Ruth Walter is well known to islanders for her work as a silversmith. Her Celtic-inspired jewelry has been a favorite for decades. Ruth works in a wide variety of media, including sculpture, woodworking, leather, fabric, and collage. During the month of October the Orcas Island Artworks will premiere her work as a painter.

“I have not shown my paintings before as I think of them as private stories,” she said. “Art has always driven me. Any material at all inspires me to make something creative and beautiful. When I want to know my life’s purpose, I do something creative. It brings me back to my own joy and delight. I believe there is an artist in all of us, where we can get lost in the creative process and find healing by making beauty.”

The Artworks is open daily from 10 to 5.