Gallery-9 will showcase the art of Shelly Gould and Larry and Linda Gonzales in March.

The gallery, home of the North Olympic Artist Cooperative, will feature oil paints and mixed media from Gould, as well as carved wood reliefs by Linda and Larry Gonzales, this month.

Gould is a self-taught working artist who draws inspiration from activists such as Greta Thunberg and Edward Snowden and political leaders like Cristian Terhes and Rob Roos of the European Parliament.

Gould noted it takes brave souls to speak truth to power at a time when the wealthy can override the very things our country stands for.

“I have been part of an environmental group for many years. Over the years, I have done my best to care for the earth; turn off lights, use less water, etc., only to see corporations decimating the environment,” Gould explained. 

“I have come to the point of anger for putting the weight of this burden on the ‘little guy,’ the average American, and the most vulnerable of the population, which are the least able to make a big impact. Because of this, I have shifted my focus to painting portraits of heroes in my eyes that fight the big fight against the ‘big’ offenders,” Gould continued. “They are people just as vulnerable as you and I, but they rise up and are taking on the Goliaths for the sake of us all. I owe them my humble respect, gratitude, and attention.”

Linda and Larry Gonzales return as featured artists for the month of March.

The pair create wood-relief carvings of nature found in the marine world of the Olympic Peninsula, from whales, octopuses, and sea stars to seascapes and mammals.

The couple work together to interpret the scenes which often times change during the carving process for their business, “By the Sea.” A flat piece of wood is carved, then painted, stained, or otherwise colored to bring a salty vignette to life.

Gallery-9 is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. Masks are optional. 

For more information, visit the gallery online at gallery-9.com.