It could be a mossy outcropping of rocks overlooking the bay.

Or an old barn, paint peeling, wood warping from years of rain and wind.

Or a large, gnarled tree, branches bowing to meet the earth.

It just has to portray a quintessential island spot.

The community is being asked to submit art of any medium that depicts their favorite island scene, one they hope will still be here 100 years from now.

The work will be on display at the San Juan County Fair, August 18 to 21. Nothing will be judged, and no prizes will be given. The project is simply to highlight locations in the San Juans that are worth preserving.

Photographer Peter Fromm and his friend Emily Reed had the idea last year during Friday Harbor’s Centennial Celebration.

“We were sitting on Peter’s boat, and said, ‘it’d be great if we had a project where we preserved island scenes for the future,” Reed said. “Most of us have been here long enough to remember the islands the way they were. The entries could be a photograph or a painting of a view over a meadow with cattle or old trees or an old barn in a field. The project is a way for more islanders to become aware of what a magical place this is.”

San Juan County artists of all ages and skills are invited to submit entries. It can be any two dimensional medium, must be at least 8’x10” but no larger than 16”x20”, be ready to hang, and have a description of the scene.

The submissions aren’t due until early August, but Fromm and Reed need to know by April 1 who is planning to submit a piece. The fair is arranging how much space is required for the display.

“We may get five people and we may get 100 – we just don’t know,” Reed said.

Fromm and Reed hope the project will encourage conservation.

“We need to be conscious of preserving what we have,” Reed said. “As citizens, we have influence on saving things and not saving things.”

Submissions

Fromm and Reed need to know by April 1 who is planning to submit a piece in August. Email Reed at oatmeal@rockisland.com or call Fromm at 378-8378.