After many vibrant years of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration, abstract and experimental artist Terry Grasteit is officially retiring from the Blue Whole Gallery. A long-time member and integral part of the gallery community, Terry’s departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter — one filled with bold color, movement, and expression that defined his distinctive artistic voice.
Terry’s work, known for its dynamic compositions, emotional depth, and fearless exploration of abstract expression, has been a highlight of the Blue Whole Gallery for years. His paintings have consistently pushed boundaries and invited viewers into a rich inner world where movement, mood, and mystery converge.
In an interview with the Sequim Gazette in 2014, Terry expressed that he doesn’t care so much what you see in his work, so long as you see it. “I want to move people off center,” he said. “Even if they look and move on after a second, it’s OK.”
As Terry steps away from his role at the gallery, we celebrate not just his art, but the spirit he brought into our community. Though he may be retiring from gallery life, Terry plans to continue to paint privately and we know his artistic journey will continue to evolve.
Thank you Terry for your years of creativity and inspiration. The Blue Whole Gallery won’t be the same without you, but your influence will always be felt.
Terry and Anne have been such an integral part of our gallery! I will miss them both with all my being. I look forward to see where the next adventure takes them. Happy Retirement, Terry. May your and Anne’s years be filled with all the color and excitement you gave everyone!
We’ll miss you Terry! And Annie too!
Our little cooperative will sorely miss both Terry and Annie. They both have added such fun and upbeat energy to the mix.
My heart is gladdened to know Terry is continuing to paint: this is such an inspiration. We can keep our creativity alive and juicy even into our nineties!
Enjoy your retirement! You will be missed.
I loved working with Terry while we hung the Foss area of the gallery. He always made me laugh and brought a huge amount of joy to my day. I miss him greatly!
You will be missed!
I am going to miss your bold paintings in the gallery Terry! I hope you keep learning and adding to your talents. I will also miss seeing Anne in the gallery. I hope you coming visit during First Fridays!
A goodbye to Terry’s inspiring presence in the gallery. I’m pleased to hear that his creative spirit will continue with his painting.
Hi Terry,
The BWG will not be the same without your color-expressive artwork. You have a delightful eye for color transferred to canvass in the “Terry Style”. Your artistic works will be missed but missed more will be the smiling Terry and Anne faces around the Gallery. Enjoy your retirement and come see us frequently.
We will miss both of you and the paintings were greatly missed at hanging this month. I felt a bit handicapped when placing the pieces for the wall. It was not quite right. Hopefully it is OK and we will continue to see good work from us all. Thanks for all of your input and your teaching and helping us all. Hopefully we can get a chance to see what is happening in your studio.
Love you both.
Mary
Terry, you have been a good friend and a wonderful artist to get to know. I have learned a lot from you while hanging the gallery each month and greatly value your eye and your opinion when it comes to Art and life and spacing.
Hoping this next chapter brings joy to you and Annie and wonderful art. Please come and visit us often.
Congratulations, Terry! Keep on keeping on!