Frequently Asked Questions
Where are we? What happened to Pelindaba? How do I take a class?
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About Alchemy
What is Alchemy Art Center?
A community art center on San Juan Island in Friday Harbor, Washington, founded in 2018. We offer classes, workshops, studio space and artist residencies in ceramics, printmaking, textiles, glass and more, for all ages and abilities.
Is Alchemy a nonprofit?
Yes. Alchemy Art Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Purchases, donations and class fees fund arts access on San Juan Island.
What can I do there?
Take a class or workshop, see working artists’ studios, walk the lavender fields, enjoy ice cream and refreshments, and shop for lavender products and local art. The Art Barn includes an accessible arts space.
Is Alchemy family-friendly?
Yes. We welcome all ages, with children’s programs, family workshops and open space to wander.
Visiting
Where are you located?
Two campuses: the Forest Campus at 1255 Wold Rd (ceramics, the darkroom and the Dome) and the Field Campus at 45 Hawthorne Ln, the former Pelindaba Lavender Farm (the Art Barn, printmaking, textiles, private studios, the gallery and the Alchemy Store). Both are a short drive from Friday Harbor.
How do I get there from the ferry?
The Field Campus is off Wold Rd, about ten minutes from downtown Friday Harbor, with ample parking and ADA accessible entrances. Come by car, moped or e-bike, or on the Jolly Trolley. See Contact and visit for more.
Can I just stop in?
Yes, to walk the fields and visit the store. Classes and workshops need advance registration on our calendar.
Is the lavender farm open to the public?
Yes. The fields are open year-round and free. The store is open 11am to 6pm daily in summer (May to August), 12 to 5pm Thursday to Monday in April and September, and 12 to 5pm Saturday and Sunday from October to March. Come walk the fields, visit the store and see local art.
The Farm and Store
What happened to Pelindaba Lavender Farm?
Pelindaba closed, and a local philanthropist bought the property for Alchemy’s use. We care for it now and are raising funds to bring it into our ownership. The lavender still grows, and we still make and sell lavender products alongside local art. Pelindaba means “place of great gatherings” in Zulu, a spirit we carry forward.
Can I buy lavender products and local art?
Yes. The store carries lavender grown and made on site, plus original work by San Juan Island artists. Every purchase helps fund arts access on the island.
When is the Lavender Festival?
The third weekend in July, at peak bloom, with lavender, art, music and local food in the fields of our Field Campus. Festival details.
Classes
What classes do you offer?
Ceramics and wheel throwing, printmaking, screenprinting, textiles, leathercraft, figure drawing, glass and more, plus youth and after-school programs. Offerings change each season: see the class calendar.
What if I can’t afford a class?
Almost every class is sliding scale, and tuition assistance is open to kids and adults.
Creativity is a human right.
Alchemy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Grants and gifts of every size keep classes, studios and free programs open to everyone on the island. Tuition assistance is available for nearly all classes and all memberships.