Art and wine lovers 'drink outside the box'

TOKELAND, Wash. – The Tokeland and North Cove Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the South Beach 30 Miles Of Junque, present the fourth annual “Out of the Box” art show and wine tasting Saturday, Sept. 19. The event will be held at Tradewinds On The Bay Resort, 4305 Pomeroy Lane.

Local artists will display their work beginning at 2 p.m. The art show is free to the public. This fun event is a benefit for the Ocosta School Arts Program. The wine tasting event begins at 4 p.m. and requires the purchase of a unique “Out of the Box” wine glass to participate. One side of the glass holds the “Out of the Box – Tokeland” logo, created specifically for the event, while the other side sports a design created by Ocosta High School student Danielle Williams. Williams won a contest, held annually, to create a logo that has local appeal and best expresses the uniqueness of the South Beach region.

The wines to be poured will be “premium” box wines, hence the name “Out of the Box.” No longer scorned by connoisseurs, box wines are now known to have many exciting and startling attributes. It has been documented that these wines stay fresher longer, are easier to pack for travel, and the flavor stands up well when compared with bottled wines. The event’s experienced box wine pourers will be available to answer any questions you may have regarding the featured wines.

Among the artists exhibiting their work is Melody Gerber, who has announced that this will be her final exhibit of awe-inspiring ocean scenes.

Brad Sanders and Emily Maldonado of Crow’s Eye Beads will be on hand with a fascinating array of jewelry available for sale. Crow’s Eye Beads is known for what they call “memory beads.” They are able to place a loved-one’s ashes inside colored glass beads.

Marcy Merrill of Merrill Photography will be exhibiting her Pintoid photography. Pintoids are pinhole cameras made from Altoids containers. She’ll also have a homemade Camera Obscura on hand to explain her technique.

Judith Altruda will be showing a recent collection of etched pins, pendants and charm bracelets. Her imagery ranges from classic Hollywood idols such as Greta Garbo and Rudolph Valentino, to very personal family portraits. Beginning with a photograph, Altruda transfers the image to silver or copper, then etches it in acid. The etched metal is then cut, shaped and incorporated into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.

Tokeland artitsts Wally and Marlene Mann will be displaying new work, as will Jeffro Uitto and Verre De Mer art glass. New to the event this year is Beth Evesong of Seashore Collections.

Light refreshments will be served and musical entertainment will be provided by Virgil Stortroen. A raffle will be held featuring work donated by local artists and businesses. Tickets are $12 at the door.