The Kitsap Regional Library’s downtown Bremerton branch will present “Monkey Tales” by Sally Jo Martine, Friday, June 7, from 3 to 6 p.m.
“Monkey Tales,” is a whimsical character-based exhibit of hand-crafted sock monkeys by artist/author Sally Jo Martine, owner of Beach Works. The collection will be on display throughout the month and KRL will participate in the First Fridays Art Walk with a reception for the artist on Friday.
Join the escapades of two dozen sock monkeys as they bare their souls in celebration of their own “personhood.” You’ll meet a yeti-monkey, rhino monkey, former cheerleader, dog monkeys, mystics, sculptress, and a nudist along the way. The one-of-a-kind originals came to life somewhere between their body parts and fashion accessories, Martine said.
Each monkey has their own story, yet they share a common purpose – to bring joy into the lives of others. Martine said, “At a certain point, the monkeys started looking back at me, and it became clear I had to record and share their tales!”
Designs are guided by the materials and each monkey’s ancient wisdom. Materials are generally reclaimed and repurposed and often include found or natural items.
Inspired by the beaches and forests of the Pacific Northwest, Beach Works radiates from a deep and playful inner space, and Martine repeatedly finds herself immersed in projects that follow their own nature to animate their lives.
Stop by the Kitsap Regional Library downtown Bremerton branch and meet the artist June 7. The exhibit will remain up throughout the month of June.
Regular KRL hours are Monday and Wednesday at 1 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, 1 to 5 p.m., Friday, 1 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free at Kitsap Regional Library, 612 5th Street, Bremerton.
Martine’s books include “Peeling Back the Heart: Exposing the Soul” and “Monkey Tales.” She is hard at work on two additional titles for release this summer – “Monkey Tales II” and “Survivor Tales.”
She owns Beach Works, a virtual space where monkeys, masks, and poetry play house together. Visit online at www.facebook.com/beachworks.net and www.beachworks.net.
Many of the actual monkeys are available for adoption; email sally@beachworks.net to inquire.
Both books may be checked out from the Kitsap Regional Library. They may also be purchased online at www.beachworks.net and www.amazon.com, or in person at Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo and Eagle Harbor Book Company on Bainbridge Island.
