World traveler, professional photographer, lover of animals and the arts – these are a few words that help to encapsulate the essence of Julie D. Taylor, the featured artist at the Arts Alive! Gallery in Enumclaw beginning in January. She won the King County Base Camp award in 2002 and several honorable mention honors including the Auburn art show and Base Camp through the years.

Taylor was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2002 and died in 2009, leaving behind a large collection of framed and matted prints from her years of photography. She said that she was going to live every day to the fullest and not let the diagnosis deter her so she spent part of each year undergoing medical treatments interspersed with trips to places like Belize, Hawaii, the Northeast during the fall colors, and the Canadian Rockies to name a few, taking pictures of whatever caught her eye.

When she was not attending a board meeting for the Arts Alive! Gallery or taking pictures on one of the trips she loved to plan, she was taking hand drum lessons, singing with the Cascade Foothills Chorale, singing and dancing in one of the Stage Door Productions’ of “Oklahoma” and “Kiss Me Kate” and working with the pictures she loved. She was a strong supporter of all local artists as well during her 10-plus years on the Arts Alive! board.

The exhibit starting in January will be the last chance for the public to view and purchase her photography. The exhibit will be changed many times during its run so keep coming in to see what’s new. The collection includes a wide variety of landscapes, animals and whimsical items found in nature, in detail and color. There will also be cards suitable for any occasion featuring Taylor’s work for sale.

The gallery always encourages artists who may want to sell their work to call 360-802-6787 to schedule a portfolio review.