Linde Husk, Fir(e) Island, 2021 Acrylic on canvas 60" x 48" x 2"

Once a little girl

Hidden beneath mother's desk

Quietly drawing

Gifted old pastels

Broken and magnificent

Imagine creatures

The girl grows older

Inspirations forgotten

Attention stolen

Schooling and studies

Pursuing life's profession

Embers burning low

The brain grinds away

Peace for the soul left wanting

Success takes its toll

Work that pays in gold

But embers cry from below

Oxygen needed

Humble idea

To bestow a special gift

Paint flies cross canvas

The embers breathe deep

A soul rekindled to life

Ardent fires blaze

The brain becomes still

So much beauty to be found

Surrounding wonders

Inspiration flows

The girl will paint for the world

Work that pays in full

Christopher Mathie, The Gate Keepers, 2024 Acrylic, charcoal and aquarelle on heavily gessoed canvas 30" x 40" x 2" White Bird Gallery, Cannon Beach and Earthenworks Gallery, Port Townsend

"The Gate Keepers," evolved from Mathie's love of nature and observations of human psychology. We are always navigating our path through society, but even more so, through our own emotions and views of our place. "Gates," might refer to literal obstacles, or mental and spiritual goals. And who is it that allows us through these metaphorical gates anyway? Mathie earned his art degree from the University of Puget Sound in 1994 and has exhibited professionally for 31 years. Mathie was nominated for the 2016 James W. Ray Distinguished Artist Award, given by Frye Art Museum / Artist Trust Consortium. His paintings are included in private and corporate collections nationally and internationally.

Steve Klein, Glacial, Kiln-formed glass/steel stand, 24" x 24" x 6" 2024

Steve Klein lives in La Conner, WA where he currently maintains a studio and makes his distinctive kiln-formed work. "Through the complexity, versatility and beauty of glass I explore personal observations and experiences" Klein's work has been influenced and inspired by the Abstract Expressionist painters and sculptors as well as the Constructivist movement. His topics have varied from the landscape to personal experiences. After 25 years Steve's work and attention has now turned to our environment, global warming and the abuses our natural world has been subjected to. Steve's work is in the permanent collections of Museums in the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.