Olympia ink-and-watercolor artist Katie Harmon will display her work at Harlequin Productions this fall as the theater's featured artist during its "Home/Land" season.
Harmon's pieces will hang in the theater during the runs of "Our Town" and "Sanctuary City," a drama by Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok. "Our Town" opens Friday, Oct. 2, and "Sanctuary City" opens Friday, Oct. 9, according to Harlequin's season page.
A free artist reception is set for Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Harlequin's space at 202 4th Ave. E in downtown Olympia. Light refreshments will be served.
The reception is open to all.
Harmon works in ink and watercolor, building up thin layers of color in a patient process she describes as meditative.
The layering gives her time to reflect on the themes behind her art, which often explore personal growth or what she calls "the beauty & irony of this world," according to her artist statement on Harlequin's website.
Her subjects tend toward forms caught in motion: dresses, dance, hair, sea life and fish with their fins.
She lives in Olympia and draws frequent inspiration from the Pacific Northwest.
"I love capturing movement & grace – a moment in time just before it becomes something new," Harmon wrote in the statement. "It's a challenge to interpret form & texture into the stark contrasts of black & white, then re-imagine it into the brilliant hues of watercolor."
Harmon wrote that she believes art should be accessible. That conviction shapes both her storybook-like illustrative style and the reproductions she offers, which she gears toward items people can use in everyday life.
Her goal, she wrote, is to find a moment that connects with a viewer on an emotional level and "gives you pause to enjoy that moment of beauty with me."
Harlequin's featured artist program pairs visual artists with the theater's productions. A similar reception was held for artist Melissa Hammond during the company's "A Christmas Carol" run.
"Our Town" runs through Sunday, Nov. 1. "Sanctuary City" runs Oct. 9 through Oct. 25.
Harmon's work will be on display throughout both productions.
Residents can follow Harmon's work on Instagram and Facebook at @pinkpolishdesign.







