The former Pelindaba Lavender Farm could once again become a hot happening destination, this time for art lovers. While still in the dream stages, and dependent on the permitting process, Alchemy Art Center has big ideas for the factory building and gift shop areas.

“A philanthropist purchased the property, and it’s in his name,” Alchemy Arts co-founder Maria Michaelson explained. “We will be doing a fundraising effort, and once we are able to raise a certain amount of money, the plan is to have [the portion with the factory and store] put in Alchemy’s name.”

The 10 acres of lavender were also purchased by the philanthropist; however, Michaelson said, plans for that are not yet known.

“We have use of it, we are getting it insured with what we are doing, and we will probably do a lavender u-pick this summer,” Michaelson added that their long-term main focus is the factory and store area where their various art programs will take place.

The factory itself does not look overly spacious on the outside. The building is two stories and a total of 14,000 square feet. They hope, permitting dependent, to expand their artist residency programs into some of the space, where they could potentially teach classes, and or have studio spaces. Some of the upstairs rooms have windows looking out across the farm or woodland, perfect for quiet artistic inspiration.

“The building will host various artists, including painters, ceramic and textile artists. With the additional space, we aim to make the Artist Residency a year-round program, unlike our current summer-only residency,” Michaelson explained. There will also be different studio spaces, both community and private. “We are really excited about that because at the existing Alchemy, we haven’t been able to have any artists with private studios, and there is a clear need for that for artists in our community.”

There is an array of rooms of various sizes, some with windows, others without. Into some of these spaces, Alchemy will be moving a number of their art supplies and equipment over as well, including a roller printing press for etching; a block/ monoprinting press, looms, a commercial sewing machine and regular sewing machines.

One space could be used for theater, and Alchemy is working with Stage Left to use that area for their performances.

Some rooms could hold classes. They have been discussing having a Kids Corner with volunteers facilitating activities, in a different area, and in still another, working with the Textile Guild, on potential programs, and there is potential for holding writers’ retreats as well.

A commercial kitchen could be used for alchemy, or making light grab-and-go foods like salads and sandwiches that they would then sell out of the former gift store.

“It sounds like as long as we just keep it simple, easy to go type stuff, it could be doable,” Glenn Hendrick, CO-Director, said.

In either case, Michaelson said. “We think it’s going to be a cool resource, whoever ends up using this space, because there is room to actually store ingredients, they won’t have to schlep them back and forth.

A space with an ADA bathroom opens up the possibilities of expansion for their Artist Residency program.

“We have been very limited in the type of artist we are able to support, especially when it comes to physical ability,” Michaelson noted, so having an ADA-accessible facility would expand the residency program in terms of who as well as how many.

To the back end of the factory is a space that could make a good woodworking area, depending on the noise level, or potentially soundproofing the room? Or a storage spot.

“There are a lot of questions still. We’re letting it kind of shake out,” Michaelson said, reiterating plans are very much in early stages.

The former gift shop, seen immediately while passing by on Wold, wrapped with Wisteria, is actually a historical building. It was originally Ace Hardware in Friday Harbor, until it was moved to its current location in the 1950s or ‘60s.

Lavender product is still scattered throughout both buildings. Hendrick and Michaelson said they will likely be selling it in the store this summer. In fact, July 13, the public will have an opportunity to buy some lavender products and check out the space at a Grand Opening. The Opening will also have music, a rummage sale.

This is where, in their goals and dreams, there will be a coffee shop, with to-go sandwiches and other simple treats, and in the back patio, a picnic area for people to sit for a moment and enjoy their refreshments.

They also hope to turn some of the store into a gallery for local, site-made products. “We wouldn’t sell anything that is brought from off island,” Michaelson and Hendrick agreed.

The backyard extends up toward Wold Road, with room for community events, book readings, perhaps some music or art demonstrations.

“This new building will offer us the opportunity to have both something for the public, on a set schedule so people can see the art making process, that artists can have exposure to visitors, which is beneficial to everybody, while also having truly private art making spaces so people can work undisturbed,” Michaelson said

“We are feeling a little vague right now, but we have a lot of dreams,” Hendrick said.