Art, science and whimsy at SJIMA this spring
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, February 24, 2026
By Barbara Marrett
SJIMA board member
Three exhibitions promise creativity and fun at Friday Harbor’s arts nucleus, March 6 through June 1.
Get ready for an artistic adventure at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art. From March 6 to June 1, the museum’s galleries will burst with color, nature and scientific inspiration from three acclaimed artists: Lauren Boilini, Janis Miltenberger and Dan Brown. Whether a longtime art lover or simply curious, the museum’s spring exhibitions will spark inspiration and invite everyone to rediscover the joy of creative expression.
Step into the Nichols Gallery for Lauren Boilini’s “Celestial Navigation,” where swirling flocks of birds and insects create a symphony of movement and color. Her dynamic patterns draw you into a world where nature’s chaos becomes mesmerizing rhythm. Through her work, Boilini explores the concept of excess and how, when repeated to the point of meaninglessness, abundance can dissolve into mere pattern. Her work reflects on society’s relentless pursuit of more, “until the more we are looking for loses its meaning.”
Currently, Boilini teaches painting and drawing at The Evergreen State College. Collaboration remains a vital aspect of her artistic approach. She is currently working on a project for SeaTac’s South Concourse in partnership with frequent collaborator Henry Cowdery.
In the North Gallery, Lopez artist Janis Miltenberger’s “Productive Uncertainty” showcases dazzling glass sculptures that fuse storytelling with craftsmanship. Miltenberger’s work explores themes of grief, healing and whimsy, transforming delicate glass into textured tales that evoke both wonder and comfort. Her pieces often reference healing plants and marine life, intertwining nature’s restorative power with the magic of art. Each sculpture is a testament to resilience and imagination, inviting visitors to reflect on the mysteries and beauty of the world around them.
“While studio life is largely solitary,” Janis tells us, “this solitude provides the focus needed to create intimate, narrative-driven works.” Much of her work is inspired by her San Juan Islands surroundings. She exhibits globally and has taught at leading glassmaking schools in the United States, Europe and Japan.
The Atrium Gallery features Dan Brown’s “Iron and Wood: Sculptures of the Northwest,” a lively collection celebrating the spirit of the region. Brown’s constructed sculptures, made from metal, wood and found objects, seem to swim, dance and soar — capturing the playful energy of fish, foals and human figures. His whimsical creations are not only visually engaging but also reflect a deep appreciation for sustainability and resourcefulness, rooted in his lifelong habit of repurposing materials. Alongside these imaginative sculptures, Brown’s watercolor paintings of trout, included in his book “Fictitious Trout,” bring charm and fantasy to the exhibition. These playful reinterpretations highlight his joy in the natural world and invite viewers to connect with both the art and the artist.
With degrees in wildlife biology and education from Washington State University, Brown spent decades teaching art and science, inspiring students as the sole art teacher for Okanogan Middle and High School. Awarded the Washington Art Educators’ Association “Golden Apple” in 2001, Brown’s impact as a teacher and artist continues to shape communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, where his sculptures grace galleries, art trails and public spaces.
SJIMA is located at 540 Spring St., Friday Harbor, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Monday. See www.SJIMA.org for guided tour info, and more artist information. Plan a visit: Mondays are pay-what-you-can. Museum members and children under 18 always have free admission; others pay $10. SJIMA’s spring exhibitions will deliver delight in the heart of Friday Harbor — where creativity and community thrive together.
