Port Ludlow Art League

Artist of the Month – Ann Gagnier

Ann Gagnier set out as a representational acrylic artist. When several Port Ludlow Art league colleagues persuaded her to join the Port Ludlow Abstract Critique Group, she was hooked and never looked back.

Ann takes her inspiration from the color, texture, and pattern found in nature. Color is often her starting point for creating her artwork. Ann recently started slicing some of her paintings and weaving the strips together with other elements into collages. Ann stated, “I build my collages layer by layer, much like a puzzle to be solved with texture and pattern as the foundation.”

During May, you can view Ann’s “A Walk in the Trees” art exhibit at the Sound Community Bank and online at portludlowart.org. A reception for Ann is set for 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, May 10, in the lobby of the bank and 5-6 p.m. at the adjacent Port Ludlow Art League Gallery. The bank and gallery are located at the corner of Oak Bay Road and Osprey Ridge Drive in Port Ludlow.

Please note that beginning in April, the gallery will be open Thursday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. For more information, please visit portludlowart.org/contact

Jeweler of the Month – Nancy Aikman

Toward the end of her career as an accountant, Nancy Aikman was drawn to a new passion: the world of beads and cabochons. Cabochons are natural gemstones that have been shaped and polished rather than faceted. Cabochons are typically flat on one side and domed on the other.

Nancy bezels the cabochons with glass and semi-precious stones, using only high quality, natural elements—nothing dyed or synthetic. Her goal is to complement and magnify the natural patterns and colors of the cabochons. Often times, Nancy uses cabochons as the focal point of her pine needle baskets, incorporating natural materials, such as beads, antlers, and noteworthy beach finds. Nancy also creates earrings, bracelets, and necklaces using glass, natural stones, and sterling silver.

During May, Nancy’s jewelry will be on display at the Port Ludlow Art League Gallery, the Sound Community Bank, and online. The bank and gallery are located at the corner of Oak Bay Road and Osprey Ridge Drive in Port Ludlow.

Please note that beginning in April, the gallery will be open Thursday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. For more information, please contact portludlowart.org/contact.