THE WEEKEND! Artist Mark Mayer Donates Art Sales!
Artist Mark Mayer donates Proceeds from the Studio Tour to the Pea Patch Community Campus!
This year's Orcas Artist Studio Tour offers visitors a chance to invest in both exceptional craftsmanship and a stronger community. Orcas Island artist Mark Mayer has pledged to donate 100% of the proceeds from artwork sold during the 2026 Studio Tour to the Pea Patch Community Campus.
Mayer's creative journey has taken him from studying sculpture, photography, and performance art to building a respected career as a custom furniture maker and cabinetmaker. After relocating his business to Orcas Island in 2009 and retiring in 2022, he has returned to creating art full time. His current body of work combines artistic vision with master craftsmanship, producing striking "functional sculptures" from locally harvested woods and carefully selected exotic species. Each piece begins with a simple question—"What if...?"—and evolves into an imaginative work that blurs the line between art and function.
The Pea Patch Community Campus is a transformational partnership between the Orcas Island Food Bank, OPAL Community Land Trust and the Orcas Island Community Foundation that will create a permanent home where islanders can access nutritious food, affordable housing, and supportive services in one welcoming location. The $40 million campus will include a modern Food Bank designed to meet growing community needs, 20 affordable townhomes with on-site supportive services, a commercial kitchen to transform donated food into healthy prepared meals, and inviting green spaces that bring neighbors together. By addressing the interconnected challenges of food insecurity, housing affordability, and access to essential services, the Pea Patch Community Campus will strengthen the island's social safety net and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive for generations to come. Mayer’s generous donation will be part of the effort to help bring the project over the finish line with almost $35 million raised so far.
The Orcas Artist Studio Tour, held this Friday through Sunday August 7, 8 and 9th, invites the public to explore the island through the studios of its working artists. It’s an opportunity to meet the makers, learn about their creative process, and experience where the work comes to life. Visitors won't want to miss Studio #19, located at 57 Twin Maple Lane, where Mayer's remarkable studio includes an impressive high-tech woodworking shop next to his home—a destination that is every bit as fascinating as the artwork itself. Before your visit, you can explore more of his extraordinary creations on Instagram @TMarkMayer. Every purchase from Mark's studio during the tour will directly benefit the Pea Patch Community Campus, making this a rare opportunity to take home a beautiful work of art while helping build a lasting resource for the Orcas community.
Photo credits: Furniture - Mark Mayer and the rest “Submitted by the Pea Patch
A bold local answer to a nationwide affordability crisis.
Island wages do not support the cost of living here.
As a result, hard working men and women who help run our island – nearly half of all Orcas residents – cannot afford both food and housing. Our neighbors are vital to our community.
The Pea Patch is a strategic sustainable response to Orcas Island’s affordability crisis.
A collaboration of the OPAL Community Land Trust, the Orcas Island Food Bank, the Orcas Island Community Foundation and members of the community, the Pea Patch Community Campus will provide a nourished neighborhood with the conditions for economic stability and mobility, community connection, educational opportunities and future potential.
Located two blocks from downtown Eastsound
This 11-acre property will be home to a permanent new Food Bank facility, built to meet the growing need in our community, 20 new affordable long-term townhouse rentals and a lively community hub where all Orcas residents actively engage in shared prosperity and mutual support.
We are well on our way!
Towards our $40 million goal, we have raised over $32 million in public and private commitments. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 with campus completion in 2028.
Follow our progress...
Washington State Supports the Pea Patch!
Washington State Budget allocates $824,000 for the Pea Patch Community Campus!
Our Ground Turning News
We've got shovels in the ground...
A Needle in a Haystack!
A Needle in a Haystack!
Senator Murray finds us $4 Million Dollars in a Federal Appropriation!
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