Peter Everly - Chesaw, Washington Surrealist

Although there was no indication of what was to come, the descent into Chesaw was so steep it caught my attention. But out beyond the "town" (the link above has photos) there was little of interest. Deciding I'd rather be further south and in anticipation of the ascent of the prev-noted hill, I dumped my water and stopped at The Merc (short for Mercantile) to inquire about art.

I strode in exuding my best "former art dealer comes to town" and was quickly made welcome at the roundtable where Sandee and Bill Everly, the owners, and a woman named Roe who had a left-handed sidearm that might have been an auto 45, were wiling away the afternoon.

When I asked where all the fine art was, Bill gestured broadly, pointing out the paintings by his brother Pete. After chatting a bit, Bill phoned Pete who met me on the road and guided me to an exhibit of his paintings in Tonasket.

Peter was well-known in his day in San Diego and along with having made a living selling his work (a rare accomplishment) had a couple of New-age bookcovers to his credit.

Second Coming

Now retired, he was enjoying his leisure. Although he said he'd never had a teddy bear, "The Second Coming" was his favorite.