At SJIMA, fine art isn’t always a painting

||| FROM DIANE MARTINDALE for SAN JUAN ISLANDS MUSEUM OF ART |||

If you think all art exhibits are about paintings, think again. At the annual Artists’ Registry Show (AR) at the San Juan Islands’ Museum of Art (SJIMA) paintings are just one of many art forms you’ll see there. The San Juan Islands have long been considered an art destination, in large part due to the remarkable talent of so many artists in so many different mediums. The varied selections are prime examples of that creativity. With over 80 local artists showcasing work in the galleries, visitors can take in canvases, mixed
media, sculpture, assemblage, monoprints, photography, wood working, jewelry and much more.

It is important to note that this event is not all about traditional paintings on canvas! Many other diverse art forms by local artists enchant residents, tourists and students, alike, making the museum well worth a visit before the show closes on February 21.

For example, Howard Rosenfeld of San Juan Island presents his piece, Morning Star, a copper drypoint engraving. Drypoint Engraving is a form of intaglio printmaking that Rosenfeld has perfected over the years. The piece was created by hand-pulling the print from an engraved copper plate of the ship, Bark Morning Star, built in 1853.

San Juan Island artist, Craig Britton’s piece, No Direction, is a fused glass decorative bowl in vivid primary colors and geometric shapes. Britton claims to be a self-taught craftsman of many trades who loves the process of experimentation.

Orcas Island fine art photographer, Peter Olesen, says landscape photography is a way of life for him. The piece he chose to exhibit this year is 42 Stories, is a bit of a departure from typical landscape photography in that the color photo depicts the side of a cruise ship, peopled by brightly clad passengers leaning over the rails of the ship’s balconies.

Jewelry artist and gemologist, Wendy Smith, also from San Juan Island, captivates with her necklace, entitled, Sea of Green. It is an exquisite example of jewelry as fine art, comprised of freshwater pearls, aquamarine, and sterling silver. Smith says she finds inspiration in gems and pearls in relation to how they have been worn throughout history and creates her pieces with that in mind.

Lisa Lange of San Juan Island has been working in clay for over 30 years, in both stoneware and porcelain. Her piece, Clouds is a black stoneware cylindrical vase measuring almost 12” high and 6” wide. Lange says she likes to combine art, craft and function in her work.

Others submitting work in the category of Photography are Samantha Warhol, Robert Dash, Florence McAlary, and Bonita Diemoz. Jewelry artistes also included are Patricia Morse and Irene Embrey. Others working in Stoneware and Ceramics in the exhibition are Paula West and Chris Umierski and Claudia Fullerton and Kathy Crain are featuring their work in fused and sand carved glass.

The AR Show closes February 21 at 5:00. Don’t miss an opportunity to see this exciting representation of talent in the San Juan Islands!

Located in Friday Harbor at 540 Spring Street, admission to the museum is $10. SJIMA members and those 18 and under admitted free. Museum hours are Friday through Monday, 11-5.  Mondays are Pay as You Can Days. For further information visit www.sjima.org

The Artists’ Registry show is brought to us by The Honeywell Charitable Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington State Arts Commission, San Juan Island Community Foundation, Town of Friday Harbor, Anonymous, Printonyx, Browne’s Home Center and Harbor Rentals.