In the “Showcase in Bloom” art exhibit, 24 local artists are displaying more than 60 new works in the spacious front room of Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery in downtown Port Townsend. This new exhibition is an expansion, a stepping forward by these artists, whose work has been on display only in the Best Gallery’s rear space until now. The new show fills the entire gallery with color, beauty and inspiration in the form of art! Watercolors, oils, ceramics, fiber art, metal sculpture and photography are among the art forms on display.

The Showcase Artists, selected by consulting juror Gloria Lamson, come from a variety of backgrounds. Many have had careers in fields other than art, and are now reveling in the creative process.

“I love to paint humanity,” says Jeanne Edwards of Port Angeles. “A painting contains a living experience — always moving with beauty and the descriptive quality of light.”

The artists find inspiration in the deep woods and high mountains, in kitchens and on patios, among fellow creatures, from the Salish Sea and drenched sky. And Larry Crockett of Port Townsend paints simple pleasures: a tart beverage, a steaming mug, three olives splashing into a martini glass.

“My objective is to evoke a fond memory … something that causes a smile,” he writes.

Egor Shokoladov of Port Angeles mixes media — oil, watercolor, a 14th-century technique called etching — to express his thoughts.

“I am particularly inspired by humor,” he writes, adding that he seeks to “bring positive vibes into the world.”

The Northwind Art Jeanette Best Gallery is open 12 noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays; it stays open till 8 p.m. for Art Walk on the first Saturday of the month.

For lots more information about Northwind Art’s gallery shows and classes at Northwind Art School at Fort Worden, visit https://northwindart.org.