Dana Alkebu-Lan’s soulful weaving

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Island weaver Dana Alkebu-Lan has served in a variety of career paths over the years: chef, event planner, interior designer, and others. She’s created mosaic murals with elementary students and created botanical hydrolsols, lotions and flower essences from her garden. The same creativity that drove those pursuits now motivates her wall hangings.

“My weaving journey began on a road trip down the coast to Palm Springs with my husband, Horus. I wanted something creative to do along the way, so I picked up a small 12-inch loom and gathered yarn in the colors of the coastline,” Alkebu-Lan said. “By the time we returned home, I had finished two small weavings and immediately ordered a larger loom.”

In weaving, Alkebu-Lan explains, she is drawn to texture, rich color palettes and the sensory experience of working with natural fibers. “The islands are a deep well of inspiration—their rhythms, landscapes, and quiet beauty continue to shape the work I create.”

Alkebu-Lan was drawn to weaving due to its sensory and soulful practice, she said.“Working with natural fibers, texture, and color brings me into a slower, more grounded rhythm. It connects me to a long lineage of women who have woven stories, memory, and meaning into cloth. The process itself feels meditative—finding center, meeting edges, and following intuitive threads.”

She doesn’t look far for inspiration. “The islands inspire much of my work, and weaving gives me a way to translate their beauty and quiet magic into something tangible. It’s a place where creativity, nature, and inner life meet … The shifting light, the tides, the mosses and stones all become color, texture, and rhythm in my work. Mother Nature is also my greatest mirror for personal growth; she continually reminds me about self‑love, compassion, and the beauty of evolving in seasons.” Alkebu-Lan adds that the community inspires her, too. “Teaching, gathering, and witnessing others reconnect with their own creativity keeps my practice alive and expanding. Lately, I’ve also been energized by exploring three‑dimensional shapes within my weavings, letting form, flow, and movement open new pathways of expression.”

Alkebu-Lan and acrylic artist Lisa Lamoreaux co-created Luminous Gallery three years ago. “[It]was a beautiful beginning and helped shape the spirit of the space,” Alkebu-Lan said. Located on the second floor of the Cannery Landing building, the gallery overlooks the comings and goings of the ferry. Luminous has evolved over the last year and a half into a dedicated community venue — a place where artists, teams and small groups can gather for workshops, retreats, events and creative exploration.

“What started as a personal weaving studio has grown into a shared sanctuary for creativity and connection. It’s been meaningful to watch the space expand beyond my own practice and become a resource for the wider community,” Alkebu-Lan said.

Luminous Gallery and Studio is available as a venue for classes, events, meetings and retreats. The space is light‑filled, intimate and designed to feel like a small sanctuary — an inspiring setting for creative work, team gatherings and community events. Alkebu-Lan encouraged islanders to get involved, saying, “I’d love for more folks to experience it and make it part of their own offerings and celebrations.”

To learn more about upcoming events and classes, visit https://www.danaalkebulan.com/luminous-gallery-studio.

Luminous Gallery and Studio is open by appointment, during First Friday Art Walks from April through October, “and anytime I’m in the studio weaving, which varies weekly,” Alkebu-Lan shared. “I love when people stop by to see the process and the space—it’s part of what makes this community so special.”

Her work can also be found throughout Friday Harbor, including pieces on display at Windermere Realty and at Betina Roza’s space at Cannery Landing. This year, Alkebu-Lan will be showcasing her work for the San Juan Island Artists Studio Tour at Luminous. The annual Studio Tour will be June 6 and 7 this year. Learn more at https://www.sanjuanislandartists.com/. “I’m thrilled to be hosting guest artist Gretchen Allison as well,” she said.

“Art invites us to feel more deeply,” Alkebu-Lan continued. “It slows us down, sparks curiosity and joy, and creates connection. It gives voice to feelings and experiences that don’t always fit into everyday language. Art reflects beauty and emotion, helps us imagine what’s possible and helps us remember what matters. It’s a way of expressing the inner world and honoring the outer one — a bridge between the two.”