Rod Magner is an artist. His chosen medium is pretty unique. He uses wind, clouds, the San Juan islands and his plane, a rare 1929 Curtiss-Wright Travelair biplane, to make magic.

The many happy customers who have flown with Magner since he bought his plane in 1991 will attest that he is an artist and the trips are magical. These awe inspiring flights have been the backdrop for at least 15 marriage proposals (not by Magner). If you have never flown with Magner, you can taste the magic with this YouTube video.

As part of the Orcas Island Historical Society’s ongoing historical matinees linked to their featured exhibit, “Wings Over Orcas Island – An Aviation Experience,” Magner will share some of the magic and tell us what it is like to fly a biplane over the San Juan Islands. He will be joined by Eric Gourley, former chief pilot for San Juan Airlines, former float plane pilot for NW Airlines and sometimes pilot of Magner’s Travelair. The two of them will share tales of fun and adventure over Orcas on Sunday, June 12 from 3-4:40 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall.