From paintings to ceramics and every medium in between, Halo Gallery and Studio is filled with local and regional art. A special show featuring long-time islander Lynne Mercer will last the full month of February, and a reception will be held Friday, Feb. 6, from 6-8 p.m., corresponding with the First Friday Art Walk.
“As an artist, I never thought I’d own a gallery,” MacQueen said. The idea came about after having her work in a Seattle art show. Connecting with other artist friends she hadn’t seen since the 90s was inspiring to her. It occurred to MacQueen that she could have both a gallery and studio space, allowing her to both work with fellow artists as well as paint. In October 2025, her concept became reality as Halo, located at 232 A St. Ste 6a, just above the ferry terminal, opened its doors.
Reactions from visitors have surprised her the most, reminding MacQueen of the power of art.
During a past show called Wild Horses of the Steens Mountains, MacQueen said, a woman was brought to tears by one of the photos. That wasn’t the only time someone has reacted emotionally to the art, either. This visceral reaction is something individuals generally would not see unless they are in the art world, witnessing it, seeing different people’s take on things, what may strike them about an art piece, or what doesn’t.
“It is so validating to see people moved by art. Art is so powerful,” MacQueen said. “So many people think it’s frivolous, and it doesn’t have value, but art does have a purpose.”
Halo also includes prominent regional artists, and the willingness of some of these artists to come to San Juan Island and exhibit in her tiny gallery has also surprised her.
“These are people that have shown their work in New York City and Paris,” MacQueen said, “For some reason, they want to come here. Over and over again, people have said yes when I did not think they would.”
This month’s exhibition artist, Mercer, has always been drawn to visual art, drawing as a child, doing charcoal portraits as a teen, and spending years as a photographer. This particular show will include new pieces and old. The new pieces are called études. “I’m having fun with them; it allows for more freedom of movement,” Mercer said.
The other pieces are mostly framed acrylics she has done over the last five years.
“I let the painting reveal itself to me,” Mercer said, explaining her process for these études. “I keep working on it until I feel like it’s saying what it wants to say. Sometimes it takes a completely different direction than I thought it would.” The key, she said, is not to force it, but simply let it resonate. “I love how I feel after I paint. I feel an openness, fulfillment,” Mercer told the Journal.
MacQueen’s own work frequently features animals. One painting, for example, depicts a white horse in a boat in wavy seas, and a sun setting like a halo behind it. She is working on a new series featuring more marine life, with humans in the mix as well. MacQueen hopes to have this series done by next winter.
“I’ve met a lot of really great people, photographers, filmmakers, writers,” MacQueen said, reflecting on the four months of Halo. “I’m really enjoying it.”
To learn more, visit her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cassidymacqueenart/ http:www.instagram.com/halostudioandgallery/
or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/232-a-street-friday-harbor-wa/halo-studio-gallery-opening/1455794798875184/
