Where Creativity Blooms: Discover dj whelan's Art Farm Gallery and Community Spirit

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A feast of visual works at The Art Farm. Photo by Carolyn Lewis. [/caption]

Arts reporting by Carolyn Lewis

From the moment I arrived at dj whelan’s home (who goes by the all-lowercase version of her name), it was clear that art permeates every corner of her life. Her property brims with creativity, from mobiles and driftwood figures to paintings, collages, and assemblages.

The Art Farm Gallery, her on-site show space, is surrounded by pathways leading to hand-built structures housing her studio, workspaces, and a collection of foraged treasures. The environment is dotted with cozy nooks for relaxing and reflecting, all nestled within a vibrant garden of fruit trees and flowers. It’s a space that feels alive, calming, and inspiring all at once.

At the heart of her property is the small gallery, which is dedicated to showcasing lesser-known local artists, including works by her mother, Carol Whelan, whose wonderful mobiles are also created from found objects discovered at garage sales, the local beaches, thrifting trips, and scrapyards. She works to find the balance between diamonds and rust in her creations. dj and Carol often work on art projects together, and Carol, who is an amazing baker, also makes the delicious food served at  Art Farm Gallery openings.

True to its mission, the gallery does not take commissions on art sales, ensuring full support for the artists. Quarterly art shows feature a mix of art, live music, and homemade food, creating an immersive community experience.

Describing herself as a survivor of nomadic hippie parents and having lived in 42 homes over 35 years, this transitory lifestyle has shaped her into a lifelong gatherer of discarded and interesting items—a practice evident in both her art and daily life. She continues to forage for materials to repurpose, giving new life to forgotten objects.

dj whelan's artistic journey began in childhood. She recalls making books, inventing maps, and creating worlds for her Barbie dolls. Her parents were both creative and her mother’s resourcefulness in gathering and assembling materials left a lasting impression. This influence is evident in DJ’s work, especially her sculptural assemblages and mixed-media creations, and her art spans both indoor and outdoor spaces.

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Photo by Carolyn Lewis [/caption]

In her studio, she primarily focuses on painting, mixed media, and small sculptural assemblages using found and natural materials like wood, clay, wire, and beach treasures. Outdoors, her work blends seamlessly with nature—garden totems, sculptural installations, and pathways crafted from salvaged stone. She’s drawn to materials with a history, valuing their character and previous life. “I have never pre-planned anything creative; the materials I find often dictate the direction of my work,” dj whelan said.

For dj whelan, creativity is instinctive and unplanned. While she may hold an image or story in her mind, the materials themselves often dictate the direction of her work. Assemblages come together almost unconsciously, guided by an innate sense of composition and balance.

Recurring motifs include birds, often appearing in her paintings, set within dreamscapes and imaginary worlds. In her sculptural work, she explores themes of reuse, history, and ancestry, finding inspiration in the layers of stories embedded within objects. Her aesthetic often feels like an excavation of time, revealing the beauty of age and history.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of her practice. She avoids purchasing new materials unless absolutely necessary, instead sourcing from trash piles, yard sales, and beaches. She views the act of repurposing as both an ethical responsibility and a creative opportunity, breathing new life into cast-off items. One of her most memorable projects is the Art Farm Gallery itself, built from salvaged materials with help from her mother and aunt. This rustic gallery space feels like an evolving artwork, blending the environment, gardens, and art into a cohesive and ever-changing experience she draws inspiration from a range of artists, including fiber artist Clarissa Callesen, sculptors Vanessa German and Alison Saar, and painters like Anselm Kiefer. Their work resonates with her love for discarded materials and layered stories.

A sense of home and belonging lies at the heart of her creative vision, and her art builds tiny worlds that invite viewers to connect, evoke memories, and find comfort. “The day feels wasted if I am not creating something,” dj says. She hopes her work feels familiar in an abstract way, like a dream or a fleeting memory.

Visiting dj whelan's studio was an inspiring experience, and her dedication to creating art and fostering community shines brightly.

Carolyn Lewis is a serial entrepreneur, artist, and community builder happily living and volunteering in Port Townsend. Visit her social media group on Facebook at Port Townsend Life and follow her on Instagram @linalewisart