By K Rickey Koehler

North Beach Artists Guild

Mid-April through May at the North Beach Artists Guild will be as busy as we usually are, with even more to share.

We have just begun the Getting Off Auto camera class where the class members found their cameras were even more talented than they thought — and had more options (read decisions) possible.

Now the group will be out trying out their new skills and returning with successes and questions later this month. Next month we will be sharing a class aimed at getting off of auto with cell phones as the tool for capturing our world. Perhaps this can also be approached as “Getting Off Selfie” as we explore the many talents of a cell phone and tablet camera option. After all, these travel with us everywhere and we use them to capture moments and now we can capture them with skill. Again, the classes will include the explaining and then a follow-up after a week of photo taking. We’re looking forward to a lively group that wants to use cell phones effectively and with fun!

When thinking of mid-April, it is important to share the Artist of the Month for both April and May. The Gallery of Ocean Shores will be having their Third Saturday Event on April 21 from noon til 4, with Don West (April’s Artist of the Month) at the Gallery along with live music and refreshment. The Gallery is at 849 Pt Brown Ave NW, and Don’s photos have been the highlight in April. May Artist of the month will be Ken Hunt. His photos will be part of May’s displays at the Gallery and he will be at the Gallery for the Third Saturday Event in May on the 19th. The Gallery is always changing and developing as new artists join the talent on display.

April 18 brings another alcohol ink tile class. Melanie Knight and Sue Tucker are sharing their excitement about this technique and share laughs and surprises. The May Uncork Your Creativity will be on the evening of May 16. More artistic expression to look forward to as we share the fun of creation!!

The Coastal Interpretive Center has put up a new poster from artist Sue Tucker. We managed to get photos for the announcement with Sue’s Jellyfish, even with the non-cooperating weather. Beth Hunkins from the Center is a wonderful supporter, and the posters are now available at both the Interpretive Center and at the Gallery. These are limited-edition works and moments of beach available to support these wonderful community treasures.

The Gallery of Ocean Shores is now displaying art in the Library of Ocean Shores. Library visitors are enjoying art as they check out materials and the children have been delighted with the large pink flamingos photo and thinking about warmth and sunshine! The library expansion project is coming along with first drawings completed and reality becoming evident. Please help this community gem as they expand to match the community needs.

Sandy Early is presenting another series of Clay Workshops. We begin with Clay Day on April 21 from 1-3:30 at the Clay Studio at 849 Pt Brown Ave NW. The Clay Day class is a $5 Give Clay A Try opportunity for all of those who want to join the clay fun. Sandy demonstrates hand-building techniques as she shows that anything is possible. This class has a minimum of five and maximum of 10 students and has been very well received in past months.

This class is followed with a series of five Saturday classes from May 5 through June 9 from 1-3. Again there are maximum and minimum class sizes. The cost is $75 class fee and $25 supply costs (scholarships are available). For these classes include hand building as well as wheel throwing as well as underglazes and slip, combining glazes, textures and firing methods. Lots to cover and lots of creating to do! Come learn about your inner clay-master!!!

We also want to welcome a new artist to the Gallery of Ocean Shores. Don Wells was born in Michigan and raised in California. He moved to Washington in 1980 and is a member of Who’s Who in America. He has worked in Acrylic but trained in oils.

He has developed his own style in pen and ink. Don has been awarded over 20 ribbon awards and has represented Washington State in a New York competition. The Gallery artists welcome Don’s work to their walls, and his cheerfulness to their staffing. Please stop by the Gallery of Ocean Shores to see Don’s work today.

If you are thinking about joining the North Beach Artists Guild or you are already a member, we want to invite you to join us for our Cinco De Mayo brunch celebration on May 5th at our Gallery of Ocean Shores. Come join the fun, games and eating as we welcome and thank our members. RSVP to Melanie Knight at (425) 280-9082.