New Exhibitions at the JCHS Museum of Art + History

The Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) is pleased to announce two new exhibitions 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 exhibition 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 unique 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 August 1 in the Wilson Gallery and remains on display through December 31. The exhibition 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 in our community. The exhibition is supported by the Port Townsend Arts Commission.

Together, these exhibitions highlight two distinct approaches to making art: one rooted in the intimate process of carving natural materials, 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 through Sunday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, visit jchsmuseum.org.