Beautiful Crafts from from local artisans on the San Juan Islands. Pottery, photography, oil, knits ... read more

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I stopped here during my short sojourn at Friday Harbor yesterday. There are several arts and crafts-type places in town and in my limited experience, Island Studios had the best selection and at fairly reasonable prices. It's also a handsome place with their various pieces well displayed. I was particularly impressed with their glass wall pieces and some wood boxes by a person on Orcas Island by the name of River Jim. I also thought that the owner was very helpful, especially since I'll probably buy one of River Jim's boxes in the future. Jane Y.'s experience is unfortunate, although a sometimes high shipping/handling charge for often fragile and uniquely shaped artistic objects is more common than not. And it is certainly something I expect and factor into my purchasing decisions. I'm also usually suspicious of Yelp reviews from a profile with no picture and only one pointed posting. I call this a "drive by". read more

I spent a weekend at Friday Harbor and found myself drawn into the store by brightly colored martini glasses. What a fascinating store! Local artisans have various areas of the store full of fantastic wares. There were beautifully block painted nature pictures, wooden boxes and chests decorated whimsically, canvas art work, glass artwork, metal worked fountains, and all sorts of other beautifully crafted pieces. Everything is wonderfully displayed so a person can browse without feeling crowded. Every artisan's area had a detailed description of who they were and what they did. The staff regularly answered questions on the pieces. The prices were very reasonable and the quality and variety was impressive! I bought four hand painted martini glasses that were colorful and delightful. The gentleman at the counter gave me the artisan's card, told me how to care for them, and then carefully wrapped each glass and placed them in a box so they could survive the trip home easily. I am still very pleased with this purchase and found the store delightful. read more

If you're looking to support local artisans go here. A wide variety of media so something is bound to catch your eye. There is not much interaction (interference) with the sales staff ... they wait for you to ask questions. I liked this. Don't forget to look in the garden for outdoor stuff. read more

People are really unfriendly here. You sense a bit of snobbery but by definition, you have to have something of high value or possess superiority to have snobbishness. And yet, there is no value to be found here. I came here with friends to look and you can see from their looks that we were not welcome for some reason. Maybe it's small island syndrome and they only want their usual people. Who knows? Their goods are very niche and I doubt I would decorate my home with it. We left promptly as we have no need to be where we are unwelcome. read more

Avoid this place so you don't put a damper on your Friday Harbor day or weekend. The sales lady was so rude and couldn't even answer a basic question about a piece of art. She followed us around the end tire store, I presumed it was because of my 5 year old who I kept under tight guidance, be then she even followed my mother and sister when I was in a different section. Then I asked her about the gourd with a school of salmon on it and she said 4 times "what salmon gourd?!" I showed her and she replied, "oh, you mean the TROUT gourd!" Then she read the tag "Salmon gourd $650." I think she has a superiority complex. Visit at your own risk but I strongly recommend you don't bring guests there. read more

This gallery supports local and regional artists of the area. There are always new things to see and purchase for a lasting memory of the islands read more

What kind of gallery trashes an artist it represents while simultaneously insulting a customer's taste? Apparently, this kind. When I showed my friend an art book that I liked, one of the staff members volunteered that she didn't like the "cartoonish" style of the artist's work and that the artist created other "real art." I was shocked! The book showed 30+ images of that artist's work, many of which were individually for sale in the gallery. She commented further that she hadn't even opened the book. REALLY!?! Snobbery before first sight? Perhaps her faux-hipster garb (black top and trousers, purple beret, artsy glasses and mismatched earrings) was supposed to lend credibility to her unsolicited and disrespectful commentary. I supported the artist by purchasing the book from an online website, which I announced as I handed the book back to the rude staff member. I recommend that both artists and customers steer clear of Island Studio. Instead, find the artists they represent on the internet or try any of the other 6 local galleries we visited where staff/owners were kind to customers and respectful of their artists. read more

We saw lots of things here that we would have liked to buy if we had unlimited space and resources. The wife especially liked the garden section and even the kids enjoyed some of the glass stuff. I particularly liked some of the things made of wood and other natural materials. Not much kitsch. They have an online store and we may well end up buying something there after mulling over what we saw. The store is well worth a visit when you're in town. read more

We visited Friday Harbor this past Monday and were delighted to wander in to this studio, as we produce fused glass and love to see other artist's creativity and work, which there is plenty of. Liz was working and she was incredibly friendly and informative. This is now a must see when we're in Friday Harbor. read more

We only got to see the inside of the store (heard they have an outdoor section but it was closed for the season). They offer a wide selection of framed prints in various sizes, cards, clothing, mosaics, pottery, glass art and unique one of a kind pieces. I really liked the wood tables that have colorful glass beads, stones, wood and metal (too expensive for me) - such beautiful pieces! We purchased some prints to give to friends and glass art magnets with air plants attached to them. The artists use a lot of natural materials and sometimes the simplicity of an artpiece is what makes a true statement. A visit to this gallery is well worth your time. read more

Great place to find the wide variety of Island artists work in one location. Jewelry, cards, paintings, posters, pottery, soap, and a lot more are all there. It's a wonderful way to be able to see local artists's work right in a central location in town. It's at the top of Spring Street, where you can spend the day browsing shops and enjoying the good restaurants of Friday Harbor. Try http://www.simply-san-juan.com for more Island information, including Island artists. read more

We wandered in this store on our way back to our hotel. Apparently it was near closing time but no one said a thing & we didn't realize it because it was still early (just before 5). We browsed our way through the whole store marveling at the talent of the local artists. When we finished browsing I made a purchase of almost $40 & complimented the clerk on what a great shop it was. She responded with a snide remark about coming in at closing time. WTF lady. Say something next time & I'll come back later. Her attitude certainly soured my experience. The art is nice, this particular lady, not so much. read more