BELFAIR HERALD

Belfair Self-Storage needs more artists for art wall

Kirk Boxleitner | Jul 06, 20230

The art wall exhibition space at Belfair Self-Storage has everything it needs to provide broader exposure to the work of local artists — except for the artists.

Over the past couple of years, Belfair Self-Storage manager Barbara Treick has recruited area artists into a stable of sorts for the art wall, which she founded and continues to maintain. Between stretches of new or returning artists being showcased each month, Treick has occasionally displayed her own art.

With no artists scheduled for July, Treick will again adorn the Belfair Self-Storage art wall with pieces from her portfolio, but this time, she’s not just looking to fill this month, but the remaining year.

“The rest of the year is open,” said Treick. “Belfair Self Storage does not charge artists to host or stage a show. We take no commission fees, and we refer any prospective buyers directly to the artists in question.”

Treick promised each month’s artist can expect the storage business’ reader board to announce their shows and that she would help the artists opportunities to make contact with local media.

“Artists we display will also have the option to convene an artist’s reception on site, albeit after the business’ office hours,” Treick said. “If you’re an artist who has no idea how to stage a show or host a reception, I can give you advice.”

Treick said many people come to the Belfair Self-Storage offices just to view the art.

“Many say thank you for giving them the opportunity to view art, which I think says a lot about our neighbors,” Treick said. “I love that artists and art lovers can come together, at a storage unit facility, of all places. It shows a need in Mason County that’s not yet being utilized to its fullest potential, and I’m just happy to be a small part of it.”

This July will see Treick display her abstract “CityScape” fabric collage pieces.

“I have 10 framed 4-by-6-inch pieces, created using discontinued fabric sample books,” Treick said. “I’m happiest when my hands are covered in paint or glue.”

Treick recalled taking her granddaughter to Tinkertopia in Tacoma years ago during which Treick bought three discontinued wallpaper sample books.

“I figured out how to dismantle the books, and started making collages,” Treick said. “That led to creating wallpaper weaves, which I really enjoy doing. I used almost every part of those wallpaper sample books.”

During a subsequent North Mason Chamber of Commerce after-hours event at Zech Interiors, Treick asked Tammy Zech what she did with her discontinued wallpaper sample books because Treick had developed a penchant for creating wallpaper sample collages.

“A few months later, Tammy called, and said she had 60-plus fabric sample books,” Treick said. “Would I be interested? Of course!”

Treick warned that taking apart fabric sample books “can be dangerous,” as each book sports “several large staples, and I’m basically a klutz,” but she nonetheless managed to break a few sample books down into their component fabric samples “without too much bloodshed.”

“What started out as an experiment is now the 10-piece ‘CityScapes’ collection,” Treick said. “They’re abstract depictions of different locations throughout a city, from the downtown and airport to a lake, a strip mall and the suburbs.”

Treick is willing to sell her “CityScapes” for $30 individually, or all 10 for $240.

For further details on Treick’s art, or on becoming a featured artist of the month at the Belfair art wall, contact Treick at [email protected] or at her office at 360-275-2257.