Local ceramic artist Rick Stafford is an artist with a story to tell, and he isn’t the only one. 

In 1969, equipped with an art degree from Central Washington State College (now Central Washington University), Stafford found work in Everett at a residential treatment center for boys aged 6-12, who were described as “emotionally disturbed.” He designed a crafts and recreation program for them, of which he remains proud.

What’s now called “art therapy” is still part of Stafford’s life, in the ceramics studio he’s set up in his garage in Port Ludlow.

Stafford will be giving a free talk on his career at Northwind Art.

Stafford’s creations, ranging from colored porcelain Nerikomi vases to what he calls “dove pots,” are part of Northwind Art’s Showcase 2025 exhibition, on view with artwork by 14 other Showcase artists at the Jeanette Best Gallery through May 12.

Stafford’s works are inspired by his travels to places such as Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, and by his desire to continually try new things.

Amidst the turmoil of the world, Stafford finds solace in art making.

Meanwhile, Bayside Art Gallery is opening “Carrying On: Paintings by Rebecca Nerison” with a Champagne reception on Sunday, March 9, from 4-6 p.m., followed by dinner with the artist and a musical performance by RainShadow Chorale from 6-8 p.m.

Bayside Art Gallery’s sales of paintings in its “Carrying On” exhibit will benefit RainShadow Chorale and the homeless of Jefferson County.

The opening reception is free to the public, and tickets for the dinner and chorale performance can be purchased at the Old Alcohol Plant Inn website.

The Bayside Art Gallery is located on the second floor of the Old Alcohol Plant Inn at 310 Hadlock Bay Road in Port Hadlock.

RainShadow Chorale members say their group has made a mission out of inspiring singers, engaging audiences and enlivening the choral arts on the Olympic Peninsula.

Currently directed by Laurie de Leonne, the chorale is composed of 45 auditioned voices, and has been performing in the Port Townsend area since 1998.

Their March 9 performance will feature a subset of the larger chorale, under the direction of Leslie Lewis, sharing selections from Renaissance Madrigals, traditional folk songs, the Beatles and Broadway.

Nerison is a member of the RainShadow Chorale, and “Carrying On” is her first solo exhibition of paintings, featuring 27 colorful, abstract and conceptual acrylic and mixed-media artworks.

Nerison said “Carrying On” is about “personal growth, acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses, recognizing the inner voice that whispers negativity,” and then saying, “Let’s do it anyway.”

To plan the show, Nerison worked with curator Christopher Forrest, who asserted that the sentiment of “Carrying On” is “universally relevant, given the turbulence of our times. Despite all the goings-on in the world, we must all find our joy and carry on. These paintings absolutely find that joy.”

What to know 

Rick Stafford will give a talk on Sunday, March 9 at 3 p.m. at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery, located at 701 Water St. in Port Townsend.

A champagne reception featuring Rebecca Nerison is set for Sunday, March 9, from 4-6 p.m., followed by dinner with the artist and a musical performance by RainShadow Chorale from 6-8 p.m.