Kingston Art Gallery: Exquisite commonplace

When you enter the Kingston Art Gallery in July you will be assailed by the natural beauty in Winnie Rich's paintings. A Hansville painter, retired teacher and children's book illustrator, Rich captures the uniqueness and personality of our local shores, forests and summer skies. She grew up spending time on the beach and in the woods. Even when she lived far away these called her home. Rich says "I want the viewer to feel what I do when I am inspired to paint. What we see around us is incomparable and precious. I want to say to people, 'Wow! Look at that ... and that and that! If this doesn't thrill you to heartpounding, you're not alive.'"

Sharing gallery space in July with about 140 slugs is a daunting task. Rich's "Exquisite Commonplace" show and her Second Saturday Gallery Night Reception from 5-8 p.m. on July 11 proves she is up to it. All will be awed. Don't miss it.

The gallery's collaboration with North Kitsap artists and groups flourishes: a Crab Creek Review children's poetry contest, the North Kitsap Arts and Crafts Festival's sculpture show, two of our artist's work hanging at the Jewel Box Theater, the Great Peninsula Futures Festival. (Did I mention the SLUG inFESTation?) Our fine Fine Arts Gallery is a vital contributor to the life of Kingston and beyond. We would like your support. Come in Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., just two blocks up from the ferry on State Highway 104 at Cleo's Landing.

Contributed by Marilyn Liden-Bode