by Migael Scherer

The Lopez Thrift Shop is proud to offer a rare, original watercolor, “Gladiolas,” by legendary Northwest artist Shirley Wright. It will be available via silent auction only during the Labor Day weekend Studio Tour at plein air artist Steve Hill’s Windswept Gallery, 783 Port Stanley Road. Silent auction times are 10am-4pm Sat Aug 31 and 10am-2pm Sun Sept 1.

“Gladiolas” is 17” x 24”, painted on 300 lb. paper and signed by the artist. It is matted and mounted in its original 27” x 33” frame and glass. Starting price for “Gladiolas” is $1,500 with minimum bid increments of $100, or purchased outright for $3,000. Shipping is not provided. All proceeds will benefit and be made directly to the Lopez Island Thrift Shop.

An exceptional painter, Shirley Wright is featured in this year’s Studio Tour Guidebook. She was a co-founder of Grayling Gallery (along with Bernie Sundell and Steve Hill), which redefined the arts scene in the San Juan Islands when it opened in 1974 with a private art school, studios and gallery. Since her death in 1996, Shirley Wright’s name and legacy have lived on in the annual Lopez High School student art scholarship established in her honor, and in the mission of the Lopez Artist Guild.

The Lopez Island Thrift Shop raises money entirely through sales of donated items. Funds go back to the Lopez community—over 20 non-profits every year.