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Langley is the first state-designated Creative District in Island County, but it surely won’t be the last. Art of all kinds is in the DNA of these twin islands in the Salish Sea. From the earliest intricate canoes to the incredible artworks of Coast Salish people today, the history of island-inspired art goes way back.
Some artworks of the Coast Salish people, especially those representing a connection to spiritual power, were not displayed publicly but instead kept for private or ceremonial purposes. Artworks were often beautiful, handcrafted items created for practical use, such as weaving of textiles and basketry. Unlike some Tribes further north who carved totem poles, the Coast Salish nations were more known for creating low relief carvings. These were often made from cedar, by removing wood to reveal a positive, raised form of a figure, oftentimes animals. Traditional dugout canoes held many layers of beauty and meaning, as the trees selected for their creation had already lived long lives and been homes to many animals before taking on a new shape and purpose as ocean-going vessels.
At the turn of the 20th century, when most new settlers to Whidbey or Camano Islands were still arriving for logging or farming, vibrant artist colonies were forming on both islands! The name of Camano’s was Waupello, affectionately known as The Little Kingdom. It was founded by Eugene Banks, a novelist, playwright, and former editor of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Members saw themselves as artistic activists, who argued against the separation of design and production. A utopian society combined with a business venture, the resident artists planned to bring in supplies by boat and ship their craft goods worldwide from the shores of the island. Although 250 acres was purchased on the southern tip of Camano for the creative colony, no remains of structures on the Waupello site have ever been found.
On Whidbey there was the Brackenwood artists’ colony, founded by Margaret and Peter Camfferman, The Camffermans were progressive painters and experienced etchers, who met in art school and further studied in Paris. Brackenwood gained a good reputation and eventually had eight cabins to host visiting artists, who made the journey to Whidbey to benefit from classes taught by the Camffermans and other well-known artists. Margaret was the niece of Helen Coe, the first female mayor of Langley, who spearheaded the establishment of the library. Visitors can still see Camfferman works on display at the Langley library today. Although the Brackenwood artist’s colony hasn’t existed since the late 1950s, it’s influence on the art scene of the island was permanent.
The enchantment that drew artists even through hardship to Whidbey and Camano Islands endures today, with an extraordinary concentration of creative talent. Practically every islander is engaged in some form of artistic expression, and for those who haven’t found their medium yet, it’s a good place to take a creative quest. In an artistic calendar always bursting with events, perhaps the highlight of the year is the annual studio tour on each island. Every summer guests are invited into the working spaces of a wide selection of local artists to see how their creative process unfolds, and purchase artwork that will tell a story while supporting a local creator.
The islands are a good place to find talented teachers who can elevate a student’s art or introduce them to a new form. Fine arts schools and studio-based classes can be found, often in inspiring settings taking advantage of abundant natural beauty. Galleries abound, and artist collectives host pop up shows and events throughout the year. Whatever creative skill visitors are seeking to cultivate, an inspiring visit to the islands is just the thing to expand artistic abilities.