Eye of the Whale
Writers, Art, and Artisan Workshops
and Events in the San Juan Islands
2026 News
Earth Day Orcas, month-long events, April 2026
This year marks the 4th annual year of engaging Earth Day learning experiences on Orcas Island featuring Art, Science Poetry, Music and Ecology. Events are April 10th-30th, live and online.
Art and Nature Retreat is Saturday, April 18th w nature, art and poetry
Main Eco Fair, Prayer Walk, and Concert are April 25th
You are invited to Eye of the Whale in the San Juans
Create Art & Photography
Create Art & Photography
Create Art & Photography
Hands-on Fiber/Folkways
Create Art & Photography
Hands-on Fiber/Folkways
Explore your creative side
Artist & Artisan Craft Workshops & Tours
Enjoy half or full day workshops and explore working with your hands and heart to create something meaningful, useful - or delicious. Painting, sculpture, printmaking, fiber, wood, metal, food, beverage. Select fun topics a la carte - great way to challenge yourself!
Artist & Makers Workshops are Thursday-Sunday.
Develop your story
Writers Retreats
Workshops with inspiring instructors, in a supportive learning community, offer fun ways to explore and grow.
Nature & poetry writing, Memoir writing, Song writing retreats over three days,
Head out across the Island
Field Trips to farms, creative studios, and out into nature.
Many Eye of the Whale workshops include a special field trip component as noted in the workshop descriptions and may be included in your tution, or have an additional fee as an add-on activity. We also offer suggestions for fun Island Makers' drop-ins for studio, food and beverages.
- Special Events for Our Participants -
Thursday arrivals & welcome programs
We suggest arriving Thursday by mid day for the 3 day events. There are several morning ferries scheduled to arrive before noon. Thursday afternoon welcome activities for each track launch the program. No-host and reserved dinners served.
Friday night showcases around town
Friday evenings, we have art, music & poetry readings hosted at local venues for you to enjoy after your choice of a no-host dinner location. Some of these events tie-in to your workshop activities, others are, well, just for the fun of it!
Eye of the Whale SPLASH! Private Sat. dinner events
Travel & Accomodations
Book your Ferry Space
Meal Options for Participants
Find your Accommodations
Ferry Departs from Anacortes. Flights available from Boeing Field, Anacortes and Bellingham.
Find your Accommodations
Meal Options for Participants
Find your Accommodations
Resort, Inn, Hotel, Camping, Vacation Rental options for all budgets.
Meal Options for Participants
Meal Options for Participants
Meal Options for Participants
Dinner options. Lunch options as noted in the workshop details.
Stay Curious! and keep in touch with Eye of the Whale's year round offerings.