Alchemy Art Center invites you to participate in our Fifth Annual Online Fundraiser!
Alchemy means transformation, and 2025 was a year of profound transformation for our organization. While remaining deeply rooted in the same mission that has always guided us, we found ourselves standing before a much wider horizon of possibility. Our move into the Art Farm required leaps of faith, immense dedication, and a tremendous amount of collective effort, but it has opened the door to an exciting new era for creativity on San Juan Island.
This project has been a wild, joyful, and truly community-driven undertaking. It has been challenging, energizing, and deeply inspiring, calling forth the most capable and visionary version of our organization. Volunteers from across the island have stepped forward with enthusiasm, generosity, and care to help shape Alchemy’s next chapter.
At our core, Alchemy remains who we have always been: dynamic, responsive, and collaborative. What has changed is the scale of what is now possible. The Art Farm gives us the space to dream bigger and to make the next phase of our mission both imaginable and achievable.
In 2026, we are thrilled to begin launching new programs and spaces at the Art Farm, including:
- Community Art Studio + Print & Textiles Departments: A shared studio and teaching space equipped with professional tools for printmaking, screen printing, sewing, weaving, and textile arts. This is an expansion of our beloved printmaking studio, reimagined as a larger, more versatile creative hub with room for more equipment, more classes, and more artists.
- Store + Gallery Space: An inclusive retail and exhibition space featuring our line of lavender products made with local organic ingredients, alongside work by professional artists, emerging creatives, youth, and visiting artists. Sales directly support local makers through generous commission splits and create meaningful economic opportunities within our creative community.
- Private Artist Studios: Dedicated studio spaces for working artists, including four private studios in Studio 2, five in the Community Art Room, and six new loft studios upstairs. These spaces will rotate annually to ensure ongoing access for island artists.
- Recording Studio: Collaboratively built by local musicians, this professional-grade recording space supports both local and regional musical artists. We believe artists create their best work when they have access to exceptional tools, and this studio helps make that possible.
- Accessible Arts Program: A purpose-built studio and inclusive arts program designed for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Planning is already well underway, and we are excited to welcome our first participants soon.
- Daily Children’s Programming (Ages 3-7): A stable, welcoming, sliding-scale program combining outdoor education and arts engagement for young children. Designed to be accessible to all families, this new initiative is planned to launch in September 2026.
- Glass Lampworking Studio: A new space for glass arts and hands-on creative exploration in an exciting medium.
- Flexible Event Space: A dynamic public venue for performances, exhibitions, classes, workshops, and immersive community experiences.
- Farm Stewardship + Garden Spaces: Care for the beautiful lavender plants and natural spaces that make the Art Farm a place of inspiration, learning, and connection.
This is where you come in.
This spring, we are raising $25,000 to support these new programs and spaces that put our community first.
Our expansion is a direct response to the needs and dreams of San Juan Islanders. We are committed to meeting both need and opportunity with creativity, flexibility, and an enduring willingness to say yes whenever we can. With your support, we can continue building a vibrant, accessible creative campus that serves artists of all ages and backgrounds.
We cannot do this without your trust, generosity, and belief in what Alchemy makes possible.
Our board of directors, staff, and dedicated supporters have generously contributed handmade items, one-of-a-kind experiences, and special offerings to our spring online fundraiser. We invite you to participate by donating to claim one (or more!) of these offerings, supporting one of our featured Fund-a-Need projects directly, and sharing this fundraiser to spread the word to your community.
If you are excited about Alchemy’s future, we are speaking directly to you: this vision will not become reality without you.
Thank you for helping us build the future of creative access on San Juan Island!
Perks
Goal: $5,000
This fall, Alchemy will launch a daily arts and outdoor learning program for children ages 3–7 at the Art Farm. Designed as a welcoming, sliding-scale program for island families, this initiative combines creativity, nature exploration, and play in a nurturing environment built just for young learners. Your support helps fund outdoor play structures, art materials, nature-based learning supplies, and tuition assistance so every child can participate, regardless of family income.
Goal: $5,000
Alchemy is building a purpose-designed accessible arts program to ensure that people with disabilities and their caregivers have meaningful access to creative experiences at the Art Farm. This fund supports adaptive materials, accessible studio modifications, specialized equipment, staff training, and sliding-scale program access. We believe creativity belongs to everyone, and your gift helps make that belief a reality for our entire island community!
Goal: $5,000
The Art Barn is becoming a vibrant, welcoming creative hub for San Juan Island, where community members of all ages can gather, explore, and make art together. This fund supports the creation of free interactive art spaces and hands-on projects that invite curiosity, play, and creative expression, from collaborative installations to accessible drop-in art activities. Your support helps provide the materials, tools, and dedicated spaces that make it possible for everyone in our community to experience the joy of making art!
Launch a Legacy, Name the Fund, and Double the Impact.
We are proud to present a unique opportunity for a visionary donor to become the founding partner of a new initiative at the Alchemy Art Center, The Instructor & Model Appreciation Fund. This fund is dedicated to recognizing and rewarding the exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work of our teaching staff and live models. Your contribution will directly support the people who make our classes possible, ensuring they are celebrated for their artistry and commitment.
The donor secures the exclusive honor of naming this fund and
being recognized as its Founding Partner. And to amplify this fund
and double your impact, Board Member Masha Chase has pledged a
personal matching gift of $500 to launch the fund at a total of $1,000.
Why do it?
- Your name becomes synonymous with supporting the artists who teach and inspire us.
- Your bid triggers an immediate dollar-to-dollar match.
- You initiate a fund for recognition of Alchemy's amazing staff for their vital role in our students' growth.
- Your contribution is tax deductible
Claim now to help launch this fund at $1,000!
A handmade totebag by a potentially famous (in the future) artist!
Local pick up only, lots available!
We are 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.
This three-month membership offers independent access to Alchemy’s ceramics studio, fully equipped with pottery wheels, handbuilding tools, studio glazes, slab roller, pug mill, kilns, and more. Whether for a seasoned ceramicist or someone ready to deepen a new passion, this membership invites hours of making, experimenting, and connection within San Juan Island’s vibrant creative community! Includes access to monitored Wednesday open studio sessions for added support and inspiration.
Contributed by board member Timber Rose
This three-month membership unlocks access to Alchemy’s expansive Community Art Studio at the Art Barn, complete with printmaking presses, screenprinting equipment, sewing machines, looms, spinning wheels, darkroom access, work space, and a wealth of shared tools and materials. Perfect for artists eager to explore new mediums, launch a project, or immerse themselves in a collaborative studio environment!
Contributed by board member Timber Rose
The ultimate creative immersion experience! This full-access three-month membership grants access to both Alchemy’s Ceramics Studio and Community Art Studio, offering endless opportunities to move between clay, printmaking, fiber arts, photography, painting, and mixed media. Ideal for multidisciplinary artists or anyone craving space to explore without limits. This package offers a chance to become part of Alchemy’s thriving artistic ecosystem and create across multiple mediums in two inspiring studio spaces.
Contributed by board member Timber Rose
Join San Juan Kayak Expeditions, the original commercial sea kayaking outfitter in Friday Harbor, for a 3-day kayak camping trip in the San Juan Islands! Paddle and camp on Jones and Stuart Island. Eat yummy food, see lots of wildlife, learn about the rich natural and cultural history of the surrounding area, and have a blast doing it! Includes all paddling gear, quality instruction, dry bags, sleeping bags and pads, 2-person tent, and all meals for the duration of the trip. Move your body and revel in the community and gorgeous scenery. What’s not to love?
Scheduled trips June-September. You will be contacted after the fundraiser ends to schedule your trip.
Add a delicious treat to your picnic or beach day, made by board treasurer Shelle Cropper! Two dozen Chocolate chip cookies or any other flavor of chip (lemon, caramel, mint, cinnamon or a combination, includes pecans and/or coconut as options)
You will be contacted after the fundraiser to schedule the delivery of your prize.
The Rebar chocolate cake is a notoriously rich, three-layer cake from The Rebar Modern Food Cookbook featuring a dense chocolate buttermilk cake, cream cheese-chocolate filling, and ganache frosting. It commonly uses coffee and brown sugar for depth, often baked as three 8-inch layers. The recipe is famously decadent and highly prized by fans! Made by board president Jane Wentworth
You will be contacted after the fundraiser to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Need help hanging pictures, replacing a light switch, or organizing a space? This 4-hour handyman session from board secretary Guisepi Spadafora has you covered! Specializing in off-grid solar, rainwater catchment, material salvage, and reclaimed renovations, no job is too unique.
A beautiful set of three small maple burl bowls, created by board member Malcolm Suttles who is returning to the craft after decades of gallery representation in Seattle, Portland, and Mendocino. Perfect for display or holding small treasures!
Only One Available!
The amazing Liza Michaelson 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.
A week-long private sculpting class with Maria! Work together for 2 hours every day for up to a week. Learn the basics of large scale hand-building and make a figure or animal. Your yard will forever be more special! Free work time in the studio is included.
A one-hour tarot reading with Glenn Hendrick! Glenn has been reading the cards for over eight years and uses them for perspective, clarity, and illumination. Your reading can be held in person or over Zoom and will include a personalized spread, and an emailed photo of the spread for future reference.
Campaigns
Highlights
See all activity14Activity
Goal: $5,000
This fall, Alchemy will launch a daily arts and outdoor learning program for children ages 3–7 at the Art Farm. Designed as a welcoming, sliding-scale program for island families, this initiative combines creativity, nature exploration, and play in a nurturing environment built just for young learners. Your support helps fund outdoor play structures, art materials, nature-based learning supplies, and tuition assistance so every child can participate, regardless of family income.
Goal: $5,000
Alchemy is building a purpose-designed accessible arts program to ensure that people with disabilities and their caregivers have meaningful access to creative experiences at the Art Farm. This fund supports adaptive materials, accessible studio modifications, specialized equipment, staff training, and sliding-scale program access. We believe creativity belongs to everyone, and your gift helps make that belief a reality for our entire island community!
Goal: $5,000
The Art Barn is becoming a vibrant, welcoming creative hub for San Juan Island, where community members of all ages can gather, explore, and make art together. This fund supports the creation of free interactive art spaces and hands-on projects that invite curiosity, play, and creative expression, from collaborative installations to accessible drop-in art activities. Your support helps provide the materials, tools, and dedicated spaces that make it possible for everyone in our community to experience the joy of making art!
Launch a Legacy, Name the Fund, and Double the Impact.
We are proud to present a unique opportunity for a visionary donor to become the founding partner of a new initiative at the Alchemy Art Center, The Instructor & Model Appreciation Fund. This fund is dedicated to recognizing and rewarding the exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work of our teaching staff and live models. Your contribution will directly support the people who make our classes possible, ensuring they are celebrated for their artistry and commitment.
The donor secures the exclusive honor of naming this fund and
being recognized as its Founding Partner. And to amplify this fund
and double your impact, Board Member Masha Chase has pledged a
personal matching gift of $500 to launch the fund at a total of $1,000.
Why do it?
- Your name becomes synonymous with supporting the artists who teach and inspire us.
- Your bid triggers an immediate dollar-to-dollar match.
- You initiate a fund for recognition of Alchemy's amazing staff for their vital role in our students' growth.
- Your contribution is tax deductible
Claim now to help launch this fund at $1,000!
A handmade totebag by a potentially famous (in the future) artist!
Local pick up only, lots available!
We are 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.
This three-month membership offers independent access to Alchemy’s ceramics studio, fully equipped with pottery wheels, handbuilding tools, studio glazes, slab roller, pug mill, kilns, and more. Whether for a seasoned ceramicist or someone ready to deepen a new passion, this membership invites hours of making, experimenting, and connection within San Juan Island’s vibrant creative community! Includes access to monitored Wednesday open studio sessions for added support and inspiration.
Contributed by board member Timber Rose
This three-month membership unlocks access to Alchemy’s expansive Community Art Studio at the Art Barn, complete with printmaking presses, screenprinting equipment, sewing machines, looms, spinning wheels, darkroom access, work space, and a wealth of shared tools and materials. Perfect for artists eager to explore new mediums, launch a project, or immerse themselves in a collaborative studio environment!
Contributed by board member Timber Rose
The ultimate creative immersion experience! This full-access three-month membership grants access to both Alchemy’s Ceramics Studio and Community Art Studio, offering endless opportunities to move between clay, printmaking, fiber arts, photography, painting, and mixed media. Ideal for multidisciplinary artists or anyone craving space to explore without limits. This package offers a chance to become part of Alchemy’s thriving artistic ecosystem and create across multiple mediums in two inspiring studio spaces.
Contributed by board member Timber Rose
Join San Juan Kayak Expeditions, the original commercial sea kayaking outfitter in Friday Harbor, for a 3-day kayak camping trip in the San Juan Islands! Paddle and camp on Jones and Stuart Island. Eat yummy food, see lots of wildlife, learn about the rich natural and cultural history of the surrounding area, and have a blast doing it! Includes all paddling gear, quality instruction, dry bags, sleeping bags and pads, 2-person tent, and all meals for the duration of the trip. Move your body and revel in the community and gorgeous scenery. What’s not to love?
Scheduled trips June-September. You will be contacted after the fundraiser ends to schedule your trip.
Add a delicious treat to your picnic or beach day, made by board treasurer Shelle Cropper! Two dozen Chocolate chip cookies or any other flavor of chip (lemon, caramel, mint, cinnamon or a combination, includes pecans and/or coconut as options)
You will be contacted after the fundraiser to schedule the delivery of your prize.
The Rebar chocolate cake is a notoriously rich, three-layer cake from The Rebar Modern Food Cookbook featuring a dense chocolate buttermilk cake, cream cheese-chocolate filling, and ganache frosting. It commonly uses coffee and brown sugar for depth, often baked as three 8-inch layers. The recipe is famously decadent and highly prized by fans! Made by board president Jane Wentworth
You will be contacted after the fundraiser to schedule the delivery of your prize.
Need help hanging pictures, replacing a light switch, or organizing a space? This 4-hour handyman session from board secretary Guisepi Spadafora has you covered! Specializing in off-grid solar, rainwater catchment, material salvage, and reclaimed renovations, no job is too unique.
A beautiful set of three small maple burl bowls, created by board member Malcolm Suttles who is returning to the craft after decades of gallery representation in Seattle, Portland, and Mendocino. Perfect for display or holding small treasures!
Only One Available!
The amazing Liza Michaelson 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.
A week-long private sculpting class with Maria! Work together for 2 hours every day for up to a week. Learn the basics of large scale hand-building and make a figure or animal. Your yard will forever be more special! Free work time in the studio is included.
A one-hour tarot reading with Glenn Hendrick! Glenn has been reading the cards for over eight years and uses them for perspective, clarity, and illumination. Your reading can be held in person or over Zoom and will include a personalized spread, and an emailed photo of the spread for future reference.
