Art Opening at Orcas Center: Ponch Immel

||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER |||

Orcas Center’s Visual Arts Committee (VAC) is pleased to present the next Art Opening, Friday, October 25 from 5:30pm – 7pm with featured artist, Ponch Immel in the lobby, and a community show of Ceramics and Watercolors in Madrona Room.

While drawing and sculpting sand at the beach in Minnesota at just three years old, Ponch Immel had a realization that creating art was what she was meant to do. She pursued an art-studies program but found that conventional art education stifled her creativity. Looking to books and museums for inspiration, Ponch set out on a mission of artistic exploration – no medium would remain untouched – which has resulted in an immensely eclectic portfolio.

“Creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised,” she says, “When an idea strikes, I don’t know exactly how it is going to come together. I just pick up a pencil, or a block of wood, or a paintbrush, and just start – following where it takes me.”

Ponch’s body of work includes linocuts, oil paintings, wood carvings, found items, and more. She enjoys the process of creating, feeling satisfied with a piece once only she’s able to explore a different path than before. “I create art for myself. And when I discover something new about a process or medium, that’s invigorating. Art for me is a soulful practice – there are no mistakes, just a different path to take – and everyone can be creative with something. It’s the process of doing that’s important.”

Come to the opening exhibit featuring Ponch Immel, and join us for refreshments and a community show of Ceramics and Watercolors by local islanders this Friday, October 25 starting at 5:30pm. This show will be on display through November 19. For more information visit www.OrcasCenter.org/VAC or email vac@OrcasCenter.org.