PAWA paints Port Townsend 2-day Paint Out 2026

This event is for PAWA members only. If you'd like to join, please go to our website, PleinAirWashingtonArtists.com.

Facilitator: Anne Pfeiffer Email: [email protected] Cell Phone:540-556-2941

If you plan to join this paint out it is strongly recommended that you book your accommodation/camp ground as soon as possible.

Last year's paint out in Port Townsend was lots of fun, but the 2026 one might be even better because we are scheduling it to be right before the Wooden Boat Festival (11th-13th). That means that the Point Hudson Marina will be full of wooden boats, since they arrive before the festival starts. And there should be a lot at anchor in the harbor as well. Some of us will be staying for the festival as well. If you have a non-painting partner, they might just want to come for all the great boats and restaurants and shops and Fort Worden.
Port Townsend has fascinating historic homes and shops and restaurants both in uptown and downtown. There are street parking and parking lots. Fort Worden State Park has plenty of day parking for painting the lighthouse, sound or cliffs. Water, boats, cool buildings, beaches and Fort Worden make for a fascinating place to paint. Note that the photo I took of all the boats was during the festival, not before, so there won't be as many people as you see in the photo. I will be sending maps and suggested places to paint and park to all the participants in advance.

Day 1 - Wednesday, September 9th

I am sending all the maps and information to you via email one week in advance so we don't need to necessarily all meet in exactly the same place. But let's aim for our first morning to be downtown near the Maritime Center. You can paint the boats from the back of the Center, or walk along Point Hudson to set up near the boats, or paint from Pope Marine Park or walk downtown and set up in the gardens or other open spots. (In case you don't get the email in advance, text me.)

Lunch :There are many restaurants and cafes in Port Townsend. For food stores, I am a big fan of the Coop and Aldrich's, and there is a Safeway, but none are within easy walking distance.

After lunch: Your choice (you will receive a lot suggestions from me in an email, a week in advance.)

End of Day: This info will be in the email I will send out.

Day 2 -Thursday September 10th
Some of us will probably be at Fort Worden, but there are so many places to choose from.

Lunch : So many choices!

After lunch: Your choice

End of Day: I will let you know if I can find a suitable indoor location for show and tell.

Recommended Lodging/camping:

There are many motels and inns to stay in, but make sure you reserve early, like today, because of the Wooden Boat Festival, which brings thousands of visitors. The Fort Worden State Park campgrounds are already full, but you could get on the notification list. Starting around June 1st, you can reserve a spot at the nearby Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Most of these spots have hookups but you are all in a row in a field and the sites often need leveling. There is tent camping and a bathhouse. I have stayed there several times and it is not too bad and I usually meet some interesting people there.

Directions : From the Olympic Peninsula, turn north onto 20 at Fat Freddies on 101. From the Kitsap Peninsula, go over the Hood Canal Bridge and then head north on route 19 off of 104. From Seattle, take either the Edmonds to Kingston Ferry or the Downtown to Bainbridge Ferry, find your way to the Hood Canal Bridge and then turn north on route 19. From Mt. Vernon and north, you might want to drive to the Coupeville Ferry on Whidbey Island, which deposits you right next to downtown Port Townsend (you need to reserve a spot in advance for this ferry).

FAQ's

What should I/shouldn't I bring to the event?

You probably won't be able to park exactly where you want to paint, so be mobile and ready for any weather. It can get very, very windy in Port Townsend.

Is there water, bathrooms, shelter available?

There are nice public bathrooms near Pope Marine Park and Fort Worden beach.

Is there cell coverage at the location?

Yes

Other notes about this event - include parking info, whether a pass is needed, restrictions, how to spot you, etc:

To park in Fort Worden, you will need a Discover Pass. For downtown there is parking that is not time restricted on Monroe St. and up high on Washington St. near the courthouse. But I will be sending all that info in an email to everyone who has signed up at least a week in advance.

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