More studios and artists to see during the 34 annual Studio Tour

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Along with summer, graduation, sunshine and flowers, June also brings one of the island’s most popular events, the Artist Studio Tour, June 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Now in its 34th year, the event boasts 22 participating studios with 67 artists, one of the highest yet.

“It is heartwarming to remember the Studio Tour’s humble beginnings, three decades ago with nine participating studios and see it grow into today’s first-class art event showcasing over sixty talented island artists,” Yvonne Buijis-Mancuso, jewler panter, and encaustic artist who has been involved since some of the tours early years.

For those unfamiliar with the tour, participating island artist open up their usually private studios for the public to get a glimpse of the artistic process, and of course, purchase art. One of the unique experiences attendees gain from visiting the studios is catching a glimpse at the artistic process, from pottery to silk, woodworking, sculpture, pastels and more. Not to mention the gardens that surround the studios, inspiring the working artists.

What began over three decades ago amongst a small group of artist friends has now grown and evolved.

“I don’t know how long it will continue on, or what form. The emphasis has been on artists who are trying to make a living off their art,” Mary Sly, one of the founders, located at studio 15, told the Journal during their 30th Anniversary, that many of the core group of organizers are the same as individuals as back in the original early days..

Four years later, more and more younger artists, like Glenn Hendrick, whose ceramics, paintings and prints can be found at Studio 20, with guest ceramic artists Craig Briton and Brittany Wittaker, glass and painter Christopher Umerski, painter Alaina Scheffer and illustrator and printmaker Devon Morris.

Hendrick has been involved in the tour for approximately four years but this is the second year she will be hosting at her studio.

“It’s a big wooden barn that is also a historical structure,” Hendrick explained. it was right near an old cannery, and fishermen would store their nets in it over winter. Should it rain, Hendrick said, there will be a cozy fire going, and a warm roof overhead.

Mariah Michaelson has participated in the show for much longer than Hendrick. Her ceramic and bronze figures can be seen at Studio 11. Guests there include Kate Rissi, Casey Reagan, Cozette Ellis and Buijis-Mancuso.

“It’s fun because we have been guests at Yvonne’s before,” Michaelson said. Rissi, Reagan all share a studio, and it’s fun, Michaelson said, to show work together. “We’re like, oh, look, we do have common themes because we do cohabitate and we share ideas.”

These younger and or new to the tour group of artists have stepped up to play leadership roles on various committees and on the board. Watercolorist Teresa Smith has been involved for the past several years, for example, and now sits on the board. These artists have also set out new marketing strategies and goals, including a stronger social media presence and a newsletter in hopes of attracting still more artists and visitors.

The old guard, Sly, Buijis-Mancuso, Paula West, Lewis and Nancy Spaulding, to name just a few, are some of the early members/founders who are still involved, yet excited to see where the new members’ energy and passion take the event.

According to Buijis-Mancuso, this younger generation is taking the tour to an exciting future using modern technology and new ideas.

Tour members also gave tribute to fellow founder, jeweler Manya Pickard. Pickard passed away earlier this year. Her contributions to the show will not be forgotten. Pickard told the Journal during the 30th anniversary that she could not exactly remember how she became involved in the tour. “I’m sure that Nancy Spaulding had something to do with it,” she said. “The Studio Tour …connected me with other artists, the community and visitors to the island.”

To view a map, visit https://www.sanjuanislandartists.com.

and to follow them on social media:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sjiartistsstudiotour

facebook: www.facebook.com/sjiartistsstudiotour