Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait, “The Frame.”

Image courtesy of The Frida Kahlo Foundation

Expose yourself to a celebration of surrealist art and sexual freedom topped off with flower crowns all around.

This year marks the second annual Frida Kahlo Week throughout Port Townsend and Chimacum. The celebration is Thursday, July 7 through Friday, July 15. Organized by Indigo Sky Productions, an Afro-Latina-Indigenous woman-owned production company, the event celebrates the life and art of one of the most iconic women in pop culture as well as highlights the accomplishments and contributions more broadly of Mexican and other Latin cultures with the aim of bringing more culturally diverse celebrations to the area.

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter remembered most for her vibrant use of color and unique style with influences from the indigenous cultures of Mexico, as well as European culture that include Realism, Symbolism, and Surrealism. Many of her works are self-portraits that symbolically express her own pain and sexuality.

Kicking off the week will be a Flower Crown Pub Walk with stops at The Uptown Pub, The Anchor, and The Poor House, with discounts for people dressed festively. While the organizers are very excited for people to participate, they discourage participants from dressing in indigenous/native patterns that do not belong to their culture. (From the organizer’s website: “We are encouraging bright festive colors and flower crowns. We are discouraging portraying stereotypes of Mexican and Latin cultures. Quite bluntly, no one likes the loud frat boy in a sombrero on Cinco De Mayo. Don’t be that guy.”)

All week long, Seal Dog Coffee is celebrating with a special coffee drink beloved by Frida herself, Cafe De Olla, a traditional Mexican beverage prepared in an earthen clay pot which gives the drink its special flavor. If you’re more of a cocktail person, swing by La Cocina to find a Hibiscus Margarita with a tajin rim and orchid flower garnish in Kahlo’s honor.

On Friday, July 8 will be a unique Frida themed Paint N’ Pour lead by local artist Rose Burt. In honor of the artist, the theme is “Surrealist Portraits.” All levels are welcome, and materials are covered with the cost of the ticket. Space is limited to
25 people.

Saturday, July 9 is slated for “Frida Flamenca” at the Manresa Castle with Deseo Carmin, an award-winning performer known for her unforgettable performances as Kahlo.

Carmin fuses Latin, jazz, and funk with a spice of flamenco, and the celebration will take place outside with dancing and carnival mask painting. Admission is a $10 cover at the door, with masks and paint provided.

The festivities end at Finnriver Farm & Cidery with the Frida Finale on Friday, July 15. The night will start with a flower crown crafting session with materials provided.

Once the finery has been designed, it’s time to hit the dance floor. DJ David of KPTZ (Radio Kilombo) will be spinning alongside special guest performer and Los Angeles native Angel Garcia of SpiderMonkey Beats.

An option to donate to the Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates will be included on a QR code on the flyers at all participating establishments, although the group is not involved in organizing Frida Kahlo Week. The nonprofit is committed to building a safe and supportive community for immigrants to live and thrive on the Olympic Peninsula.

For more information on the events or to RSVP for the Paint N’ Pour, contact indigoskyproductions2022@gmail.com.