Artists donate to assist gallery
By SARAH ARNEY Copy Editor
Gallery owner Gayle Picken discusses the selection of donated art with Camano Island resident Rick Wahl at Gallery by the Bay Thursday. PHOTO BY SARAH ARNEY
Some of the artists who benefit from the retail art shop, Gallery by the Bay, have taken action during this season of reflection and giving to help sustain a business that provides an outlet for their work.
“Many Stanwood and Camano Island businesses are fighting to keep their doors open during this rough economic time,” said Anne Daletski, president of the Stanwood Camano Arts Guild.
“The owner of Gallery by the Bay, Gayle Picken is one of those individuals,” Daletski said.
To offer their support, a group of artists have donated original art for a special holiday raffle to help Picken keep the shop open.
Donors are Marc Boutte’, John Ebner, Mark Ellinger, Jack Gunter, Liz Hamlin, Shannon Kirby, Patti Pontikis, Russ Riddle, Jack Dorsey, Tom Jensen, Joan Enslin, Jan Erion and Sue and Ted Morrison. Donations include paintings, jewelry, woodwork, glasswork and more.
Picken is working hard to survive, Daletski said, by expanding her services to include art classes taught by area painters, jewelers, glass artists and others. She is also teaching her own class in Web site design and she designs Web sites for those who don’t want to do their own. Located at the east end of downtown Stanwood, across from the new railroad station, Gallery by the Bay offers a variety of affordable art ideal for gift giving this month. The current show includes hats and scarves, pottery, glass and jewelry as well as paintings, photographs and sculptures.
Raffle tickets are available at the gallery, at 8700 271st Street N.W. The recommended donation is $5 each ticket or 10 for $25. Ticket buyers can choose whose art they prefer to win by placing their tickets in a fine silver container for that specific artist.
The winning tickets will be drawn during a holiday potluck party 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, when a special show of student art will be displayed in the classroom adjacent to the gallery.
“We encourage local residents to support their local businesses by shopping for gifts right here in town,” Daletski said.
“It’s incredible,” Picken said. “I am overwhelmed and encouraged by this assistance from the artists and my clients and friends. It’s very motivating. I am grateful.”
One of those friends, Rick Wahl, who was raised in Everett and now lives on Camano Island, purchased a handful of tickets last week to support the cause.
Wahl placed his tickets in the Jack Gunter container because, he said, “The little painting of razor clam diggers reminds me of me and my grandpa.”
Picken’s business serves the community by attracting visitors from out of town to many international-quality art shows, including Un- CLAD and Brushes with the Land, among others.
