Anacortes Holiday Guide 2022

Anacortes

Holiday Guide 2022

Brenda Newton

A supplement to the Anacortes American

Kelly Hilger

Rachele Custer

Cathy Enns

Anacortes Holiday Guide 2022

The art of the holidays

This year for our annual Holiday Guide, we called upon some of the artists based in Anacortes who have created work speci cally centered on the holiday season.

The artists whose work is featured on our cover belong to the Facebook group Anacortes Artists, which was founded by Kelly Hilger.

She founded the group shortly after moving here to help foster a community between artists, a place to offer advice, ask questions and to network.

People of all skill levels are welcome in the group, as long as they live in Anacortes, Hilger said. In the future, she hopes to have a physical place to showcase some of the group's art.

Soon after she founded the group, it began to grow.

"This was a space people were looking for," Hilger said. "They wanted to have a voice."

Meet our cover art creators below, and then turn the page to nd a guide to holiday events in Anacortes.

henna art.

Henna is a dye created from plants that is typically used for temporary body art.

As she learned the techniques, she started being booked to create henna art for weddings and other big events.

After Hilger and her family moved to Washington, she continued with henna body art, but when the pandemic hit, that all stopped.

Parties and weddings were canceled, and Hilger couldn't create her designs anymore. Instead, she moved from skin to paper.

are symmetrical.

Since she's self-taught, she says she is still guring things out. That's one of the reasons she wanted to create the Facebook group, so she could ask other watercolorists their tips and tricks on how to create their pieces.

Kelly Hilger creates art pieces from henna and watercolor paint.

Kelly Hilger started out as a face painter and balloon artist. She was working in Las Vegas and started learning how to create

It took some experimenting, but she gured out how to paint designs onto paper with the henna, then use watercolor to ll in her designs.

When creating her pieces, Hilger usually uses a compass to space out her designs so they

Rachele Custer discovered her love of painting during the pandemic.

Rachele Custer remembers doing crafts as a child and took art classes in college, but it wasn't until the pandemic hit that she started painting.

"I enjoyed it and kept going," she said.

When it comes time to paint, she sometimes focuses on things she has seen. But other times, she lets the painting become "what it wants to be."

Custer is frequently inspired by the area (she moved to Anacortes in 2005) with sh often making an appearance in her work. She likes experimenting with different mediums and textures and adding things such as gold leaf to her paintings.

Her painting on the cover of this guide began as a black-and-white image of a forest and a whale. As she contemplated color, a Christmas tree emerged.

As Custer paints more and more, she said the ideas and painting technique comes easier.

"There's an artist within you, you just have to keep doing it," she said.

Brenda Newton has been making stand-up Santa gures for more than a year now.

During the pandemic, she started teaching yoga online instead of in person.

The extra time gave her the chance to try out new things, and her Santa sculptures were born.

Newton sculpts their faces and features out of

Brenda Newton creates all the pieces of her Santa figures, including their clothes.

polymer clay and makes their out ts, down to the shoes.

Her rst Santa was wearing a full suit of Seahawks regalia.

Since then, she has gone on to make Santas

wearing all kinds of different out ts.

Newton used to help run a balloon and basket shop, so she's always had a air for the artistic. She also makes jewelry.

Santa Claus isn't her only muse. She made a witch that boasted handmade shoes, and she has a penchant for dragons. The dragons often take on a more abstract look, with the different scales and the colors used, Newton said.

Newton's clay pieces are shaped and molded, then hardened in a toaster oven.

athy Enns said she has tried out sev-

eral different artistic mediums because she tends to get bored.

"I don't sit still well," she said.

Her desire to try new things leads her to different types of art, including felt work and large mosaics.

One of the mediums she's worked with is ber arts. Even though she

has worked with fabric and felt, she never developed a love for sewing. Enns does some hand work, but would rather avoid sewing when she can. She keeps the sewing part of making her Santa gures to a minimum.

Usually, she uses scraps of what's left over to create her Santas and

then buys material for their beards. Sand or rice help ll the body to keep it upright and balanced.

In the same vein, Enns creates small snowmen and ornaments out of felt.

Cathy Enns said she loves to do many different artistic techniques because sticking to one means she becomes bored. About

Holiday Event Calendar

• A Holy Eucharist offering is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1216 Seventh St. Participants are encouraged to bring their Thanksgiving bread and rolls to be

blessed. All are welcome.

• A free community Thanksgiving dinner is 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24, at the Anacortes Eagles No. 249, 901 Seventh St.

SeasonsGreetingsFrom SoroptimistInternationalof Anacortes!

Wewisheveryoneasafeandmemorableholiday seasonthisyear,achancetore-connectandenjoytime withfamilyandfriendsnearandfar.

Wewisheveryoneasafe and memorable holiday seasonthis year,a chanceto re-connect andenjoytime with family and friends near andfar.

Wewisheveryoneasafeandmemorableholiday seasonthisyear,achancetore-connectandenjoytime withfamilyandfriendsnearandfar.

OurThriftShop,locatedat3rdand“O”Avenueis lled witheverythingyouneedfortheholidays,including Christmasdecorations,holidayattire,warmcoats,hats, glovesandbeautifuljewelry.Weappreciateallyour donationswhichhaveenabledourclubtocontinueour commitmenttohelpimprovethelivesofwomen,children andfamilieslocallyandglobally.

OurThrift Shop,locatedat 3rd and“O”Avenueis lled witheverythingyou need for the holidays, including Christmasdecorations, holidayattire, warm coats, hats, gloves andbeautifuljewelry.We appreciate all your donations which has enabled our clubto continueour commitmenttohelpimprove the livesofwomen, children and families locally and globally.

OurThriftShop,locatedat3rdand“O”Avenueis witheverythingyouneedfortheholidays,including Christmasdecorations,holidayattire,warmcoats,hats, glovesandbeautifuljewelry.Weappreciateallyour donationswhichhasenabledourclubtocontinueour commitmenttohelpimprovethelivesofwomen,children andfamilieslocallyandglobally.

Thrift ShopHours:Tuesdays 1:30- 6:30pm Fridays11am- 6:30pm

ThriftShopHours:Tuesdays1:30-6:30pm Fridays11am-6:30pm

ThriftShopHours:Tuesdays1:30-6:30pm Fridays11am-6:30pm

DonationHours:Tuesdays&Fridays7am-4pm

DonationDays/Hours:Tuesdays8:30am-11:00am Fridays1:30pm-4:00pm

DonationDays/Hours:Tuesdays8:30am-11:00am Fridays1:30pm-4:00pm

Drop-offs closedonTuesdays 11:30-1:30 (duringour lunch meeting)

ClosedChristmasDayandNewYear’sDay

ClosedChristmasDayandNewYear’sDay

ClosedChristmas DayandNewYear’s Day

Pleasevisitourwebsite:www.soroptimistanacortes.org andourFacebookPage:SoroptimistInternational ofAnacortes

Pleasevisitourwebsite:www.soroptimistanacortes.org andourFacebookPage:Soroptimist International of Anacortes

Pleasevisitourwebsite:www.soroptimistanacortes.org andourFacebookPage:SoroptimistInternational ofAnacortes

• The Kiwanis Sunrisers will sell fresh-cut Christmas trees beginning Friday, Nov. 25. The tree lot outside Sebo’s is open noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Proceeds go toward community and youth programs and scholarships.

• The Enthusiasts will perform a Black Friday concert at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at the Brown Lantern.

Kiwanis Sunrisers tree sales start Friday, Nov. 25, outside of Sebo’s.

• An Elf Storytime is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the children's section of the Anacortes Public Library. Sparkle the Elf will read a story, and cozy pajamas and holiday hats are encouraged.

• The Coastal Christmas Tree Lighting is at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. The event, outside the Chamber of Commerce of ce, will feature music, guest appearances from Santa and the Town Crier, plus hot cocoa, other treats and surprises.

• At least 17 merchants will take part in the Holiday Artwalk from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in downtown Anacortes. Artists and businesses will showcase paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, music, treats and more. A full list is at www.anacortesart.com

• Handsome and Gretyl will perform Christmas and original music at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at the Guemes Island General Store. Admission is free.

• The Lions Club Holiday Parade is at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, on Commercial Avenue.

• Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides are available noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. The trolley will travel up and down Commercial Ave.

The Lions Club Holiday Parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

• A holiday Creative Avenue Market features festive favorites from local crafters and artisans. The market is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Buxton's Music, 1904 Commercial Ave.

then travel to each participating business to pick up a charm for their bracelet. anacortes.org.

• The Lighted Boat Parade is at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, starting at Cap Sante Marina.

• The Anacortes Schools Foundation Celebrate the Season "A Storybook Holiday" Fundraising Gala is 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Port Transit Shed. Tickets are required, though there is an online auction open to all. www.anacortesschoolsfoundation.org/

• A Coastal Christmas charm walk, through the Chamber of Commerce, runs Dec. 3-10. Anyone who wants to take part will pay a fee,

• Wonderland Walk is 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10. For the event, community groups decorate different campsites at Washington Park and offer food, music, crafts and fun to attendees, free of charge.

• "The Nutcracker" hosted by Fidalgo DanceWorks is at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, at Brodniak Hall. Tickets start at $17. my360tix.com/events/nutcracker-2022-12-9-2022/ tickets

• The second annual Santa Run 5K is at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. All participants will receive a

Santa suit to wear during the run that starts at Seafarers Memorial Park.

• The Celebrate the Season Holiday Fair, with free activities for kids, including crafts, pictures with Santa, ornament and cookie decorating, the Student Marketplace and games, is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.

• Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides are available noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The trolley will travel up and down Commercial Ave.

Anacortes Holiday Guide 2022

in Mount Vernon.

reation.sportsites.com/.

• The Skagit Symphony, which has members from Anacortes, will perform "Feliz Navidad" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at McIntyre Hall

• The Celebrate the Season gingerbread house contest, hosted by Fidalgo Island Rotary, is 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

• Visit the North Pole is 4-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 13 and 14, at the Anacortes Senior Activity Center. The

A gingerbread contest is Sunday, Dec. 11, as part of Celebrate the Season.

event features activities and a chance to take a photo with Santa. Reservations for time slots are at anacortesparksandrec-

• Geoffrey Castle's Celtic Christmas Concert is at 6:30 pm. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Port of Anacortes Transit Shed. Admission is $25 for VIPs and free for general admission with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy or a nonperishable food item. portofanacortes. com

• Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides are available noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. The trolley will travel up and down Commercial Ave.

The concert is free and the church is collecting nonperishable food items for the Salvation Army Food Bank at the door.

• The Winter Celebration , hosted by Fidalgo DanceWorks and featuring all dance styles except ballet, is at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Tickets start at $15. my360tix. com/events/winter-celebration-2022-12-17-2022/ tickets

• A Christmas Concert featuring Handsome & Gretyl and John Van Deusen is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 Ninth St.

• The Rockin' Yule Bizarre , hosted by Anacortes Music Project, is 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Buxton's Music, 1904 Commercial Ave. Bands include Young Hunks, The Enthusiasts, Pension Kings and Savanna Woods. The event also features baked goods, hot drink, beer, wine and a silent auction. Admission is $10 for students and $20 for general admission (or $25 at the door). Those 12 and younger are free. brownpapertickets.com

Anacortes Holiday Guide 2022

• The Guemes Island Chamber Music Winter Concert is 7:15-8:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Guemes Island Community Center. Tickets start at $15. brownpapertickets.com.

cutouts of the characters, at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, in the community meeting room.

• The Anacortes Public Library will show "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer," along with crafts and pictures with large

• A group will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Anacortes Visitor Center and then sing carols up and down Commercial Avenue.

• Christmas Eve Services are at 5:30 p.m. (for a

family service, with nursery, time for children and communion) and 10 p.m. (a candlelight service with communion) Saturday, Dec. 24, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 Ninth St.

Meeting Room.

• Enchantrix will perform a New Year's Eve concert at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 901 Seventh St.

• Noon Years Eve for kids is at the Anacortes Public Library from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, in the Community

• A New Year's Eve Party at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge starts at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $35. swintickets.com.