Artistic flair A vibrant arts community makes Gig Harbor a magnet both for artists and art patrons. A collection of art galleries downtown cater to all tastes and budgets, and an art walk every first Saturday of the month gives you a chance to meet some of the artists. Local arts organization Peninsula Art League coordinates a juried art show at the Gig Harbor Civic Center (Aug. 9 through Sept. 13 this year), a popular Gig Harbor Arts Festival (July 21-22), as well as member shows around town and rotating art exhibits at Kimball Espresso Café. On the Key Peninsula, Two Water Arts Alliance is known for its Spring Fling, an artsy affair that doubles as a fundraiser for its programs. Every fall, the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula areas become a destination for art lovers, who can take a scenic drive around the area and stop at various studios during the two-day, free Open Studio Tour. The self-guided tour Sept. 15-16 includes demonstrations and a peek at the magic behind the artists’ work, as well as an opportunity to buy incredible art — directly from the creators.
Art walk Historic downtown Gig Harbor is home to a lovely collection of art galleries, most of which highlight a variety of Gig Harbor and Pacific Northwest artists. The first Saturday of every month, the Gig Harbor Art Walk takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunset Magazine dubbed it “one of the five best small town art walks in the Northwest.” Pick up an Art Walk map at a gallery or our Visitor Information Center, located at 3125 Judson St., and make your way around to the galleries, all within easy walking distance. Each month, the galleries feature different artists, and many serve refreshments. At Gallery Row and Ebb Tide, co-op galleries, you will be greeted by one of the displaying artists, who take turns running the gallery. Birdsnest and Water’s Edge show
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a variety of work and also do framing. Kit Kuhn, a local jeweler, produces and displays his one-of-a-kind, original jewelry. It doesn’t need to be Art Walk Saturday to enjoy the many galleries. Stop in any time for local art, friendly service and fabulous shopping. Learn more at www.gigharborguide.com.
Other fun In Gig Harbor, it’s not enough to admire art or go on a treasure hunt — you can create it yourself. Kids may enjoy using the sidewalks as their canvas for a little graffiti showoff during Chalk the Walk. Adults, on the other hand, can create their own master-
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