A new face for IMA

Click for larger version

In May 2013 the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (IMA) acquired the old EMS building at 540 Spring Street in Friday Harbor. Over the past several months great progress has been made in designing the renovation of the old EMS building into a visually impactful Visual Arts Museum here in Friday Harbor.

Richard Hobbs, FAIA + Wagner Galloway, Architects was chosen as the project architect. Richard led a series of collaborative meetings with the IMA Building Committee as they identified and prioritized their needs for this facility. The results of this collaboration are represented in the architectural drawing shown here.

The stunning, light – filled glass Atrium Gallery will be added to the front of the current building. This impactful design faces Spring Street and the artful combination of wood, steel and glass create an impressive structure. This Atrium Gallery can feature sculptural art as well as serve as an open reception area for special exhibitions and events.

The covered walkway to the east of the building leads you to the main entrance of the Museum where light again envelopes you from the high glass entry way. A staircase just to your right as you enter the Museum will lead you upstairs to the “Workshop/Teaching” space. From the reception area, just inside the first floor entrance, you can turn right to enjoy the art display in the “North Gallery” or turn left to enter into the “Main Gallery” exhibit area; and continuing through the “Main Gallery” large archways allow you to progress into the “Atrium Gallery”.

In addition to the artistic renovation of the exterior of the building, critical improvements are being made to the interior to ensure an enjoyable art experience, as well as protecting the art work themselves. Significant interior structural changes are being made to ensure quality systems providing temperature, humidity and light control in all of the galleries and art storage areas.

When completed, this magnificent 5,800 square ft facility, which is artful in its own presentation, will house ongoing art exhibitions and workshops from national, regional and local artists. It is projected that IMA’s first opening exhibition in this new space will take place July 2014.

IMA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and depends on donations, fundraising, and dedicated volunteers. For more information, check out the IMA website at www.sjima.org or call (360) 370-5050.

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.