Over a decade ago, 48 local artists showed their work in what was the first Artist Registry Exhibit. Today, the annual event has grown to incorporate the work of over 70 interisland atists, on display now until Feb. 20 at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art.

“I wanted to give island artist recognition, exposure and a way to find them,” Yvonne Buijs-Mancuso said. Buijs-Mancuso is a local multi-media artist who has been involved in the San Juan Islands Museum of Art from its early days. To support island artists and encourage their involvement, Buijs-Mancuso came up with the idea for a locally focused exhibit to showcase artists of the community and create a registry making it easy for potential customers to reach out to them. The exhibitors needed to become members of the museum, but the show is non-juried to entice young artists who may be intimidated by the jury process.

The first Registry took place on A Street, across from Market Chef. The following year, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art had been purchased, however, the building was not ready for exhibits. The show was held in the garage that once held ambulances.

“It looked great,” Buijs-Mancuso said enthusiastically.

The third year was called the “Unveiling,” and served as the opening for the new SJIMA building. Over 700 attended.

“The community of artists coming together for the most popular shows, and seeing what the art community looks like at any given time, seeing what artists on other islands are creating, is why I return each year,” said painter and mixed media artist Jan Murphy, who has shown her work in nearly every Registry show. “It gets better every year. More artists participate, and there are new artists moving to the island which is exciting.”

Allison Engle, painter and photographer, agreed this particular show is one of the best ones yet. “It is an amazing year. Year after year I’m always amazed at how they pull it together, how all the pieces flow together,” she said, adding “having the venue we have now is a huge step up.”

Engle chose to submit“Studio #5” this year. The concept came from a vision she had during a 12-week “Art to Life” class. When she moved studios recently, and hers became Studio #5, she knew she needed to complete the piece. The piece is different than the landscapes she is known for.

“For me, this year, so much of the time you paint because you love it, but you want to try new things, go out on a limb without worrying about what anyone else thinks,” Engle said.

Buijs-Mancuso also likes to mix things up. She is a jeweler, welder, stained glass artist and painter. Glass and metalwork, she explained, are very structured, while painting is more freeing. “I can do what I want and just let it flow. It’s a whole different way of working. Because it’s a whole different process, it brings new ideas and is always fresh,” Buijs-Mancuso explained.

On display this year “Storm at Sea,” is encaustic, a method of painting that involves layering melted beeswax and resin. The beeswax gives the work a unique look and smell.

“Encaustic has lots of layers. When you look at it, you are looking through these layers of wax, which gives it a three-dimensional look,” She said. “Because of the translucent wax, there is a refraction there. It looks like glass or gems, it’s like magic!”

The abstract piece, “Storm at Sea” is one of a series Buijs-Mancuso is working on that focuses on change. It reflects the changes by the sea, or water and what can happen in a storm, tsunamis and other similar events.

As a child, long-time islander Lynne Mercer always loved to draw, and after expressing her creative outlet through writing and other mediums, she found herself returning to painting.

This is Mercer’s first time exhibiting work in the Registry. She was prompted by friends and admired last year’s show. She had also been a guest during the annual Studio Tour and was fascinated by the responses. “One person would respond to one piece while another to a different one. It brought home how subjective art is,” Mercer said.

She chose acrylic “You are the Wave” because its red and blue crashing waves seemed timely.

“Part of my process is that I bring pieces in my house and live with them for a while to see if they are done. This one hung in my dining room for quite a while, and I really liked it. It took on meaning to me,” she explained. In the artist’s statement about the work, Mercer writes “A painting is always a surprise.”

“I realized how it related to the wave-particle theory of quantum physics, that you are the wave even though you always see yourself as the particle,” Mercer explained. “That was before I saw the political implications.”

When asked why she thought there was such a large art community on the island, Mercer responded “For me it’s the definition the island gives. It is somehow containing and comforting. I think many artists appreciate that container and open themselves up to be vulnerable. And of course, there is the beauty surrounding us every day.”

No matter what the reason, Buijs-Mancuso said she feels blessed to be a part of it.

“I love being a part of the art community, being connected with others involved in the arts… And the island community is so supportive,” said Buijs-Mancuso, which is one of the reasons the Registry is so popular.

It gives islanders the opportunity to see what their neighbors have been hard at work creating.

One thing Mercer loves about the Registry is seeing the unique and diverse work.

“The show is so interesting, such a variety of mediums. I enjoy the opportunity to see work from other islands,” Mercer said. “I encourage others to see the show, and hope it encourages other venues for artists.”

Engle also urged islanders to visit the exhibit. “It is one of the best shows they put on every year. It’s fun for the whole family and a real gem for local artists.”

To learn more about SJIMA or the Artist Registry Exhibit, visit https://www.sjima-online.org/.

Contributed photo by the San Juan Islands Museum of Art “Dona’s Garden” by Alisha Merrick, acrylic.

Contributed photo by the San Juan Islands Museum of Art “Quiet Pursuit” by Kristen Douglas-Seitz, sculpture.

Contributed photo by the San Juan Islands Museum of Art “Channel Islands-” by Sherry Bell, mixed media.

Contributed photo by the San Juan Islands Museum of Art “Somewhat Ominous Earth and Sky” by Mary Bruce, watercolor and ink.

Contributed photo by the San Juan Islands Museum of Art ”Mirror World #5” by Ranna McNeil, photography and video.