Olga then -- The Artworks building in 1983 with some of its founding members: Poppy Anderson, LaDonna Krautkemer, Patsy Stevens, Carol Coffelt, Margarit Englehartson, Chuck Silva, Walt Quade, Marcy Lund, Tony Howard, Michele deLong, Michael Boyd.
By James Hardman
The Orcas Island Artworks and Cafe Olga are celebrating the beginning of their 30th summer season with an old fashioned ice cream social on Saturday, June 26 from 3 to 6. Everyone is invited!
The Artworks is an artists’ cooperative, founded in 1981 by a group of island craftspeople to showcase and market their wares. The Cafe Olga began as a small coffee shop created by Marcy Lund in the same building – a historic strawberry barreling barn dating back to the 1930’s.
Olga now -- The Artworks in 2010 with current members: Maria Papademetriou, Dave Haslett, April Pollock, Scott Schmidt, Sue Roland, Holly Larson, Indira Monk with Sonny, Carol Anderson, Maggie Kaplan, Merry Bush, Flo Bullock, Rita McKinney, James Hardman, Barbara Bentley, Magdelena Verhasselt, Geoff Shilling, Tina Brown, Marilee Holm, Sue Watkin, Ann Jones, Susan Mustard, Ellen Wherette, Philo Lund, Peter Fisher, Betty Bartleson, Gail Glass, Caroline Buchanan, Bill Glass, Rob Thornber.
Over time the two businesses have developed into a beloved island institution for locals and visitors alike. Today the Artworks features over 45 Orcas Island artists and the Cafe, now owned by Bev and Bobby Olmsted, is one of the most popular restaurants on the island, renowned for northwest fare and famous for its baked goods.
Saturday’s festivities will include free ice cream, lemonade, live music, and some wild new creations by Orcas artisans. Come celebrate the beginning of summer!
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
Susan , I didn’t know you made jewelry
How have you been these last few years ?