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By Luisa Loi
La Conner Community News

A new school and gathering spot for artists is opening in La Conner this weekend.

Located inside the former La Conner Regional Library on Morris Street, the La Conner Arts Center welcomes people of all ages to an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday featuring activities, prizes and a cake buffet.

When the library moved to the current La Conner Swinomish Library building one block away, artist Christie Jackson saw an opportunity to fill a need for a space where local artsy folks could create alongside other like-minded people. With a spacious main room and large windows welcoming in plenty of northern light (a must for studios due to its consistency), she knew the old library had the potential to become the perfect arts center.

When the building finally went up for sale, Jackson nervously jumped on the opportunity with her husband’s encouragement, but the lack of a business plan caused her to experience panic attacks.

Luckily, she could count on fellow artist and friend Joanna Sikes, the former executive director of the Museum of Northwest Art, who said she was happy for the opportunity to do something she loves — art — and to work in a safe and accessible place for artists to be themselves and learn. Community members also responded to the project with excitement, which Jackson found encouraging.

During the open house, attendees may watch or join other artists as they draw, sculpt and paint; a model will also be on site.

The Northern Light School of the Arts, a nonprofit managed by Sikes, will provide a variety of classes, open studio sessions, workshops, potlucks and other art events offered every month, including Still Life Sundays, FUNdamentals of Art, Coffee Hour and activities for children and teens.

Sikes served as the executive director of the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner and worked for more than 20 years at Chihuly Studio as studio manager and director of special projects. Jackson discovered her passion for art in grade school and studied graphic design and illustration in college. After working for newspaper Deseret News for 25 years, she began taking fine art workshops, an experience she hopes to share with others.

“It’s just so rewarding when you create something,” she said. “I hope I can pass that along to other people, too.”

The La Conner Arts Center is at 614 Morris St.

Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter at La Conner Community News.