Artworks Comes Home to Olga

Re-opening Saturday, April 25

— from James Hardman —

The Orcas Artworks re-opens

A beloved Orcas Island institution has come back to life!

Thanks to tremendous community support and contributions large and small, the historic Strawberry Building in the hamlet of Olga has been restored after its devastating fire in July of 2013. The Orcas Island Artworks will reopen its doors on Saturday, April 25.

The Artworks, founded in 1981 to showcase the thriving art and fine craft scene on Orcas Island, is a not-for-profit cooperative, structured so that the maximum proceeds from sales go to its members, who run and staff the gallery. This has helped make it possible for dozens of artists and craftspeople to make a living from their work for more than three decades. The 45 members of the Artworks – six of them new this year – are thrilled to return to their beautifully renovated home.

The Strawberry Barreling Plant was built in 1938 to process the 450 acres of strawberries being produced in the Olga area at that time. The building was repurposed as an art gallery by the Artworks in 1981 and was placed on the Washington State Heritage Register of Historic Places in 2004. The nonprofit Olga Strawberry Council was formed in 2004 to acquire and maintain the building and to ensure its use as a part of the island’s social, cultural, economic and artistic community.

In the aftermath of the fire, the volunteer board of the Strawberry Council shouldered the responsibility for restoring and renovating the building. “This challenge would not have been met without the tireless efforts of our little board and the band of volunteers, the enthusiastic support of our tenants and the huge response of this wonderful community,” said Patsy Stephens, the Board’s President. “This unexpected loss brought out the very best in all.”

The Artworks before the 2013 fire

Seattle architect Ben Trogdon was chosen to design the restoration. His challenge was to preserve the historic elements and appearance of the building while bringing it up to current codes. “It has been such a rewarding and fulfilling experience to help the Orcas Island community breathe new life into the much-loved building, and to extend its useful life for many years to come,” he said. “I hope the elements of design serve not only to support both the artists and the new cafe, but to re-establish the building as a true community landmark for all to enjoy.”

Contractor for the restoration was Terry Gillespie of Sound Construction. Project manager was Jim Nicol. The finished building is full of details that attest to their personal care.

Opening together with the Artworks is the brand new Catkin Cafe, which owner Cheryl Helm describes as “an all scratch kitchen, offering a menu that changes with the seasons.” It will feature island grown meat and produce, and house-made pastries and sweets, strong coffee, fine loose leaf tea, beer and wine.

The James Hardman Gallery will return to its perch in the beautifully refinished loft.

“This is a whole new beginning,” said Carol Anderson, one of the Artworks managers. “There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the Artworks.”

Back home at last, the Artworks is celebrating its 35th season.