LUMINOUS Gallery | Studio
A story of two artists’ dreamy creative space
When Dana met Lisa…
I first met Lisa on the Studio Tour in 2021, my husband’s and my first summer on the island. I was struck by her beautifully intuitive paintings and vibrant spirit. The following summer we met again at the Maker’s Guild Art Show at Pelindaba, excitedly I showed her my hand woven wall hangings, she loved them and we decided to do a trade. Our friendship blossomed from there, I joined her for the 2023 Studio Tour she hosted at her home.
After the 2023 Studio Tour I desired a more permanent way to showcase my work, yet wasn’t clear on what that would look like. At a summer concert, Lisa mentioned that there was a space available in the Cannery Landing Building. She wanted to reconnect with her collectors, redesign her home studio and desired a partner to open a gallery. It was a spontaneous decision and my heart jumped at the opportunity! I barely slept that evening, all the possibilities filled my dreams as I had also outgrown my home studio. Our vision developed over many inspired conversations: A working studio and gallery space with home-inspired vignettes and lounge spaces where collectors can be witness and interact with our creative process.
The Vision
And so October 1st, 2023 we took possession of the coooolest commercial space in Friday Harbor! The Cannery Landing loft space… with trussed ceilings and wrap around windows… right on the water next to the ferry landing… where the deep teal water reflects on the building, and salt spray gathers on the windows. It’s glorious!
We both have our primary studios there, along with gallery space for our creations, and seasonally changing displays that invite a creative experience… a gorgeous sanctuary for us to work on our art and for visitors to hang out and watch us create. Eventually we will have themed collaborative shows and workshops!
The Name
Introducing L U M I N O U S Gallery | Studio…
We collaborated to create a studio space and gallery that will reflect our mutual love for all things LUMINOUS…
One August afternoon, we sat down on a cliff at Land Bank overlooking Haro Straight and began envisioning how we would like the space to look, function, and feel… within a couple of hours, we landed on the name Luminous as we watched sparkles on the water in the warm August sun… simultaneously, K pod went by in front of us, and we learned that Tokitae had passed away minutes earlier. Furthermore, Ocean Sun, generally thought by researchers to be Tokitae’s mother, was among the K pod group we watched. The deep meaning of all the elements coming together were not lost on us, and we grew to feel strongly that the name Luminous represented so much more for us than we originally thought.
LUMINOUS Gallery | Studio evolved out of a mutual desire to showcase our art and to create a studio/gallery experience that exudes the comforts and beauty of home. A place where one can pause, reflect and receive translation of the art. LUMINOUS is defined as that which emits a bright light from within or to glow from an internal source of energy. This quality is something that we both hold true for ourselves as we approach our art and our lives. This quality is what we’re holding for the space and hope that you experience while visiting us.
The Space
The remodel list was long: design the floor plan, remove stage, remove carpet, paint the ceiling and walls, paint the floor, choose paint colors, install lighting, install blinds, build a movable wall, install sink, design logo, design and order signage, install signage, order furniture, put together shelves and cabinets, pack up and move our home studios.
Excitement, overwhelm, exhaustion, patience, impatience followed. Finally on Thanksgiving weekend we hung our art and opened the doors for friends and family. I’m so grateful for all the help we received from both of our partners, family and community to get LUMINOUS open.
The Process
Check out the transformation on the concrete floors… think Kintsugi (Japanese porcelain repair with gold)… <swoon> we wanted the floor to have a LUMINOUS quality… some depth to it, like you could look into the surface and be transported… and oh my gosh, it looks like a combination of the deep ocean, a geod, outer space, and a planet. It is a work of art itself… and yes, we hand painted it with a brush!
Upcoming Events
We have also been promoting first-of-the-month Friday Art Walks. The walks are a grassroots effort from a bunch of local artists and art-related businesses that have committed to being open from 4-7 p.m. every first Friday of the month. The artists involved will have a special reception featuring their art, perhaps guest artists or even musicians. Art Walks are a wonderful way to build artist/community relationships and support local businesses. As of March 1st, there were 12 artists involved, but the number seems to be growing. Stay tuned to First Friday Artwalk Friday Harbor on FaceBook for new announcements.
Mark your calendars for Lisa and Dana’s upcoming art show on April 20th at Luminous Gallery | Studio.
Spring Reveal: The Nature of Growth
This exhibit will explore the lifecycle of growth as experienced in nature within our own personal journeys.
