Orcas Island’s thriving art scene is centered in the village of Eastsound, but you can also find great art throughout the island, from historic potteries in Eastsound and West Beach, to Orcas Center, home to a thriving performing arts scene and an art gallery featuring painting, fiber art and sculpture.
11 Point Lawrence Road, Olga ; (360) 376-4408
A treasured Orcas Island destination for visitors and locals alike, the Orcas Island Artworks in Olga offers one of the finest selections of local art and crafts in the San Juan Islands. The co-op represents forty-five Orcas Island artists and crafts people, working in pottery, sculpture, jewelry, glass, wood, paintings, prints, wearable art, fiber and more. As the gallery is owned and operated by the artists themselves, there is the unique opportunity to meet one or more of them on any given day.
338 Old Pottery Rd., Eastsound, WA ; 360-376-2813
In 1945, Joe and Marclay Sherman opened Orcas Island Pottery, establishing it as the oldest pottery in the Pacific Northwest. They traded a local farmer a set of 4 plates and 4 bowls for the now 150-year-old trapper's log cabin of old-growth fir, dismantled it and moved it to the property to become the showroom that it still is today. Five generations of potters have created a favorite destination for nature and art lovers visiting Orcas Island.
917 Mt Baker Rd., Eastsound ; (360) 376-2281
Orcas Center is the focal point on Orcas Island for community theater and the performing arts, presenting both local and professional artists. More than 40 performances a year, including visiting musicians, dance performances, and visual art exhibits in the beautiful lobby gallery keep Orcas Center humming with activity. Local productions are sell-outs, drawing on talented islanders for dance performances, play festivals and the annual musical favorite, Rock of Orcas. Visiting performers touring the country also grace the stage with world-class talent.
For many Orcas Island painters, sculptors, jewelers, woodworkers, and musicians, creating, sharing and selling their work is a way of life. Once a year in August, Orcas Island artists open up their studios to the public for the Orcas Island Artists' Studio Tour, so you can see where the magic happens. Painters, sculptors, fiber artists and many others show you how they work and what inspires them on this beautiful island. Grab a map and be prepared for an adventure, as there are charming and fascinating studios and gardens tucked away all over the island from Doe Bay to Deer Harbor, and everywhere in between.
