Submitted by event organizers

Join at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 1, at the San Juan Community Theatre for a benefit for the Alchemy Art Center on San Juan. The event will feature a dessert reception followed by a concert by Birds of Chicago. The cost is $100 per person, which includes prime seating for the concert.

Last year, two island artists, Maria Michaelson and Eben Shay, purchased land off Wold Road to establish a teaching and creating center for the visual arts on San Juan Island. One year later they are launching Alchemy, with space for all types of ceramic artists to work and learn. They host visiting artists and offer both weekly help sessions and several day courses of instruction. Islanders who become members have use of all of the facilities for modest fees.

To celebrate the completion of this phase and launch the next, there will be a wine, dessert and “savories” reception on the Steele patio of San Juan Community Theatre. Attendees can meet the founders, as well as other members of the Alchemy crew and view their work. Attendees will also meet the members of Birds of Chicago. The tax-deductible ticket includes a reserved seat for the concert which begins at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the evening will allow Alchemy to add a darkroom and printmaking facilities.

To learn more about Alchemy and order tickets, visit www.alchemyartcenter.com.