Chamber Member of the Month

The SJI Chamber of Commerce announces their Featured Member of the Month: WaterWorks Gallery…

History
In 1985, Ruth Offen left her San Francisco gallery job and moved to San Juan Island. Facing an abysmal job market, she turned to what she knew best – art. With a leap of faith and a limited inventory, she opened WaterWorks Gallery in Friday Harbor. Over the years, the gallery has grown and flourished due to Ruth’s exceptional eye for great work.

In 2010, Northwest contemporary artisan jewelry was introduced. The gallery’s jewelry artists are garnering rave reviews, with their unique wearable work at accessible price points.

Mission
The mission at WaterWorks has always been the same: Showcase regional artists in a setting that allows their Pacific Northwest inspiration to remain center stage. Why? Because it’s important to honor the sense of adventure captured within each piece.

What’s in a Name
WaterWorks can thank Monopoly, a game of chance, for its name. When Ruth first opened, the gallery was located next to a tavern called The Electric Company. To give the gallery an approachable identity, Ruth named it after one of the game’s other utility stops. In 1986 the gallery moved to its current location at the intersection of Argyle Street and Web Street.

Note from Ruth – “Celebrating the gallery’s 30th anniversary. Shown on the wall behind me, are some of the gallery’s invitations”.

Ruth Offen
WaterWorks Gallery
315 Argyle
Friday Harbor
360.378.3060
www.waterworksgallery.com​

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