Hidden treasure …

TIM McCARTHY is amazed at how many artists live within five miles of his shop. He and his wife CHONG have owned the DECEPTION PASS INFORMATION CENTER and ART GALLERY since last April.

“We have 50 artists and craftsmen on consignment,” Tim said. “One is from Skagit County, one is from Malaysia and the rest are from Island County. People who love art are missing the boat if they haven’t heard of us by now.”

There is truly something for everyone, from oil and watercolors to scratch art, photography and hand-painted ornaments.

Located one mile south of the Deception Pass Bridge on the west side of the road, they also carry a line of Asian gift items. I learned that the natural ionizers in their Salt Crystal Lamps cleanse the air in home and office. “We are an importer of these fine items,” said Tim, “and we are looking for upscale retailers to distribute them.”

They are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and closed on Mondays.

JOAN BROSNAHAN, who plans to be on hand on Sunday, Feb. 5, is their featured artist for February. She has been creating art on Whidbey Island for over 25 years. “People like to know the artist,” she said. “It helps them appreciate the art they want to acquire for their own home.”

Her work can also be seen at Penn Cove Gallery in Coupeville and Artworks Gallery, Greenbank. Joan also teaches watercolor at the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

An espresso in a cozy log home sounds like a welcome break after a busy week. For a preview, go to www.deceptionpassvisitorcenter.com or call 360-675-9438.

Who are these women?

On first hearing about the American Association of University Women of Washington State, I pictured a group of white-gloved ladies taking afternoon tea.

Scratch that misconception. I learned that this national organization has been the nation’s leading voice promoting education and equity for women and girls since 1881.

With over 100,000 members and 550 college/university partners, the AAUW Educational Foundation is the world’s largest source of funding exclusively for graduate women. They are serious when it comes to positive societal change.

The annual All-Island High School Student Art Show is presented each spring by the Whidbey Island branch of the AAUW. This year the show will be on Saturday, May 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Greenbank Farm. All high school students are invited to enter their works in the areas of wall art, 3-D art, photography and jewelry.

Among last year’s winners were Oak Harbor High School student MONCHELLE VITAL for “The Geisha” in the Wall Art category. TED THAYER, also of OHHS, took first and second places for his 3-D Art. All 22 winners received ribbons and monetary awards. Proceeds from this event provide academic grants for college-bound women from Whidbey Island high schools.

Art teachers have details on the show. For more information, contact Carole LaFond at 675-0449.

Could it be?

Nothing about cats surprises me.

Could a cat gone missing in the Deception Pass area turn up at Strawberry Point? Yes, it could, if someone put the cat in his car and drove it there.

A friend found the female cat huddled along the road. She was there all day, then the next, as if waiting for someone to come back and get her.

My friend’s home is the domain of several cats, and the arrival of this waif caused the alpha female to anoint the house with her unmistakable perfume.

When my friend went to the beauty salon, her regular hairdresser was unavailable, so she was shown to a different station.

There were several photos on the mirror, causing my friend to remark, “Gee, that looks just like a cat I took in a few weeks ago.”

The hairdresser said her cat went missing about a month ago, so my friend invited her to come to her Strawberry Point home.

The little cat perked right up when she saw the woman arrive, making a positive ID. The woman was satisfied that it was indeed her kitty, despite the dirty coat and signs of wear and tear.

I wonder how many lives the cat used to escape being eaten by a coyote as it fended for itself in the wild. The hairdresser is moving soon to a place where the cat will be kept indoors, where all good cats belong. Until then, my friend will board the cat at her house.

Shoes news …

Don’t forget to bring tennis shoes and sandals in good condition to Whidbey Press by Jan. 30 for the Haitian orphans.

Do you have a story you’d like to see in this column, or know of someone who deserves a pat on the back? Let me know and I’ll take it from there.

Write to me at lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com or call 360-675-6611. See you on Jan. 25!