Celebrating art, artists, and creativity—this is what the Guemes Island Art Initiative, an offshoot of the Guemes Island Community Center Association, is all about. With GICCA’s mission being to enrich and connect the Guemes Island community, artists and art lovers are definitely important to the community. So how exactly did this Initiative come about? The initiative rolled out in January 2021 and in the first year grew to represent 42 artists. Additional artists are in the wings preparing to join in 2023.

What are the elements of this Initiative?

• GuemesIslandArt.org  is the online art gallery for this creative effort. This new website connects Guemes Island visual artists with those who enjoy art, whether as an active participant or a casual observer.
• Home Page: a curated gallery of beautiful and exciting artistic pieces created by Guemes Island artists.
• Artist Pages: each profile page is a unique description of the individual artist’s photos, personal stories, and memorable quotes related to their work. Take some time, browse, and get to know these artists from the comfort of your home. Some art is shared as a personal portfolio, some is for sale, and some are examples of what could be purchased. Please contact the artist for more information.
• Artist Directory: alphabetical listing of names, art media/styles, and contact information.
• Art Calendar: chronological listing of art activities such as classes, shows, demos, tours, summer camps, celebrations and other artsy happenings on Guemes Island. Also, any regional happenings that impact the Guemes community such as the Anacortes Arts Festival and the Mount Vernon Luminary Parade.
• Art Classes: here you can sign up for classes offered by island artists such as glass blowing, ceramics, jewelry making, rock art, and luminary creations.
• Art Community: Special features including Creative Speak Blog, Public Art, Art Groups and a peak at history.
• GICCA Newsletter Feature: Look for Artist-of-the-Month, art styles, and trends to be featured in each upcoming issue of the GICCA monthly newsletter.
• Beyond Our Shores: GICCA board members are pursuing partnerships with other local arts organizations. Our first partner, Northwest Art Alliance, offered to feature Guemes Island Art as part of its “Small Communities Connection” in NWAA’s popular newsletter and website in 2021.

 As we look forward to 2023, there will be a special event focus that includes:

• Planning for the “Art for Sale” Summer Studio Tour on Saturday, June 3rd from 10:00 to 4:00. New art, returning artists and new artists. Much of the art will focus on outdoor garden art to brighten any entryway or landscape design.

Important Message to Guemes Island Artists

GICCA is offering island artists the opportunity to display their favorite creations on the website, whether it be painting, carving, weaving, sculpture or other art medium. No matter what your background or experience, consider sharing your personal profile and skills and become an integral part of our growing artisan community.

Who may apply? Any artist who lives, works, or owns property on Guemes Island and feels ready to share their visual creations with the Community.

How to apply? Email guemesislandart@gmail.com to request an application.

Is there a cost? No, it’s free! GICCA Board wishes to make this Initiative accessible, affordable, and open to all island artists.

How did this start? 

GICCA Board members gathered in 2020 to discuss ways to foster community and build connections amid a global pandemic. What started with the idea that Guemes Island has a long history of encouraging and celebrating visual arts and shifted to begin tallying up the number of professional and amateur artists who lived, worked, and owned property on Guemes Island. To the amazement of many, literally dozens of artists fit the bill and with time even more are being discovered. The idea developed into an online “art gallery” as a way for island artists to display and share their passion for art.