Artists who work in wood in the San Juan Islands have a special advantage because of the abundance of beautiful wood in the forests of the Salish Sea region.
From Western red cedar to Douglas fir, to local Garry Oak, the beautiful trees that grow here offer an opportunity to work with nature’s abundance.
Woodworker Jim Burgess, artist guest of Rick Waldron, forages for downed trees on his property to create beautiful bowls, tables, platters, and more. “The trees are already a work of art in themselves,” says Burgess. “We collaborate with nature to create more connection.”
Here are the woodworkers that are on this year’s tour, producing a wide variety of functional and beautiful art, from cheese boards and utensils, to wall sculptures, benches, tables and large monumental sculptures.
Explore this forest of creativity on this year’s tour.
Lois Gilbert-James
Studio #13
Open Bay Studio
Reclaimed Driftwood, Copper
115 Upper Drive
(360) 298-2853
instagram.com/openbaystudio
After retiring from an interior design career in Pennsylvania, I arrived on San Juan Island ready to begin my life's next journey. I had previously studied with a number of well-known watercolorists throughout the East Coast; and since my new home provided me with a ready-made studio, I was set to continue with my watercoloring. However, before long, San Juan Island’s riches inspired me with an entirely different medium. I became intrigued with the raw beauty of worn seaglass, tumbled stone and driftwood found on the island’s beaches. They became an additional focus of my creative work. Any of these natural pieces that find their way into my studio inspire me and the creativity begins to flow. I love playing with these free-form elements and composing individual works of art. Each piece I create is unique and speaks of the "Great Northwest".
Rick Waldron
Studio #16
Board Room Studio
Wood Workshop
893 Woodpecker Ln
(360) 622-9792
soundproducts@gmail.com
"At the young age of 5 years old I had showed great interest in anything that was created or crafted out of wood. I've made an extra effort to be involved ever since i was a young boy and now over 60 years later I find myself with the gift of being able to fore fill my dreams in the shop I always wanted and be able to continue to do the work I’ve always loved to do. My time is spent building and creating furniture, crafting beautiful custom counter tops, mantel pieces, Stair cases and banisters, and anything that the customer desires that is built to any dimensions and hand crafted out of any choice of material their hearts desire. I hope you like what I have to offer and share with you."
River and Luna Wylde
Studio #6
Wood and Resin Functional 3D Art
346 Cape Drive
(360) 375-5795
studiowylde.art
River Wylde - I am a woodworker, wood carver, resin artist, musician and teacher living in Friday Harbor, Washington. Originally from the Midwest, my wife and I moved to San Juan Island in 2020.
Making our home here and establishing a fully functional and productive art studio is the realization of a long-time dream. Each piece I make is one of a kind, lovingly handcrafted, and customized to the wood I am using. Whether I’m creating a coaster set, charcuterie board, or countertop, I find joy in the detailed craftsmanship of each phase of the process, from finding the piece of wood, to pouring the resin, to the finishing touches.
The beaches here are an inspiration to many, but for me the driftwood pieces, in all their different ocean-made sizes and shapes speak to the artist in me. Luna and I look forward to welcoming you into our studio!
Luna Wylde - I am a creative soul, jewelry artist, award winning wine maker, bread baker, and teacher living in Friday Harbor, Washington. Originally from the Midwest, I moved here in 2020 with my wife, River.
River and I work together harmoniously and complement each other’s strengths. We are often heard saying, “River is the artist and I am the engineer.” In actuality, we both do both! We have found a home, become part of the community as teachers and artists, established a business, and are raising two of the cutest Maltipoos that ever existed, Clifford and Lucille.
San Juan Island is a spectacular place for finding your inner creative and connecting with nature and people! I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
The 2023 Studio Tour Map is here!
You can pick up a printed brochure/map when you start the tour at many of the lodgings on San Juan Island, as well as every studio on the tour.
You download a printed map here.
You can pick up a printed brochure/map at: Island Studios, Griffin Bay Bookstore, and the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce office.
You can also find a map at Friday Harbor Atelier, 313 Spring St., next to WaterWorks Gallery.
See you on the tour!