Wandering around beautiful pastureland, drinking in the views over San Juan Valley (and perhaps drinking some delicious local wine at the same time), chatting with fellow islanders, and possibly taking home an original painting that captures the islands…sounds like a pretty great way to spend an August Saturday afternoon, doesn’t it? We think so.

The San Juan Preservation Trust extends a warm invitation to all SJPT members and their guests to our First Annual Summer Social on Saturday, August 2, 2008. Billed as a “Celebration of Art, Islands, and Conservation”, this fun, outdoor event is a collaboration of the Preservation Trust, the artists of Plein Air Washington, and Gallery San Juan in Friday Harbor.

The Summer Social will take place from 2pm-5pm on Red Mill Farm, owned by Dodie Gann, in San Juan Valley, and protected with a conservation easement held by the Preservation Trust. While gathering on one of our beautiful conserved properties is a great way to showcase the work of the Preservation Trust, the Summer Social will be much more than an annual meeting of the membership: there will be fresh local food and wine, marimba music courtesy of Kubatana, educational displays, and nature activities for children. Additionally, we have teamed up with members of Plein Air Washington (a group of artists who paint outdoors) who will be painting SJPT conserved lands and other island vistas in the weeks preceding the Summer Social. Their paintings will be available for sale at the event (and available for sale thereafter at Gallery San Juan). A portion of the proceeds from the art sales will benefit the SJPT. Plein air artists will be painting on site during the event and certainly won’t mind if you are looking over their shoulder to watch their technique.

Please note that parking will be limited and we are encouraging carpools. A free shuttle bus will run continuously between the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal and Red Mill Farm.

To get to Red Mill Farm from Friday Harbor: Head out of town, up Spring Street (main road off ferry terminal). Follow Spring Street to edge of town, where it turns into San Juan Valley Road. Continue on San Juan Valley Road for several miles, until you reach Valley Farms Road (look for the SJPT sandwich board at roadside here). Turn left on Valley Farms Road, and follow signs to parking area.

While there is no fee for this event, we are gratefully accepting donations of $15.00 or more.

We hope that all members and their guests (young and old) will join us out on the Farm…it promises to be a great time. For more information, contact the Preservation Trust at 360-468-3202.

Photos by Kurt Thorson, Steve Horn, Plein Air Washington