LOCAL FLARE
NATURE OF ART
Yearning of the heart and expression of the hand.
By Sarah Polyakov. Photos courtesy of Kit Kuhn.
Items of jewelry inhabit a space all their own. Part artistic piece, part expression of sentimentality or love, jewelry represents a language and symbology we can all understand. Kit Kuhn is well-versed in the language of jewelry and uses techniques in making jewelry that have improved over hundreds of years. Having spent time in Stockholm apprenticing with one of the best, he has a hands-on approach that has often been lost by large, franchise-type jewelry stores and manufacturers.
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peech. The written word. The smile of a friend. A loving touch. These are all forms of expression that assist in communicating our internal worlds to those around us. Artistic expression communicates via a world of form and imagination. And while art is universally understood, it is also open to interpretation. Whether it is a painting, a piece of pottery, or a custom ring, art is the result of the fusion of heart and hand; it takes shape when the yearning of the heart meets the expression of the hand. Visual arts is a language in which Gig Harbor is well-versed, and while some might first think of paintings as synonymous with art, not often considered is the world of jewelry and the story that a simple, gold
ring might tell. Kit Kuhn understands the significance of jewelry. Kuhn has been well known in Gig Harbor for many years — he maintained retail space on Harborview Drive for more than two decades. He retired from retail last year, but remains active within the artist community. He has a visible role in organizing the Open Studio Tour held each September. Kuhn has not put his craft on the back burner since his retirement — he is expanding his efforts and dedication to create new designs. Kuhn will debut several of his original designs during the Open Studio Tour. His new work carries more than one theme — some are modern and others are classic — all involving different techniques. Community members will be introduced to his new designs personally during the tour
THE GREATER GIG HARBOR OPEN STUDIO TOUR The Greater Gig Harbor Open Studio Tour provides Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula residents with free educational opportunities by allowing community members to visit artists at work in their studios. Visitors are able to watch and interact with local artists as each artist demonstrates the creative process. The selfguided tour is September 18 through 20. For details and a list of participating artists, please visit: www.gigharboropenstudiotour.org.
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