Six to See: Get Inspired on the Islands

The natural beauty, rich history and unique character of Washington’s Whidbey and Camano islands inspires an eclectic art scene. This season, chart a new course or hone a hobby with some of the following happenings.

Food, Fire & Iron, Photo by Russel Sparkman

1. On Whidbey Island, the outdoors offer an immersive experience from the carved workings at Cloudstone Sculpture Park to the peaceful stone circles at Earth Sanctuary.

2. To get hands-on, visit Marbley in Coupeville, the only shop in the Pacific Northwest offering water warbling art sessions. The ancient art form is getting a new life, as customers get the chance to hand-paint silk scarves.

3. On Camano Island, NW Glassquest offers unique glass blowing classes, where by appointment visitors can create their own custom glass floats.

4. Most guests visit Camano Island’s Arrowhead Ranch for the axe-throwing adventure, but this new destination also offers hands-on classes in its maker space. Craft a live-edge charcuterie board from a pre-cut, local wood slab. Then sand, oil and brand it for a handmade, custom charcuterie board.

   This winter and spring, plan an art-inspired weekend trip with these festivals:

5. The Great Northwest Glass Quest. Dubbed the “greatest treasure hunt in the Pacific Northwest,” come to Stanwood and Camano Island to search or unique hand-blown glass treasures by world-renowned glass artists, Mark and Marcus Ellinger. (Feb 14-23, 2020)

6. Camano Island Art Studio Tour. For two back-to-back weekends in May, local artists open their personal studios for tours and live art sessions. (May 8-May 10; May 16-18, 2020)