PORT LUDLOW — The Port Ludlow Art League will host a reception for Shelley Brown and Maria McGrane from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The reception will begin at 4 p.m. in the lobby at Sound Community Bank, 9500 Oak Bay Road, then move to the league’s adjacent gallery at 5 p.m.
Brown is a Port Townsend artist who works in many styles and mediums. Her inspiration comes from her love of nature, whether it is the trails of Olympic National Park, walking across Spain on the 500-mile Camino de Santiago or working in her garden.
Brown’s recent work showcases the many birds that visit her garden.
“My artwork always represents a study of and reverence for our local landscape,” Brown said.
McGrane began working with glass 15 years ago and was fascinated by its behavior when subjected to the high temperatures of kiln firing.
“I’m drawn to the myriad colors and textures found in gemstone beads, as well as art glass,” McGrane said.
After assembling the components of a piece, McGrane places it in a kiln, where it’s fired in a five- to six-step process over a 14- to 24-hour period at temperatures from 1,375 to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The piece is then cooled to anneal, or strengthen, the glass before she incorporates fine silver wires, precious metal findings and beads.
Brown’s paintings and McGrane’s jewelry will be on display at the league’s gallery from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays throughout August.
For more information, email info@portludlowart.org or visit www.port ludlowart.org.
