The Art Committee is pleased to present “It’s The Water,” an exhibit of paintings by Judith Perry in the Chapel Gallery. All are invited to meet the artist after second service on Sunday, March 1, or during the Art Reception that afternoon, from 1–3 p.m. Refreshments will be served. 

Perry grew up in southwest Washington, and spent many years at the beach on Long Beach Peninsula, and exploring the Willapa River as it drains into the Willapa Bay Estuary. Therefore, she was always aware of water. The tidal movements fascinated her as they revealed life during low tide and covered the sea world during high tide. 

After living many places from the east coast to Hawaii, Perry is now living back in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The lushness of the natural geography provides inspiration to her. She prefers painting a series of the same subject matter so there can be an in-depth presentation. As she explains, “It is a method of pulling the viewer in for a deeper understanding. “ Her paintings involve a study by seasons—from the weeds of winter to the reflections of the waters of Puget Sound in the summer. Perry says, “My mission is to introduce others to a piece of the world they’ve never noticed.”

Perry received her formal art training from Pacific Lutheran University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She continues learning from professional artists’ workshops. Her style is typically bold and has been influenced by James Whistler with his high contrasts in value, Lucien Freud and his search for the character in figure work, and Mitch Albala for his treatment of the landscape.

Perry is a signature member of the Hawaii Watercolor Society and president of Women Painters of Washington. Currently she is teaching watercolor at Tacoma Community College in the Continuing Education Dept. She also serves on the Board of Trustees at the Tacoma Art Museum. 

For more information about the artist and her work, visit her website at judithperryart.com.

The exhibit in the Chapel Gallery will hang from Saturday, February 21, through Friday, March 27.