Winslow Art Center Studio & Gallery | Winslow

The Winslow Art Center is a contemporary art education and exhibition space based in downtown Bainbridge Island, Washington. Though not located in Winslow, Arizona, it shares its name with the island’s Winslow neighborhood, and it serves as a vibrant hub for artists both locally and globally. Founded in 2011 by artist and educator Martha Jordan, the center has evolved into one of the most dynamic online art schools in the United States while still maintaining a physical studio and gallery presence.

Founding and Philosophy

Martha Jordan’s vision for the Winslow Art Center was grounded in the belief that quality art instruction should be accessible and personal. She originally opened the center to provide small-group, in-person workshops on Bainbridge Island, where professional artists could mentor students in a nurturing, hands-on environment. The philosophy emphasized deep engagement, creativity, and community-a spirit that still defines the center today.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person classes in 2020, the center pivoted rapidly. With the help of her two daughters and a skilled web designer, Jordan transitioned the entire operation online, converting her garage into a makeshift Zoom studio. This adaptation allowed the center not only to survive but to thrive-connecting students from all over the world to world-class instructors without the limitations of geography.

Artistic Offerings

The Winslow Art Center now offers a vast catalog of online courses and workshops, designed for artists of all levels-from beginners exploring drawing fundamentals to seasoned painters refining their techniques. These classes cover a broad range of mediums and topics:

Painting

Oil and acrylic painting in both traditional and abstract styles

Watercolor and gouache classes that explore transparency, color mixing, and illustrative techniques

Drawing and Mixed Media

Foundational drawing, including gesture, contour, and figure drawing

Experimental drawing and mixed media work that blends charcoal, collage, and ink

Printmaking and Book Arts

Techniques in monoprinting, collagraphy, and hand-crafted books

Paper arts, including handmade journals and sketchbooks

Specialized Topics

Color theory and composition workshops

Classes focused on botanical art, landscape painting, and portraiture

Exploration of art history, including workshops themed around classical and modern masters

Art Talks and Critique Groups

The center also offers live critique sessions, lecture series, and artist talks, giving participants a chance to grow intellectually and refine their work in a collegial, feedback-driven setting.

Most classes are held live over Zoom, typically in two- to six-week blocks. Sessions are recorded and made available for later viewing by registered participants, allowing flexibility for artists with busy schedules or international time zones.

Travel Workshops and Art Retreats

One of the most unique offerings from the Winslow Art Center is its international art travel program. These are immersive, destination-based workshops led by professional artists and held in inspiring locations-most notably in Italy and Croatia.

Artists participating in these retreats enjoy:

Daily on-site painting and sketching instruction

Cultural and culinary experiences (e.g., wine tastings, market visits)

Accommodations in historic venues, such as castles, monasteries, or restored villas

Camaraderie with fellow artists in a focused yet relaxed setting

These trips combine travel, art education, and personal growth, appealing to those seeking to deepen their artistic practice in a rich, sensory environment.

Gallery and Events

The Winslow Art Center Gallery, located in its original studio space on Winslow Way, showcases student and faculty work throughout the year. It also hosts open studios, exhibitions, and seasonal art festivals.

Spring Fling Festival and Autumn Art in Action are two major annual events. They include free demonstrations, live Zoom talks, online classes, and the unveiling of gallery shows. These events have gained significant traction among the online art community.

The gallery fosters a sense of belonging and celebration for artists who participate virtually. Even if you never step foot in the Bainbridge Island studio, your work and presence can be part of the community.

Community and Impact

Perhaps most importantly, the Winslow Art Center is a true community-driven organization. Its students come from every continent, drawn by the professionalism of the instruction and the friendliness of the learning environment. The instructors are a mix of established painters, university professors, authors, and illustrators, each selected for both technical skill and teaching ability.

Students describe the experience as encouraging, enriching, and transformative. Whether learning to see light and shadow in new ways or finding their creative voice, many cite the Winslow Art Center as a turning point in their artistic development.

Location and Contact

Address: 278 Winslow Way E, Suites 203 & 205, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Phone/Text: (206) 715-6663

Summary

The Winslow Art Center is more than a school-it’s a thriving global art community grounded in personal connection and creative excellence. Whether you’re a casual sketchbook artist or a professional painter, the center offers the structure, feedback, and inspiration to elevate your work. From intimate online classes to unforgettable international retreats, the Winslow Art Center stands out as a model of what art education can be in the digital age: accessible, interactive, and deeply human.