The newest exhibit in the Laura Cooksey Gallery at Field Hall, opened with a lively opening reception on January 30th, 2025. Local artists Carolyn Heryford Watts and Tracy Grisman’s paintings are showcased side by side in LIFE FORCE.
Top: Guests admire artwork during the opening of LIFE WORKS. Bottom left: The Hot Club of Port Townsend helped to create a French Bistro atmosphere. Bottom right: Featured artist and musician Tracy Grisman poses with her work. Photography: Nora Pitaro / Field Arts & Events Hall
LIFE FORCE Opens at the Laura Cooksey Gallery at Field Hall
New exhibit LIFE FORCE opened on January 30 at the Laura Cooksey Gallery at Field Hall with a well-attended celebration featuring live music, inspiring artwork, and a warm sense of community.
Guests enjoyed live music from The Hot Club of Port Townsend, a jazz manouche trio featuring exhibit artist Tracy Grisman (bass) as well as Bobbi Nikles (violin), and Jessica Logan (guitar). The French Bistro style atmosphere was completed with food and beverage service through the Beth & Cappy Rothman Bar.
Georgia Ray Johnson, Field Hall’s Box Office & Gallery Manager, welcomed guests and shared insights about the vision for the exhibit and the process of bringing that vision to life. Featured artist, musician, and co-curator Tracy Grisman spoke about the personal and artistic journey behind LIFE FORCE, reflecting on the creative synergy she shared with her late friend, Carolyn Grisman.
A Celebration of Art, Science, Music and Friendship
LIFE FORCE showcases Carolyn Grisman’s vibrant organic designs, inspired by her years exploring the natural world—from beachcombing along the Olympic Peninsula to studying microscopic forms while working in the phlebotomy lab at Providence Hospital in Seattle.
Alongside her work, Tracy Grisman presents expressive portraits of musicians, shaped by years of connecting through music and her career as a registered nurse.
Together, their art captures life’s organic forms, from the cellular to the human, offering a deeply personal and visually striking experience.
Showcasing Local Olympic Peninsula Art
LIFE FORCE continues Field Hall’s commitment to featuring #WALocal artists and offering a space where creativity and community intersect. The Laura Cooksey Gallery provides a home for meaningful exhibitions that celebrate regional talent.
The exhibition is on display through April 6, with gallery hours from 10 AM – 2 PM, Monday through Saturday. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Private tours can be arranged by emailing gallery@fieldhallevents.org.
Live Portrait Sessions with Tracy Grisman
As part of the LIFE FORCE exhibition, Tracy Grisman is hosting live portrait sessions, capturing the unique spirit of local volunteers. She is well on her way to accomplishing her goal of painting one hundred local volunteers, and you have the opportunity to watch some of these portraits come to life!
Visitors can stop by Field Hall on the following dates to watch Tracy paint in real-time:
Monday, January 13 • 12 PM – 5 PM
Sunday, February 2 • 11 AM – 4 PM
Saturday, March 8 • 5 PM – 8 PM (Second Saturday Art Walk)
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