We invite you to participate in Alchemy Art Center's Fourth annual online fundraiser!
2024 was an incredible year: Our growing dream team took the
reins on much of our established programming, and truly made it
their own- thus giving Alchemy an influx of energy and stability
that has in turn allowed us to expand our programming to better meet
our community’s needs! In 2025, we have entered into a new chapter
of responsiveness and action on San Juan Island, in large part
thanks to the internal growth we were able to make last year. This
would not have been possible without the support we have received
from you, our incredible community- nor would it be possible without
the valuable feedback you have given us on the impact of our
programming! You are the reason we do what we do, and you are the
reason we can do it.
Throughout winter and spring, we sought feedback from our community to learn how we can be more effective in our programming- and we have heard the response loud and clear: Islanders need us to grow a broader and deeper network of access to the magic that we already foster.
In the face of growing uncertainty in the world and here at home, it is more important than ever to cultivate creativity. The arts give us new ways of thinking and communicating, provide outlets for our emotions, help us strengthen our voices, and provide opportunities to explore and celebrate our diverse identities. San Juan Island needs arts access, and we are growing the ways in which we bring the arts to you.
That's where you come in. We are expanding and mobilizing in response to the needs of San Juan Islanders, and we ask you to help us in these efforts. We are innovating and adapting. We are saying yes as much as we can. We need your help to offer arts access to as large of a community as possible this year! We absolutely cannot do it without your support, trust, and generosity.
This Spring, we are raising $27,000 to support the programs that put our community first!
Our board of directors, and a select group of our staff and supporters, are generously offering original art, handmade items, and unique experiences to our spring online auction! You can donate directly to specific project needs, or you can support what we do by purchasing one of our amazing items or experiences through the auction. These items are offered special as part of this fundraiser, and are only available now!
Have you benefitted from Alchemy Art Center? Has a loved one? Have you thought about donating? We are speaking to you. Please show up for us and help us further our mission.
This year, we are deepening into several areas of focus, featured in our Fund-A-Needs:
Highlighting the Environment
We are actively growing and building collaborations and projects with local environmental organizations in several new ways.
- In partnership with the Friends of the San Juans and Waterworks Gallery, we are creating a public art mural highlighting the importance of Eelgrass in our environment, which we hope to install in town during 2025.
- In partnership with the Land Bank and the Island Verse Literary Collective, we have been hosting free painting sessions on Land Bank properties, providing the opportunity to ground into a sense of place and appreciate our irreplaceable public land.
- This year's annual Young Environmentalists Program, for middle and high schoolers, is more ambitious than ever! During 15 sessions of engagement, youth will create a publication of writing and art about environmentalism to share with our community, as well as a theatrical performance at “Spring Awakening,” the brand new Spring Arts Fest hosted by the San Juan county Arts Council. Uplifting youth voices to shape a positive future is absolutely essential!
Increased Community Responsiveness
In the face of rapid changes and growing unpredictability, Alchemy needs to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of directly affected community members. We need to be able to pivot quickly to provide relevant and tangible support to groups who need it right now.
In 2025, Alchemy is committed to:
- Supporting the Queer community of San Juan Island in partnership with SJIPride, as well as through regular meetups and info sessions for LGBTQ+ community members and allies. Alchemy has always strived to provide a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community, and we will continue to do so in every way we can.
- Supporting our Spanish Speaking Community by bolstering our partnerships with organizations that work directly with the local Hispanic/Latinx community. Alchemy is expanding programming that supports families during a time when many feel unsafe, including through established English Language Learning programs, seasonal and year-round in-house mentorship programs with trusted community partners, and through the redistribution of donated art supplies for use at home. We are adjusting our programming in real time to best address the needs of the moment.
Expanded Children's Programming
Based on listening sessions we held with parents and partner organizations at the beginning of the year, Alchemy is expanding our youth programming to better support the needs of our community.
Our youth programming now includes:
- Youth classes at the Library
- New Pre-K class with parents nearby!
- Clay Club now on early release Wednesdays
- Art Club, a 2-d art class for grade school students
- Summer art camps (to be released soon!)
- Middle school wheel
- Expressive Arts Club, after school at Friday Harbor HS
- Support of the high school art class curriculum (print, clay, and photo)
- New incentives for high schoolers to take adult level classes at Alchemy (discounts, certificates)
- Alchemize, a new illustration club for kids who love to draw (at the Island Rec House)
Support for Local Music
It can be financially challenging for touring musicians and performance groups to travel to San Juan Island, and performances are often subsidized by the unpaid labor of local artists and organizers. This year, we are creating a fund to support the island music scene, so that compensation can be better relied on by locals and touring acts alike, which will in turn diversify the types of shows available to islanders. Our 2025 performance roster will once again feature UpUpUp Circus and String and Shadow Puppet Theater, as well as sponsored music performances by islanders and touring acts in the Alchemy Dome, the Fold, and the Grange.
Infrastructure
We have some big infrastructure plans this year! As Alchemy grows, we need to make some necessary improvements to better accommodate all of our amazing programming.
2025 projects include:
- Building out the bus interior to bring our new Art-Mobile into reality
- Grading and graveling the area around the art building for a safer and more usable outdoor area
- Creating a covered natural dye station outside of the art building
- Replacing a large broken window in the Dome
- Getting our gas kilns up and running
- Soundproofing the Dome
- Establishing a new electro-etching facility in our print shop
- Purchasing a commercial sewing machine
- Installing lighted pathways down to the parking area
Perks
Goal: $5,000
We are actively growing and building collaborations and projects with local environmental organizations in several new ways.
- In partnership with the Friends of the San Juans and Waterworks Gallery, we are creating a public art mural highlighting the importance of Eelgrass in our environment, which we hope to install in town during 2025.
- In partnership with the Land Bank and the Island Verse Literary Collective, we have been hosting free painting sessions on Land Bank properties, providing the opportunity to ground into a sense of place and appreciate our irreplaceable public land.
- This year's annual Young Environmentalists Program, for middle and high schoolers, is more ambitious than ever! During 15 sessions of engagement, youth will create a publication of writing and art about environmentalism to share with our community, as well as a theatrical performance at “Spring Awakening,” the brand new Spring Arts Fest hosted by the San Juan county Arts Council. Uplifting youth voices to shape a positive future is absolutely essential!
Goal: $5,000
Based on listening sessions we held with parents and partner organizations at the beginning of the year, Alchemy is expanding our youth programming to better support the needs of our community.
Our youth programming now includes:
- Youth classes at the Library
- New Pre-K class with parents nearby!
- Clay Club now on early release Wednesdays
- Art Club, a 2-d art class for grade school students
- Summer art camps (to be released soon!)
- Middle school wheel
- Expressive Arts Club, after school at Friday Harbor HS
- Support of the high school art class curriculum (print, clay, and photo)
- New incentives for high schoolers to take adult level classes at Alchemy (discounts, certificates)
- Alchemize, a new illustration club for kids who love to draw (at the Island Rec House)
Goal: $5,000
In the face of rapid changes and growing unpredictability, Alchemy needs to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of directly affected community members. We need to be able to pivot quickly to provide relevant and tangible support to groups who need it right now.
In 2025, Alchemy is committed to:
- Supporting the Queer community of San Juan Island in partnership with SJIPride, as well as through regular meetups and info sessions for LGBTQ+ community members and allies. Alchemy has always strived to provide a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community, and we will continue to do so in every way we can.
- Supporting our Spanish Speaking Community by bolstering our partnerships with organizations that work directly with the local Hispanic/Latinx community. Alchemy is expanding programming that supports families during a time when many feel unsafe, including through established English Language Learning programs, seasonal and year-round in-house mentorship programs with trusted community partners, and through the redistribution of donated art supplies for use at home. We are adjusting our programming in real time to best address the needs of the moment.
Goal: $5,000
It can be financially challenging for touring musicians and performance groups to travel to San Juan Island, and performances are often subsidized by the unpaid labor of local artists and organizers. This year, we are creating a fund to support the island music scene, so that compensation can be better relied on by locals and touring acts alike, which will in turn diversify the types of shows available to islanders. Our 2025 performance roster will once again feature UpUpUp Circus and String and Shadow Puppet Theater, as well as sponsored music performances by islanders and touring acts in the Alchemy Dome, the Fold, and the Grange.
Goal: $7,000
We have some big infrastructure plans this year! As Alchemy grows, we need to make some necessary improvements to better accommodate all of our amazing programming.
2025 projects include:
- Building out the bus interior to bring our new Art-Mobile into reality
- Grading and graveling the area around the art building for a safer and more usable outdoor area
- Creating a covered natural dye station outside of the art building
- Replacing a large broken window in the Dome
- Getting our gas kilns up and running
- Soundproofing the Dome
- Establishing a new electro-etching facility in our print shop
- Purchasing a commercial sewing machine
- Installing lighted pathways down to the parking area
A handmade totebag by a potentially famous (in the future) artist!
Local pick up only, lots available!
We have a team of artists, and we make cool things... but what will this year's tote bag look like? You will only know if you support us in this year's fundraiser! A hand Screenprinted tote bag will be available for you to pick up at Alchemy if you donate $45! It could be... anything! And... if the artist ends up as famous as Andy Warhol, think about the investment that you made! No offer is better than this one.
Only Four Available!
Yummy! Made by the lovely Shelle Cropper. Two dozen cookies contain chocolate chips, pecans, coconut flakes, and M&M’s (Rainbow Pride or Fourth of July). These cookies are famously delicious and freeze perfectly.
You will be contacted after the auction to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Only One Available!
9.5" by 6.5"
Malcolm Suttles is a local photographer, who uses alternative photography processes and historical cameras. His work often highlights island imagery, creating pieces that evoke the nostalgic photo styles that he explores.
You will be contacted after the auction ends to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Only One Available!
The amazing Liza will knit your baby a sweater hoodie or a dress, up to size 4! You can choose the design together, choose yarn type and color and have a beautiful and unique handmade product! The perfect gift for a special child in your life.
You will be contacted after the auction ends to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Salvage wood picture frame, made by our very own Guisepi Spadafora. Custom to fit your painting or photo!
You will be contacted after the auction ends to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Only Two Available!
Our talented board chair John Wheatley (John Bellows), is an accomplished and widely touring singer/songwriter/recording artist. This opportunity is one of the most unique- John will write a song about your dream. experience your unconscious mirrored back to you through his talented vocals.
You will be contacted after the auction ends on June 7th to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Highlights
See all activity4Activity
Goal: $5,000
We are actively growing and building collaborations and projects with local environmental organizations in several new ways.
- In partnership with the Friends of the San Juans and Waterworks Gallery, we are creating a public art mural highlighting the importance of Eelgrass in our environment, which we hope to install in town during 2025.
- In partnership with the Land Bank and the Island Verse Literary Collective, we have been hosting free painting sessions on Land Bank properties, providing the opportunity to ground into a sense of place and appreciate our irreplaceable public land.
- This year's annual Young Environmentalists Program, for middle and high schoolers, is more ambitious than ever! During 15 sessions of engagement, youth will create a publication of writing and art about environmentalism to share with our community, as well as a theatrical performance at “Spring Awakening,” the brand new Spring Arts Fest hosted by the San Juan county Arts Council. Uplifting youth voices to shape a positive future is absolutely essential!
Goal: $5,000
Based on listening sessions we held with parents and partner organizations at the beginning of the year, Alchemy is expanding our youth programming to better support the needs of our community.
Our youth programming now includes:
- Youth classes at the Library
- New Pre-K class with parents nearby!
- Clay Club now on early release Wednesdays
- Art Club, a 2-d art class for grade school students
- Summer art camps (to be released soon!)
- Middle school wheel
- Expressive Arts Club, after school at Friday Harbor HS
- Support of the high school art class curriculum (print, clay, and photo)
- New incentives for high schoolers to take adult level classes at Alchemy (discounts, certificates)
- Alchemize, a new illustration club for kids who love to draw (at the Island Rec House)
Goal: $5,000
In the face of rapid changes and growing unpredictability, Alchemy needs to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of directly affected community members. We need to be able to pivot quickly to provide relevant and tangible support to groups who need it right now.
In 2025, Alchemy is committed to:
- Supporting the Queer community of San Juan Island in partnership with SJIPride, as well as through regular meetups and info sessions for LGBTQ+ community members and allies. Alchemy has always strived to provide a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community, and we will continue to do so in every way we can.
- Supporting our Spanish Speaking Community by bolstering our partnerships with organizations that work directly with the local Hispanic/Latinx community. Alchemy is expanding programming that supports families during a time when many feel unsafe, including through established English Language Learning programs, seasonal and year-round in-house mentorship programs with trusted community partners, and through the redistribution of donated art supplies for use at home. We are adjusting our programming in real time to best address the needs of the moment.
Goal: $5,000
It can be financially challenging for touring musicians and performance groups to travel to San Juan Island, and performances are often subsidized by the unpaid labor of local artists and organizers. This year, we are creating a fund to support the island music scene, so that compensation can be better relied on by locals and touring acts alike, which will in turn diversify the types of shows available to islanders. Our 2025 performance roster will once again feature UpUpUp Circus and String and Shadow Puppet Theater, as well as sponsored music performances by islanders and touring acts in the Alchemy Dome, the Fold, and the Grange.
Goal: $7,000
We have some big infrastructure plans this year! As Alchemy grows, we need to make some necessary improvements to better accommodate all of our amazing programming.
2025 projects include:
- Building out the bus interior to bring our new Art-Mobile into reality
- Grading and graveling the area around the art building for a safer and more usable outdoor area
- Creating a covered natural dye station outside of the art building
- Replacing a large broken window in the Dome
- Getting our gas kilns up and running
- Soundproofing the Dome
- Establishing a new electro-etching facility in our print shop
- Purchasing a commercial sewing machine
- Installing lighted pathways down to the parking area
A handmade totebag by a potentially famous (in the future) artist!
Local pick up only, lots available!
We have a team of artists, and we make cool things... but what will this year's tote bag look like? You will only know if you support us in this year's fundraiser! A hand Screenprinted tote bag will be available for you to pick up at Alchemy if you donate $45! It could be... anything! And... if the artist ends up as famous as Andy Warhol, think about the investment that you made! No offer is better than this one.
Only Four Available!
Yummy! Made by the lovely Shelle Cropper. Two dozen cookies contain chocolate chips, pecans, coconut flakes, and M&M’s (Rainbow Pride or Fourth of July). These cookies are famously delicious and freeze perfectly.
You will be contacted after the auction to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Only One Available!
9.5" by 6.5"
Malcolm Suttles is a local photographer, who uses alternative photography processes and historical cameras. His work often highlights island imagery, creating pieces that evoke the nostalgic photo styles that he explores.
You will be contacted after the auction ends to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Only One Available!
The amazing Liza will knit your baby a sweater hoodie or a dress, up to size 4! You can choose the design together, choose yarn type and color and have a beautiful and unique handmade product! The perfect gift for a special child in your life.
You will be contacted after the auction ends to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Salvage wood picture frame, made by our very own Guisepi Spadafora. Custom to fit your painting or photo!
You will be contacted after the auction ends to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Only Two Available!
Our talented board chair John Wheatley (John Bellows), is an accomplished and widely touring singer/songwriter/recording artist. This opportunity is one of the most unique- John will write a song about your dream. experience your unconscious mirrored back to you through his talented vocals.
You will be contacted after the auction ends on June 7th to schedule the delivery of your prize.
