Art, Science & Whimsy: Spring 2026 Exhibitions Open March 6 at SJIMA
- SJIMA
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
The San Juan Islands Museum of Art invites you to experience three thought-provoking exhibitions opening March 6 and on view through June 1, 2026. Filling the Nichols, North, and Atrium Galleries, new work by Lauren Boilini, Janis Miltenberger, and Dan Brown explores the dynamic intersection of nature, science, and humanity through paint, glass, and metal.
Together, these distinct exhibitions celebrate the ways art engages the natural world, scientific inquiry, storytelling, and the human experience—offering visitors an immersive and inspiring journey through three unique artistic voices.
Lauren Boilini: Celestial Navigation
Nichols Gallery
Step into the Nichols Gallery for Lauren Boilini’s Celestial Navigation, where swirling flocks of birds and insects create a symphony of movement and color. Her dynamic patterns draw you into a world where nature’s chaos becomes mesmerizing rhythm. Through her work, Boilini explores the concept of excess and how, when repeated to the point of meaninglessness, abundance can dissolve into mere pattern. Her work reflects on society's relentless pursuit of more, “until the more we are looking for loses its meaning.”
Currently, Boilini teaches painting and drawing at The Evergreen State College. Collaboration remains a vital aspect of her artistic approach. She is currently working on a project for SeaTac’s South Concourse in partnership with frequent collaborator Henry Cowdery.
Janis Miltenberger: Productive Uncertainty
North Gallery
Lopez artist Janis Miltenberger’s Productive Uncertainty showcases dazzling glass sculptures that fuse storytelling with craftsmanship. Miltenberger’s work explores themes of grief, healing, and whimsy, transforming delicate glass into textured tales that evoke both wonder and comfort. Her pieces often reference healing plants and marine life, intertwining nature’s restorative power with the magic of art. Each sculpture is a testament to resilience and imagination, inviting visitors to reflect on the mysteries and beauty of the world around them.
“While studio life is largely solitary, this solitude provides the focus needed to create intimate, narrative-driven works.”
Much of her work is inspired by her San Juan Islands surroundings. She exhibits globally and has taught at leading glassmaking schools in the USA, Europe, and Japan.
Dan Brown: Iron and Wood — Sculptures of the Northwest
Atrium Gallery
The Atrium Gallery features Dan Brown’s Iron and Wood: Sculptures of the Northwest, a lively collection celebrating the spirit of the region. Brown’s constructed sculptures, made from metal, wood, and found objects, seem to swim, dance, and soar—capturing the playful energy of fish, foals, and human figures. His whimsical creations are not only visually engaging but also reflect a deep appreciation for sustainability and resourcefulness, rooted in his lifelong habit of repurposing materials. Alongside these imaginative sculptures, Brown’s watercolor paintings of trout, included in his book “Fictitious Trout,” bring charm and fantasy to the exhibition. These playful reinterpretations highlight his joy in the natural world and invite viewers to connect with both the art and the artist.
With degrees in wildlife biology and education from Washington State University, Dan spent decades teaching art and science, inspiring students as the sole art teacher for Okanogan Middle and High School. Awarded the Washington Art Educators' Association “Golden Apple” in 2001, Brown’s impact as a teacher and artist continues to shape communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, where his sculptures grace galleries, art trails, and public spaces.
Plan Your Visit
SJIMA is located at 540 Spring Street in Friday Harbor and is open Friday through Monday, 11 AM–5 PM. Docent-led tours are available by prior reservation.
This spring, the museum becomes a vibrant convergence of color, light, movement, storytelling, and sustainability—where creativity and community meet in the heart of Friday Harbor.
Join us March 6 for the opening of SJIMA’s Spring 2026 Exhibitions and experience art that invites curiosity, reflection, and delight.
SPONSORS:
Honeywell Foundation, Mark Torrance Foundation, Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan County. In-Kind Sponsors: Browne’s Home Center, Harbor Rental, Printonyx, Terry Ogle Painting
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