Unclad - The Fine Art of the Figure

Our history, mission, and team

“UNCLAD - The Fine Art of the Figure” is an annual exhibit celebrating the nude figure in art. This highly anticipated annual event draws thousands of visitors together each year for an experience that is unexpected, somewhat provocative, and highly engaging. The intrinsic nature of the subject has motivated artists to explore and push their boundaries, producing a show that inspires, opens minds, starts discussions, stirs emotions, and touches lives.

Since its inception, UNCLAD has been a phenomenon that has taken on a life of its own. Nine years ago, Gayle Picken, who was married to a sculptor and managed their Camano Island gallery, decided to celebrate her husband’s birthday in an innovative fashion. She invited several local artists to participate in a nude art show at their gallery and, much to her surprise, her phone started ringing off the hook. Artists she didn’t even know asked if they could be in the show, excited they had found a venue for displaying nudes. That first year, 29 artists participated, crowds poured into the gallery, and the show was born.

Since then, the show has grown exponentially in terms of numbers of participating artists, quality and diversity of the artwork, and attendance. Last year the show featured artwork by 95 artists from across North America and attracted over 3000 visitors. More than 30 volunteers helped with planning, promoting, setting up, and greeting visitors during the show. Local businesses advertised in the program and became sponsors. The “by invitation only” Preview Party filled the hall to capacity with artists and patrons eager to get the ‘first look.’ A special wine tasting event has been included that raised nearly $4000 for the American Cancer Society and events such as a book review, fashion show, and art lecture have helped to broaden the scope and include more community participation.

As UNCLAD expands to become a festival known throughout the country, the core idea remains the same as it did during the very first show. The stark-naked truth is — that this show called UNCLAD is all about having fun in the business of art. For so many people–artists, art enthusiasts, and the community in general–UNCLAD provides excitement, pleasure, anticipation, and a great source of inspiration.

MISSION

Our mission with UNCLAD: to create a beautiful art event that engages people in the world of art and inspires artists to push forward.

The 2010 Team

Gayle Picken, founder and director
Patti Pontikis, director and Collector’s Preview chair
Joyce Lukaczer, Show Catalog and Program
Anne Daletski, Relay for Life team captain
Bobbie Mueller, Life Drawing Marathon
Crystal Heneger, gallery volunteer
Jessica Maley, student intern

Our Wonderful Volunteers

Kathleen Chase
Sylvia Domoto
Pete Domoto
Patricia Fay
Tom Jensen
High School Students from Gail Merrick’s class
Dick Meske
Donald Miller
Alice Picken
Mikki Picken
Helen Saunders
Gary Shields
George Stevenson
Ruth Westra
(this list grows everyday! If you’d like to volunteer for the show, just let me know)

Contact Information

We’d love to hear your comments and questions!

Phone: 360.629.4297
Email: gayle@uncladart.com

Mailing Address:
UNCLAD Art Show
PO Box 1393
Stanwood, WA 98292