It was early this century and a dozen Port Ludlow folks with an artistic bent of one sort or another formed a group they named the Port Ludlow Artists League. For reasons not obvious to me, now that they have over one hundred members, they are called the Port Ludlow Art League, a fact you can discover in the second paragraph of their history on their website. Yep, they have over one hundred folks listed as members of the league.

On the second Wednesday of each month, they hold a reception highlighting their Artists of the Month. The event is held at 4 p.m. at their gallery next to Sound Bank in Port Ludlow with folks congregating in the bank and then moving to the gallery when the bank closes at 5. One can enjoy wine and treats not supportive of your diet. BJ and I went down last Wednesday to enjoy the friends we knew would be there. Yep, we also enjoyed a treat with a glass of wine. Fran Bodman, Alan Ahto, and Claudia Wicks welcomed me when I arrived. I then met Georgeanne Muse and Ed Herrington. Ed is a relatively new resident of Port Ludlow and when asked where he came from, he talked enthusiastically about living in an RV for the past few years after leaving New Jersey. I think I would also be enthusiastic about leaving New Jersey. 

This month the featured artist is Carol Reynolds and the featured Jeweler is Georganne Muse. Their creations are on display at the gallery and Sound Bank. In addition, the members of the league have their creations on display all over town at the Post Office, Active Life Physical Therapy, the Gallery Room at the Beach Club, the Bay Club lobby and gallery, Coldwell Banker Best Homes, and at the Port Ludlow Art League Gallery. If you have not seen these displays you need to get out more.

The league has drawn artists at every stage of their artistic development from all over the Olympic Peninsula in addition to folks who appreciate art and artists. To support the membership the league hosts speakers, demonstrations, classes, events and hands-on workshops. The League’s art gallery is a cooperative entity that is staffed by members providing the community and visitors a place to shop locally for paintings, photographs, collages, ceramics, jewelry, woodworks, textiles, stained glass, baskets, cards, and books. At the reception last week, I also noted somebody was creating wood decorated pens. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

In addition to the events and enriching opportunities provided by the league, graduating high school seniors in Jefferson County can earn scholarships.    

These folks are one of the many local groups that provide the area with real depth of character. I know some of them and I can confirm there are some characters in the Port Ludlow Art League who would enjoy welcoming you into their group. I suspect many of these people would relate to an old quote ascribed to George Bernard Shaw. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

Love a curmudgeon, and have a great week!

ned@ptleader.com