JCHS Museum of Art + History Sculpture and Printmaking Exhibits

The Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) announces two new exhibits at the Museum of Art + History this fall, celebrating the work of regional artists and makers. Opening Saturday, September 5, in the Ferguson Gallery, Understories presents a collection of sculptures by artist John Strohbehn. Spanning more than a decade of carving wood and stone, the exhibit explores the dialogue between artist and material, with each sculpture responding to the natural character, history, and possibilities of the wood or stone from which it was created.

Working from his studio in Gardiner, Strohbehn embraces the qualities of each material rather than imposing a predetermined form. His sculptures reveal stories embedded in the grain of wood, the character of stone, and the creative process itself, inviting visitors to consider the relationships between nature, craftsmanship, and artistic expression.

Also on view is Home/Made: Port Townsend's Community Printshop, which opened Saturday, August 1, in the Wilson Gallery and remains on display through Thursday, December 31. The exhibit showcases work by members, students, and instructors of the Port Townsend Community Printshop, a volunteer-run collective art space that provides equipment, education, and community for artists working across a wide range of printmaking techniques.

Featuring prints that span traditional and contemporary approaches, Home/Made celebrates the Printshop's role as an important creative resource and gathering place for artists. The exhibit is supported by the Port Townsend Arts Commission.

Together, these exhibits highlight two distinct approaches to making art, one rooted in the intimate process of carving natural materials and the other in the collaborative spirit of a community print studio. Both reflect the remarkable creativity of artists living and working on the Olympic Peninsula.

The Museum of Art + History is located at 540 Water Street in downtown Port Townsend and is open Thursday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, visit jchsmuseum.org.