Like Montmartre in Paris, or the East Village in New York—the north end of Spring Street is now the center for art in Friday Harbor.

The San Juan Islands Museum of Art opened its doors for the first time Fri., Dec. 5, with “Unveiling: the Best of the IMA’s Artist Registry” as its inaugural show. The exhibit features the work of island artists in every medium, much of which is for sale, and runs through Jan. 25.

“This is not arts and crafts,” IMA’s Rebecca Parks said. “This is art you’d be proud to put on your wall—fine art.”

The Artist’s Registry began in 2010, the brainchild of island artist Yvonne Buijs-Mancuso. It was started as a resource for artists to connect as a community, and to have a place to exhibit their work in a professional, elegant gallery atmosphere.

Since it first took form, the registry has put on nomadic shows, using empty storefronts and the community theatre lobby as exhibits. With the opening of IMA, the Artist’s Registry has its home.

IMA had humble beginnings as well. Islander Andrea Simmons was the first to stoke the fire for having a visual arts museum on San Juan. From the initial meetings in her living room a decade ago, to the modernly erected new museum today—IMA has come a long way.

The museum building was funded entirely by grants and personal donations. The project stayed within its $3.25 million budget, which by museum standards is quite low, according to Parks.

“Museums of the same size throughout the Pacific Northwest and United States cost about $20 million,” she said. “But because we had the bones of the structure, and because of our architect, we were able to keep prices astoundingly low.”

IMA’s board of directors took advantage of the structurally sound core of the old EMT building on Spring Street, which was left idle after Peace Island Medical Center opened. The board purchased the property in 2013.

Architect Richard Hobbs added a sweeping glass and steel atrium, giving the building a dramatic, modern new look. The interior is home to three galleries and a studio where future workshops will be held.

The new building has sparked different opinions among islanders. Some praise its look, while others grumble it doesn’t fit with the quaint architecture of most buildings in Friday Harbor.

“The building is perfect–art is meant to engender conversation,” said Mayor Carrie Lacher. “I think this is another piece of our cultural environment.”

Not only will the Museum exhibit local art, but art from around the country and the world. The official grand opening of the museum will feature the critically acclaimed work of California-born and Seattle-based artist, William Morris. Morris’s glass-blown sculptures will be on display beginning Feb. 14.

IMA functions as a non-profit organization where all proceeds, after operational costs, go toward art education in San Juan County. High School students will also be able to exhibit work in the museum’s North Gallery in between shows.

At the museum’s opening reception Friday evening, the line to get in was out the door. From those donned in suit and tie, to those in work pants and rubber boots, people came with similar intentions-—to embrace, discuss and support island art.

“It’s kind of a phenomenon,” Parks said. “When you open the gates to the art community, the art just floods in.”

The museum is open Fri.-Mon, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free during the Artist’s Registry show.