||| FROM GLENN HENDRICK for ALCHEMY ART CENTER |||


After suspending much of their programming for more than a year, Alchemy Art Center is thrilled to announce the return of their summer Artist in Residence and Internship Programs and workshops, a new artist talk series, and even more community outreach in partnership with Island Rec, the Family Resource Center, and the San Juan Island Sculpture Park.  

Monotype and Woodcut Collage by Katy Collier (courtesy of the artist)

This summer, Alchemy will be hosting six amazing artists from all over the country (and internationally), beginning with printmaker Katy Collier (Greensboro, NC) and ceramics artist Patricia Abel (California via Prague) in June.  Each month, a new set of artists will arrive to live and work on-site at Alchemy, and share their practices through weekend workshops (check Alchemy’s website under classes and workshops to sign up), artist talks (learn more under the events page) and free community activities two Sundays each month in John Linde Park with Island Rec.  You can learn more about Alchemy’s artist in resident workshops and artists talks on their website, www.alchemyartcenter.com and you can pre register for “Free Art in the Park” at www.islandrec.org/specialevents/ beginning May 17.

Alchemy is also looking forward to the arrival of their 2021 Intern Cohort, beginning with Tamara Matheson in June and Maya Djiji in July.  These talented ceramics and outreach specialists will be assisting with activities at Island Rec’s Camp Eagle Rock and the Family Resource Center’s Mentorship Program, as well as learning the ins and outs of running a community art center.  They will also be offering interactive activities at farmers markets throughout the summer, so keep your eye out!

Finally, Alchemy is thrilled to be bringing their popular community mural project, a 15 foot King Salmon mosaic, to the San Juan Island Sculpture Park.  Every Sunday from June 20 to September 19, visitors to the Park can find Alchemy Art Center Director Maria Michaelson facilitating a tile creation station.  Participants will be able to create a unique clay tile to be incorporated as one of hundreds making up what will ultimately be a freestanding, double-sided sculpture permanently installed at the Park.  

Alchemy Art Center, founded by Maria Michaelson and Eben Shay in 2017, is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to creating a thriving arts community on San Juan Island.  Support for their programming comes from the San Juan Island Community Foundation, ArtsWA, the NEA, the San Juan Island Sculpture Park, and donations of all sizes from community members and supporters of the arts.

Featured Image Above: Mug with Braided Handle by Patricia Abel (courtesy of the artist)