Alchemy Art Center Starts Artists in Residence, Workshops, Artist Talk Series

Contributed Photo/Alchemy Art Center. Mug with braided handle by Patricia Abel

From Alchemy Art Center

After suspending much of its programming for more than a year, Alchemy Art Center is resurrecting its summer artist in residence, internship programs and workshops, and starting a new artist talk series and community outreach opportunities with Island Rec, the Family Resource Center and San Juan Island Sculpture Park.

Alchemy Art Center, founded by Maria Michaelson and Eben Shay in 2017, is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to creating a thriving arts community on San Juan Island.

Artists in Residence

Contributed Image/Alchemy Art Center. Monotype and woodcut collage by Katy Collier.

This summer, Alchemy will be hosting six amazing artists from all over the globe, beginning with printmaker Katy Collier of Greensboro, North Carolina, and ceramics artist Patricia Abel of California via Prague in June.

Each month, a new set of artists will arrive to live and work on-site at Alchemy, and share their practices through weekend workshops, artist talks and free community activities two Sundays each month in John Linde Park with Island Rec.

You can learn more about Alchemy’s artists in resident workshops and artists talks at www.alchemyartcenter.com and you can pre-register for “Free Art in the Park” at www.islandrec.org/specialevents beginning May 17.

Intern Cohort

Alchemy is also looking forward to the arrival of their 2021 intern cohort, beginning with Tamara Matheson in June and Maya Djiji in July.

These talented ceramics and outreach specialists will be assisting with activities at Island Rec’s Camp Eagle Rock and the Family Resource Center’s Mentorship Program, as well as learning the ins and outs of running a community art center.

They will also be offering interactive activities at farmers markets throughout the summer, so keep your eye out!

Mural

Finally, Alchemy is thrilled to be bringing its popular community mural project, a 15-foot king salmon mosaic, to the San Juan Island Sculpture Park.

Every Sunday from June 20 to Sept. 19, visitors to the park can find Alchemy Art Center Director Maria Michaelson facilitating a tile creation station.

Participants will be able to create a unique clay tile to be incorporated as one of the hundreds making up what will ultimately be a freestanding, double-sided sculpture permanently installed at the Park.

Support for their programming comes from the San Juan Island Community Foundation, ArtsWA, the NEA, the San Juan Island Sculpture Park, and donations of all sizes from community members and supporters of the arts.

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