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A group of 14 artistic ladies led by the energetic Carol Merrick are featured in the extraordinary exhibit “Les Dames du Collage — the Ladies of Collage,” which opens with a reception 6 to 9 p.m. May 2 during the First Friday Gallery Walk and continues through May 31 at the Depot Art Center Gallery.

Merrick has worked in collage for many years and enjoys teaching others the technique. She is joined by “les dames” Peggy Doyle, Virginia Dusenbury, Margaret Carpenter Arnett, Chris Elliott, Christie Houston, Janet Morgan, Lavonne Newell-Reim, Joann Osseward, Barbara Stockwell, Barbara Silverman Summers, Rose Mary Tate, Susie Thompson and Janie Ackerman. Each artist will show three newly completed works. All artwork is for sale.

The technique of pasting normally unrelated materials on a common surface to create artwork can result in whimsical or decidedly sophisticated art, and Ackerman’s work falls in the latter category. In pieces such as her “Bamboo Reflections,” sunlight seems to illuminate the outer fringes of a dense jungle before fading into the shadowy recesses of undergrowth.

Also opening during the Gallery Walk at the Scott Milo Gallery is show of abstract acrylics by Anacortes artist Clayton Rippey and ceramics by Vic Bracke of Orcas Island. The gallery presents a great selection of Rippey’s new abstract acrylics and Bracke’s ceramic stoneware. Also showing are new works in pastel and acrylic by Joel Brock, oils by Dederick Ward, Native American carvings by Kevin Paul, photographs by Lewis Jones and mixed media by Renate Trapkowski, as well as new jewelry, sculptures, glasswork and beautifully crafted wood tables.

Two popular gallery artists promising two additions are featured May 1-31 at Insights Gallery. Dianna Shyne, a Pacific Northwest artist recognized for both her experimental and traditional paintings, is currently working bold acrylics influenced by training in Russian Impressionistic style. She is joined by Annie Schreivogl of Anacortes, who is well-known for bright whimsical paintings depicting her positive approach to everyday life.

The new artists are Gordon Edberg and Yvonne Buijs-Mancuso. Edberg creates oil paintings alive with color. Inspired by the vast land and sea of the Pacific Northwest, he catches light, color, and movement in unexpected ways. Buijs-Mancuso works in encaustic, which she describes as the medium she has been searching for. She achieves translucent, glass-like effects that are truly unique.
Other Gallery Walk participants:

• Anne Martin McCool Gallery, 711 Commercial Ave., presents new oil paintings by McCool and other gallery artists.

• Digital Art Moments, 512 Commercial Ave., is showing Native American style art by Fred Croydon.

• Adrift, 510 Commercial Ave., presents Intaglio prints and handmade notebooks decorated with papers from etchings and monoprints by Stella Spring and small oil paintings framed in local timber as a collaboration with artists Nicolette Harrington and Tim Hyatt.

• Bowman Gallery, 801 Fifth St., is showing photographs by Marius Hibbard and David Hibbard.