Sponsored by San Juan Island Artists
About the sponsor: San Juan Island Artists is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and promoting island artists. Every June, the annual SJIA Studio Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore artists’ studios and experience the natural beauty of the island through an artistic lens.
For travelers who love art and nature, the annual San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour in Washington State is the perfect weekend escape. Held just before the peak summer season, this free, self-guided tour celebrates the island’s robust artist community. Meet local artists, visit working studios, and enjoy the beauty of San Juan Island at a relaxed pace.
Experience the San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour
Founded in 1991, the Studio Tour was created by island artists who wanted to open their studios for one special weekend each year. Thirty-five years later, it has grown into one of Washington State’s most beloved arts events, offering a glimpse into the workspaces and artistic lives of local makers.
Held the first full weekend in June, the San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour takes visitors off the beaten path, weaving through back roads to more remote pockets of the island. The 2026 tour will be held June 6-7 and feature 68 artists and 26 studios, making it one of the most extensive tours to date.
Discover quirky and unique studios in all sizes, from outdoor kilns and geodesic domes to historic barns and repurposed industrial spaces that provide communal access to tools and equipment. Many studios will host guest artists, offering a rare opportunity to experience multiple artistic voices in working studio environments.
Visitors can experience a variety of mediums and styles, from pastels and printmaking to woodworking, fiber arts, ceramics, and more. With the depth and diversity of artists on the 2026 tour, plan to spend two days to get the full experience.
Explore the Outdoors
San Juan Island is not only known for its artist community; it’s also one of Washington’s most idyllic destinations. Take in sweeping views of islands and distant mountains or enjoy outdoor recreation. Whether kayaking, whale watching, cycling, or sailing, there’s plenty to do on land and sea. The island is also home to nature preserves and protected areas, including two national historical parks, scenic lighthouses, and beaches. Nature enthusiasts and birders will especially appreciate the island’s diverse avian and marine life.
As you explore during the San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour, notice how many artists find inspiration in the flora and fauna. From locally sourced materials, such as wood and clay, to wildlife and landscapes, the island finds its way into their works.
A Year-Round Arts Community
The island comes alive with activity during the summer months, but its creative culture thrives year-round. Experience art in nature at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, which spans 20 acres and includes more than 150 installations. Several trails are even dog friendly.
For indoor fun, San Juan Island Community Theatre and San Juan Island Museum of Art offer engaging year-round programming. The annual Artist Registry Show features more than 100 artists from across the San Juan Islands, many of whom participate in the Studio Tour.
San Juan Island is also home to a growing community of younger artists, largely due to community workspaces. The FellowShop provides access to woodworking, metalworking, and automotive equipment, as well as private artist studios, while Alchemy Art Center is a nonprofit communal space specializing in ceramics, printmaking, and darkroom photography. The center also offers free and low-cost arts programming and is expanding into a second facility that will house studios, classrooms, residencies, and gallery space.
This increased access to studios, tools, and education has created a renewed focus on the arts, enabling young artists to thrive on San Juan Island. Come experience local art for yourself during the annual San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour.