotions from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday to draw the crowds into their stores. The following businesses will offer a range of discounts and free products during the art walk:

• Jeanette’s Old Town Flowers: free rose

• A Company of Friends: 40 percent off one Easter ornament

• Kitsap Arts: drawing for free classes

• McGregor & Company: drawing for $50 gift certificate

• Tee Dee Company: drawing for $30 gift certificate

• Monica’s Waterfront Bakery: free cookie with food bank donation

Monica’s Waterfront Bakery stops sales for the art walk and offers complementary coffee for people perusing the displayed artwork, said co-owner Monica Downen.

“We do it to be a part of the community and support the local artists,” Downen said. “It’s always fun to see everybody in the community come out and have a good time.”

People who bring a food donation to Monica’s Waterfront Bakery will receive a free cookie. Food donations go to the Central Kitsap Food Bank. The bakery and café also is collecting other items, including toiletries and clothing, to support Pastor Art Speight’s homeless program in Bremerton.

Classic automobiles will be on display in front of McGregor & Company on Lowell Street Friday night. The “Cool Cars Cruise” will showcase numerous classic rides for art walk goers to peruse.

“They have hundreds that participate in this. If it’s a beautiful night you could get 50 or 60,” Mahoney said. “So hopefully it’ll be a beautiful night and we’ll get great participation.”

Mahoney said she’s hoping the beautiful weather will continue to Friday night and draw a crowd to Old Town Silverdale.

“I’m hoping it’ll be nice. So far we’ve had a great, early spring and hopefully it continues,” Mahoney said.

• Anyone interested in showing their artwork at an Old Town Silverdale Art Walk this year may participate in one art walk per calendar year. Mediums accepted include paintings, drawings, mixed media, sculpture, photography and jewelry. The next scheduled art walk is June 13 with submissions due May 5. For more information about submissions and entry fees, visit the Old Town Silverdale Art Walk’s Web site at www.oldtownartwalk.com.

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