Oak Harbor’s legendary Blue Fox Drive-in can be seen in Port Townsend for the next few weeks.
No, the movie theater for viewers on wheels isn’t going anywhere. But a picture of it is. A painting of the Blue Fox by Whidbey Island artist Perry Woodfin is included in the prestigious “Expressions Northwest” art show Oct. 11 to 26 in Port Townsend.
The juried exhibition of fine art is displayed at the Northwind Arts Center in the little town across Admiralty Inlet from Whidbey’s Keystone ferry landing.
More than 550 works or art were submitted to the Port Townsend show’s juror, Greg Bell, who is the curator and collection coordinator for the Cultural Development department of King County, and curator of contemporary art for the Tacoma Art Museum. Bell selected only 69 for the exhibit and Woodfin is the only Whidbey Island artist whose work was chosen.
“I was asked to select an exhibition that represents the highest quality,” Bell said. “I was guided by looking for ideas and craftsmanship in each piece. I looked for work that told me something new.”
Woodfin is one of Whidbey’s most recognizable artists as he frequently displays his creations at the Coupeville Farmers Market and tacked to the composting fence outside his home a few feet off the highway in San de Fuca. What at first looks like a clothes line to approaching drivers quickly focuses into a display of colorful water color paintings, generally of favorite Whidbey Island landmarks.
Woodfin said he creates 25 to 50 original paintings each year, then sells prints to islanders who appreciate art and can relate to his drawings. “I gravitate toward these historical buildings of interest,” he said. “There’s so much to paint on Whidbey Island.”
If you know of a historical structure on Whidbey Island, chances are Woodfin has a print to sell you. The San de Fuca store, Deception Pass bridge, Kow Korner Drive-in, Toby’s Tavern, Coupeville Wharf, Dog House Tavern and the Clyde Theater are just a few of the historical buildings Woodfin has captured in water colors.
This year his top seller has been Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which he painted in honor of its 100th birthday. It’s a special place to Woodfin. “My grandfather served in the Army there in 1916,” he said, referring to adjoining Camp Casey. “He sent love letters to my grandmother from there.”
As for the Blue Fox, Woodfin said he had wanted to paint it for a couple of years. “In my mind’s eye I saw cars grouped around the screen in the middle of cow pastures and it was a powerful image,” he said. “When I finally got around to doing it I saw the neon sign out front and there was no way I could make that painting without the sign. A line of geese flying overhead at twilight also seemed to add to the fragile nature of this cultural treasure.”
Woodfin, 61, grew up on Vashon Island and took up painting at the encouragement of his mother, who used to draw with him sitting on her lap. “It seemed like magic,” he said. “She handed me a pencil and I never put it down.” He’s been at it ever since, the last 13 years on Whidbey Island, preserving our history with water colors.
