Local artists Christopher Umierski and Fiona Small will be displaying their creations at San Juan Community Theatre, Nov. 1-28. A reception will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, from 4-7 p.m. for a chance to meet the artists and enjoy some light refreshments. All are welcome. The artworks will be available to view throughout the month during box office hours, Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Islanders may recognize Small, who grew up on San Juan. Coming from an artistic family, she has been surrounded by art from a young age and held her first solo show at 11 years old. In the show, Small will be displaying abstract mixed media pieces, including abstract watercolor and found material collages. There will be a selection of photos from her weekly self-portrait series, “Fashion Fridays,” using thrifted finds and unconventional materials, including seaweed, rotten potatoes, empty wasp nests, colorful produce bags, buoys and more to construct her wild and imaginative looks. “I never want to force any kind of message; it’s open to interpretation,” Small said.

Umierski works in many mediums, including glass, ceramics, sculpture and the visual arts. His inspirations for this practice of creation come from his life experiences, explorations in sound and the nature of the Pacific Northwest. Umierski shares, “In my art, the process is more important than the result and that process is the person’s attitude toward life. Creating art is a tool for cultivating the body and mind.”

“I have so much gratitude toward the island community,” Small said. “Growing up here, with all the support islanders have given me, I’m excited to share my work in return.”