VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
Students from the Pacific Northwest Art School capture a scene at the historic Coupeville Wharf. Photo: The Whidbey Examiner
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t’s no wonder that Central Whidbey is home to so many artists. Endless inspirations are found in Central Whidbey’s bucolic landscapes of open prairie, bluffs, trails and beaches. Soaring eagles draw the eye upward to an ever-changing sky. On the clearest days, the light illuminates the nuances of the island scenery. When clouds blow in, they move fast, shape-shifting and sending shadows scudding across the fields of Ebey’s Prairie. On foggy days, the jagged horizon of evergreens fades into a mist, intriguing the imagination. And on those gray days when clouds hang low in the sky, the colors of nature, with all the greens and punctuations of flower brights, glow all the more intensely. Galleries representing regionally and nationally recognized artists and craftspeople are found in Coupeville, Greenbank and San de Fuca at the head of Penn Cove. Artist-owned and cooperative galleries offer opportunities for visitors to converse with local artists about their work, inspiration and techniques. Four times a year, Coupeville’s galleries and shops hold an open house for browsers and shoppers to enjoy the Art Walk ambiance late into the evening. 6 The Whidbey Examiner
The Pacific Northwest Art School pairs students with some of the nation’s best artists, bringing together those who are eager to learn and those who are eager to teach. Set in the beautiful natural setting presented by Whidbey Island’s varied landscapes, the school’s diverse programs emphasize the visual arts. Formed as the Coupeville Arts Center in 1986, today the school attracts both students and professional artists seeking a creative and beautiful atmosphere. In addition to classes, the Pacific Northwest Art School sponsors the annual Plein Air Painters’ U.S. Open. Now in its fourth year, the five-day event
celebrates painting outdoors. Artists compete to capture, in a few hours, the fleeting effect of light on the Island landscape. The only painting event of its kind in the nation, it allows both professionals and amateurs to work side by side. The closing evening includes a gala celebration, where the winners are recognized and the week’s works are sold in live and silent auctions. Many local artists also offer classes and workshops at their own studios. Whidbey Island is home to two annual self-guided tours of artists’ studios, one in spring and one in the fall. The Art Studio Tour, held each spring, features members of Whidbey Working Artists throughout Central Whidbey and the north end of
Sept. 8-12 Plein Air Painters’ U.S. Open, Coupeville, Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve and Langley. Meet artists from around the world as they converge on Whidbey Island to paint outdoors in this one-of-a-kind event. Observe as both professionals and amateurs paint at three distinct venues on Friday, Sept. 11. The five-day event closes with an evening gala at the historic Crockett Barn on Saturday, Sept.12, at which the new paintings are auctioned. pleinairopen.com, 866-678-3396. Sept. 26 & 27 Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour. Over 90 artists open their doors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for two days of self-guided tours. Purchase art from the artists themselves as you experience creation at its point of inspiration. The $10 ticket includes a map of studio locations and a full-color 2010 wall calendar featuring the artists’ work. whidbeyopenstudiotour. org, 360-221-4121. 2009 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide