Have you ever participated in an Art Walk?, which is quite an experience! One is presented with an intriguing opportunity to meet local artists and discover the philosophy inspiring the art presented. Oftentimes, with an understanding of the compelling drive behind the creation of the artwork, you are allowed to subsequently perceive it through a more inquisitive and fascinated mind’s eye. This is your chance to interweave the artists’ thoughts with your own. After all, art is always ultimately an interchange of thought between artist and observer; understanding the artistic intent enriches the process.

But you needn’t actually go on a literal hike to experience that fusion of ideas. Instead, you might wish to let your mind meander leisurely through the glossy, full-color pages of a newly-published artists’ profile book: “Northwest Artists: A Collection of Works by Notable Northwest Artists.” As you view the selections in this hard-cover book, you have the opportunity to be introduced to over 150 Northwest artist-- through reproductions of their art, stories of their lives, glimpses of their passions.

The book was published as a labor of love: it’s a community effort of the participating Northwest artists. The effort was championed by Cameron Blagg III (who masterminded the concept and organized the project -- and who wrote these paragraphs for your enlightenment/pleasure), Cameron Blagg I & David Bartholet (artists who inspired through ideas and served as sources of contacts) and Leta Brown (who single-handedly accomplished the painstaking job of page layout and design). This staunch team has devoted the past two years to the trials of coordinating and producing the book.

The book premiered at the Ellensburg National Art Show in May.