Story and photos by Janette Turner

Good genes and a happy marriage nearly three decades ago at age 50 gave artist Pamela Harold the foundation to become one of Edmonds’ most cherished artists. On Tuesday, June 5, she will be featured at the weekly Kiwanis meeting, and on June 13, she will be celebrated at the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation Artists of Tomorrow Benefit. My Edmonds News recently visited Harold in her home studio to get a glimpse of her painting career.

“I went to Greece in September,” said Harold, showing paintings from her travels. “I went to Egypt the year before, and they had a revolution. My daughter told me I had to stay home (because instability seemed to follow).” Fortunately, Harold has a good sense of humor and a sun-filled studio with Puget Sound outside her windows, so staying home is a pleasure.

When asked how she found time to produce scrapbooks filled with photos of her watercolor paintings, Harold said, “I got my work ethic from my mother, and I learned to draw from my dad.  Later, I taught him to do water color.”

Returning the favor comes easily to Harold, whose images of local icons, ferries and flower gardens, reflect her love for her town. Lately, she added verse writing to her pursuits. Friends have encouraged her to publish the stories she pens for grandchildren, but Harold limits herself to production. Below is one of her Haiku poems.

Clouds
outlined in blue
fat white whales
over the land

On June 13, the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation will celebrate Harold’s accomplishments at the Artists of Tomorrow Benefit. The event, with more information here, raises money to provide future artists with scholarships, grants and inspiration. Information on this Tuesday’s Edmonds Kiwanis meeting can be found here.