Art Beat: November

by Kitty King

November featured artist: Brian Smith

Brian Smith has been teaching art at Blaine High School for the past 18 years and says he has thoroughly enjoyed his job.

“I grew up here in Blaine, graduating from Blaine High School. I remember how my experience in my high school art class changed the way I saw the world. I was intrigued by art and was encouraged to further my art education in college by my teacher, Rob Gisher.

“My college years took me from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma to San Diego State University (SDSU) in California. After earning my master’s degree in fine arts at SDSU, I was offered the teaching position back here in Washington, replacing Mr. Gisher after his retirement.

“I find great satisfaction in partnering with students in the study of arts, especially when they may be struggling in other subjects. When these students explore art for the first time, and discover that they can excel at it, they gain confidence. Blaine art students come to class to learn; they work hard and achieve an incredible amount of growth. My hope is that their lives would be as enriched through studying art as mine has been.”

November Art Events

Monday, November 3, SJMEA Senior Honor Concert - Each year the San Juan Music Educators Association sponsors this event, bringing together the top music students in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan and Island counties to rehearse and perform under some of the most inspirational guest conductors the Pacific Northwest has to offer. 6:30 p.m. at Blaine PAC, 975 H Street. Tickets $2-4.

November 7–9, Art by the Airport - Whatcom Art Guild celebrates its 50th anniversary at the annual fall show and sale of fine art and crafts. Art demos, raffle for children at PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Hospital, live music by Bellingham High School music students. Free admission, parking and refreshments. Featuring over 45 well-known local artists working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, collage, pastels, ceramics, jewelry, wood, glass and fiber arts. Hampton Inn’s Fox Hall, 3985 Bennett Drive, Bellingham. Info: 360/933-4816, mesmerie1@gmail.com or whatcomartguild.org.

The Know: Holiday Art and Gift Market

Artists and artisans are getting ready for the Holiday Art and Gift Market Saturday and Sunday, December 6 - 7 at Blaine Middle School. The event, sponsored by the Blaine Harbor Art Gallery, is part of the Harbor Holiday Lights Festival. Info: blaineharborartgallery.com.