Artists Celebrate the “Beauty of the Northwest” in Gallery North’s Annual Exhibition

Every year Gallery North invites artists to submit their artwork to the annual Beauty of Northwest Exhibit. This juried invitational exhibit celebrates the splendor of our region. Artists are invited to present their creative interpretations of this theme. The eighth annual Beauty of the Northwest Exhibit opens September 1st at Gallery North at 401 Main Street in downtown Edmonds. This year’s show features 60 works of art by more than 40 Northwest artists.

“It is exciting to see the vibrant portrayal of our beautiful Northwest environment through the eyes of so many different artists. They each have a story to tell!” – Lauriel Sandstrom, Beauty of the Northwest Exhibit Chair

With so many talented artists applying to the Beauty of the Northwest show, Karen Bakke was thrilled to be selected as the 2017 poster artist. Digital Canvas Northwest donated the prize for the poster contest once again this year. The painting featured on the poster, titled “Ladder Creek”, is a beautiful interpretation of one of the many forest streams that abound throughout the Northwest. As Karen Bakke explains, “Ladder Creek Falls is on the North Cascades highway in Newhalem, not far from my home in Sedro-Woolley. It’s a beautiful shady area with gorgeous dappled light streaming through the trees. This was painted en Plein Air, with the breeze and sounds from the rushing water in the serene, yet lively setting. I absolutely love painting in nature and feel so fortunate to live and paint in such a beautiful state!” Karen Bakke is the current president of Plein Air Washington and coordinates painting outings throughout the Northwest.

Guest juror Charlene Collins Freeman will select the awards for the 2017 Beauty of the Northwest Show. Charlene Collins Freeman is an award-winning artist who has exhibited her artwork in many national and international competitions. She is a signature member of the Northwest Watercolor Society and a member of Women Painters of Washington. Her work has been featured in several highly-regarded art publications. Charlene teaches drawing, painting, and sketching classes locally. She also leads art workshops around the world through World Tours Studio.

The Artists’ Reception will be at Gallery North on Saturday, September 9 from 1 to 4pm. Awards will be presented at 2:00pm on September 9. A second reception will be held during Art Walk Edmonds on September 21, from 5 to 8pm. The public is invited to both these free events to enjoy refreshments and meet many of the artists represented in the show. Gallery North is also participating in the Edmonds Art Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18, from 10am-5pm. This exhibit is open to the public daily 11am-5pm (10am-6pm Saturdays) throughout the month of September.