Archiving the Esther Webster Collection

We started 2023 off by tackling a longtime goal for the Arts Center- inventorying and archiving our collection of Esther Webster’s artwork.

This is an important undertaking for protecting and preserving the artwork of our founder as well as pieces of local history. During this process we will inventory all of the pieces in the collection, assess their condition, and create appropriate storage for them.

This project is possible through funding from the Clallam County Heritage Grant Program and being managed by archivist Jana Kelly, the Librarian and Archivist for the Pilchuck School of Glass. We are glad to welcome her to the team and to have her expertise for this project!

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We hold the single largest collection of artwork by Esther Webster, including original paintings, drawings, prints, and sketches representing nearly 70 years of artistic work. Combining a keen eye for local imagery with a cutting-edge contemporary artistic approach, Webster’s iconic artworks offer a unique vantage into local history. The images above show some of these items on display during the 2021 exhibition of her work, ‘Creating A Scene: The Legacy and Vision of Esther Webster’.

In addition to original artwork, we also have journals, photos, and correspondence documenting Webster’s remarkable life, from studying art in Prohibition-era NYC to hosting an award-winning radio show on KONP to planning the organization that would become the Fine Arts Center.

Although the gallery is closed to the public during January and February as we undertake this exciting project, we are hosting two evening conversations where attendees can get a behind the scenes look at the collection and learn more about the world of archiving.

Unboxed- A Deep Dive into the Archives
Thursday Feb 9th from 5:30-7PM
Thursday Feb 23rd from 5:30-7PM
Members $12 | General Tickets $15

Buy Tickets Here

This is an incredible treat for all art history lovers and lost treasure seekers as we unfold Port Angeles history through the artistic eye of Esther Webster. We hope you’ll join us and find inspiration from this historic collection!