Exploring the Arts on San Juan Island - Studio Tours, Sculpture Park & Hidden Gems, oh my!

Visual art plays a vital and vibrant part in San Juan Island’s culture. In Friday Harbor alone, there are three museums and nine art galleries all within walking distance of our Bird Rock Hotel. There is an abundance of kid-friendly events around art and lots of spots to tickle one’s own creativity.

As soon as you step off the ferry in cute Friday Harbor, you are greeted by "Interaction", the portal of welcome by talented Salish Coast artist and member of the Musqueum Tribe, Susan Point. “Interaction” acknowledges Native presence in the San Juan Islands and is dedicated to welcome us all to work together. Yes, please!

Here are our other absolute faves:

San Juan Island Artist Studio Tour – first weekend in June

This self-guided artist studio tour in early June is an absolute must-see. Visit 19 studios and enjoy the work of 46 local artists all over San Juan Island, as they share their artistic process and let us peek into their sacred studios where the art is made. Don't miss Paula West's studio and her whimsical pottery on Bailer Hill Road.

San Juan Islands Sculpture Park – Starfish Project

Open year-round, this 20-acre gem on beautiful Westcott Bay features five trails lined with sculptures, interactive displays and poems, as well as the Starfish Project: a starfish-shaped sandbox loaded with art supplies to make your own art. Such an inspiring place to have a picnic! Dogs are welcome.

San Juan Islands Museum of Art - Saturday Family Art Days

This quaint and excellent art museum in Friday Harbor is dedicated to displaying art from the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia with a strong sense of place. In addition, IMA’s support of our elementary school is crucial to the art education on the isle. Enjoy making arts and crafts with the entire family on Saturday mornings, starting in June.

Friday Harbor Gallery Tour

Find nine galleries in walking distance to our Bird Rock Hotel. Explore the art work of local carvers, painters, jewelry makers and photographers and birng a piece of San Juan Island home with you.

Alchemy Art Center

The Alchemy Art Center in the heart of San Juan Island specializes in art classes for pottery, print-making and dark-room photography. They offer artist talks and live music, yoga and fun art classes like the upcoming Big Head planters. Treat your family or girlfriends to a private sculpture making class?