By Kristina Stucki

Journal contributor

Waterworks Gallery, an emerging hub for the island art community, reopened last week in its new location overlooking Friday Harbor under the direction of Nate Fihn, who purchased the gallery last winter. Located at 232 A Street #4, the Grand Opening on Dec. 6 drew a packed house with its Holiday Art Show and live music by the San Juan Jazz Trio.

“I was blown away,” Fihn said of the turnout. “Shout out to the featured artists and everyone who came and supported. The move has gone far better than anticipated. I thought I was done for a minute there, and would have been without the opportunity to get into the space I have now. Deep thanks to those who have made that possible.”

New artist Felicia Andreotte is featured in Waterworks’ Holiday Show, which runs all month, with her soft, abstract oceanscapes in accessible sizes. Also featured are new pieces from Teresa Smith, Jaime Ellworth, Tom Small and Tattered Gossamer along with discounted hand-blown ornaments from Glass Eye Studio.

“I inherited a long list of super talented, super accomplished artists with the purchase of Waterworks,” Fihn explained. “Artists like Tom Small, Jennifer Williams, Catherine Skinner, Jim Meyer, Robin & John Gumaelius to name a few. I’ve also had the honor of signing new gallery stars like Maria Michaelson, Glenn Hendrick, Inese Westcott, Matt Stern and Alicia Carr. I feel a clear sense of responsibility to do right by their hard work, and continue to get their pieces in front of people’s faces and into people’s hearts and homes.”

Along with the winter show, visitors to the gallery in the month of December found a variety of events for patrons and artists alike. Regular events include the island-famous Open Mic nights on Sundays at 6 p.m. and the Island Verse Literary Collective Writers’ Circle every other Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Those interested can find a full calendar and details on Instagram @awaterworksgallery.

“December is strong!” Fihn laughed. “Mark Burkholder and the Winterfest marketing plan inspired me to have something every Saturday at the gallery. We’ve had a sculpture demo, art psychology lecture, an upcoming hip-hop workshop, and a music showcase with my band Open I.”

Fihn has made quite a splash in the local art community in his first year of gallery ownership, with a focus on supporting the artists themselves and building up the artistic community rather than solely making sales.

“I want to provide a cultural space that feels productive and positive,” he said about his motivations. “I have always been reticent toward leadership roles and taking up too much space, but as I grow as a man and father and community member, I am stepping into that role a little more willingly in order to build the future I want to see. Being an islander has taught me that if I want to see certain things happen on this rock, I have to do what I can to make them happen! Art, fashion, food and drink – I want to present them in ways that excite me and hope that others get a kick out of it. Gathering and sharing is so important.”

People are feeling the renewed energy of the gallery’s momentum over the last 12 months since Fihn took the reins, especially local artists who are now being featured alongside the long-standing Waterworks repertoire.

“I am so grateful and delighted to see the transformation of Waterworks under the direction of Nate,” Maria Michaelson, founder of Alchemy Arts Center and local sculptor, said. “He has created a truly thriving community hub out of the gallery, and has extended an extraordinary opportunity to professional local artists to be part of a gallery with a several-decade legacy in Friday Harbor.”

Fihn’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. A community of local artists has blossomed in the space he’s created for them.

“Nate, no matter what physical space he is in, will always make room to expand creatively and be completely open to anyone willing to show up,” shared Shari Garzonetti, local writer and poet. “While the history of Waterworks Gallery at its former location held its own legacy, our community continues to show up for these well-established events – as Nate continues to open his mind, heart and space to new ventures.”

Garzonetti is part of a group of artists known as the Island Verse Literary Collective, a poetry nonprofit – based out of the gallery – that Fihn founded this year with local poet Danny Sherrard. IVLC holds biweekly writers circles, hosts high-level off-island talent, presents showcases of local writers and hopes to continue to work with local youth like they did this summer with the Jr. Arts department at the San Juan County Fair.

“Visit islandverse.org or follow @islandversecollective on Instagram because we are planning a showcase to highlight Elise Cope, Nicole Santora, Shari Garzonetti, Essine Kilpatrick-Boe and Shauna Barrows – names I have to drop due to the multitudes of talent in each person,” Fihn emphasized. “The world must know.”

Fihn continuously points the spotlight at others and frequently lists names of those who need to be seen and known for their art in response to questions about his accomplishments. Attendees at the weekly Open Mic witness Fihn literally sharing his stage and microphone with everyone in attendance, even those who have never performed before.

“At open mic you will find singers, poets, storytellers, musicians, comedians – artists of all kinds willing to bare it all,” Garzonetti smiled. “You will laugh, you will cry and you will be welcomed with open arms, lots of applause and space to pause for confidence or to wipe the tears away when you choose to share, especially that first time. Waterworks’ Writers Circle will have its one-year anniversary next month – something that couldn’t have been accomplished without the right formula of regularly held space, creative local community vulnerability and enjoying it enough to keep showing up – as is reflected in all events hosted by Nate and Waterworks Gallery.”

When asked what he hopes to contribute to the local community through his work at the gallery, Fihn pointed out that local community often isn’t the focus of island businesses, and he hopes to expand that focus to include islanders.

“There’s a tendency here toward catering to tourist experiences and seasonal interests,” he acknowledged. “I’m lucky to be friends with a ton of creative, vibrant, beautiful people, so giving them a platform and a space to be free to process and create as islanders feels good. There aren’t many spaces designated for the gritty inner work of transmuting human suffering into art that feeds the spirit while simultaneously attracting people to our town.”

Those interested in Waterworks updates and events can follow Fihn on social media @awaterworksgallery and @blindtigerbarservices. They can also sign up for the newsletter email list by calling or visiting the gallery, which is open Thursdays – Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. or by appointment.

“Most things I do are for anyone and everyone,” Fihn emphasized. “There is a suggested donation, but the only real requirement is paying attention.”