Artists paint a piece of the past

Peninsula Art League painters work on pieces that use Gig Harbors historic net sheds as the subject. The pieces are now on display at the Civic Center as part of a show.

FEATHER HILGER/COURTESY PHOTO

Gig Harbors net sheds can be seen from Harborview Drive and from the water. Now, theres a new way to see the historic structures: Through an artists eyes.

The Peninsula Art League and the city of Gig Harbor are hosting an exhibit centered on the historic net sheds along the water.

In total, the show boasts 58 pieces by 24 different artists, all with the same topic: Gig Harbors historic net sheds. Mediums encompass more than painting and expand to other disciplines such as printmaking. The show is on display in the hallways and lobby of the Civic Center, 3510 Grandview St. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday to Friday until June 16. It is free to attend.

The most prominent net shed in town is the blue-and-red structure jutting out from Skansie Brothers Park. In total, Gig Harbor is home to 17 net sheds, the largest inventory of the structures in Puget Sound.

It was kind of fun having a focus that maybe results in a show, Anne Knapp, a co-chairwoman of the project, said.

Its been a year of work from the Peninsula Art League. Co-chairwomen Knapp and Feather Hilger say that painting a piece of Gig Harbors storied past brought the group more in touch with the city.

Its a simple structure in a beautiful place, Knapp said.

Many times people walk or boat right past the net sheds. To really sit down and study one changed Hilgers view. Knapp calls painting intense observation, which requires intimate knowledge of a view or model.

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Artists paint a piece of the past