For the month of March, Gallery-9 in Port Townsend will house selected work from their featured artists Mike Middlestead and Richard Lawson.

Middlestead of Circle M Ceramics has been working with clay for six years. After spending over 20 years in the Coast Guard, he discovered his passion during an intro-to-art class.

“I became a ceramic artist because of the feel of the clay,” the artist said of his medium. 

“I have a visceral response to the sheer tactile nature of working with clay. I love the feel of it in my hands and being able to create something amazing. Once I found clay, there was no turning back,” Middlestead recalled.

He makes functional ware, art pieces, and sculptures.

With subject matter in landscapes, seascapes, and floral, Lawson of Richard Lawson Photography has been honing his craft for 30 years.

“I strive to capture the essential qualities of nature,” he said. “When I photograph, a communication takes place between my heart’s aesthetic sensibilities and my mind’s technical craftsmanship, resulting in images that can convey deep emotional impact.”

“My passion in life is to touch people’s hearts through creative expression. I believe my camera is a diving rod to beauty, which can open the heart and help us to be more receptive to love and deep inspiration.”

Their works are displayed in the window of Gallery-9 while the full exhibitions can be found inside. 

Visit gallery-9.com for hours, details, and more.