WHO is Red Dragonfly? Peter...

Peter was born in Denmark at a very early age and soon came to realize that he had probably been left behind by a long gone race of non-humans.

Sarah Nash & Peter Messerschmidt, Red Dragonfly Proprietors

As a toddler, he became fascinated with the patterns of the natural world and started to draw them in the dirt and the margins of his school homework.

He grew up in a house filled with art and perhaps the most useful thing he learned from his parents was an appreciation for beautiful hand made things.

School was a bit of a struggle, because he spent a lot of time "doodling in the margins" rather than paying attention to what was going on in class. His favorite toy was a Spirograph... but even the Spirograph wasn't around, he would draw the same patterns it created.

He never perceived himself as "artistic," but did spend endless hours in nature, usually carrying a camera... closely studying natural patterns in flowers and rocks.

In spite of himself, he managed to survive high school and five years of college

Between 1985 and 1999, he was owner/operator of high end fine crafts, art and gift gallery in Austin, Texas, where he learned the "business side" of art and fine crafts. A few years after exiting the art business, he migrated across the country to Port Townsend, Washington which he has called "home" ever since.

A selection of Peter's "Alchemy Stones"

All the while, he was still drawing intricate nature-inspired patterns in the margins... until one day, perhaps around 2010, wife Sarah persuaded him to draw such a pattern on a rock. After a series of experiments, "Alchemy Stones" were born.

These days, he can be found at The Red Dragonfly on most days, and Alchemy Stones have become part of the permanent exhibit at the gallery. You might even catch him painting on rocks, at the back of the gallery.

Sarah and Peter were not planning to have an art gallery, but when the opportunity arose to continue the tradition started by Red Raven and build Port Townsend's "alternative art space," they were happy to dive back into the art world.

When you're in town, come by and meet us at the red Dragonfly!