February Director's Journal

“Even with the cold weather that has been blanketing the Pacific Northwest, I can see the first signs of spring,” reports Sitka’s Ecology and Facilities Manager, Jake Simondet. “The green leaves of the daffodils are slowly emerging above the grass, their bright green contrasting with the bare trees under which they grow. Even the sword-shaped leaves of the irises are pushing through the soil with pointed resolve.”

February always finds me deep in late-night grant writing, bundled in quilts and pajamas, chasing the right words while the world outside sleeps. It’s a season of quiet focus—sending out roots underground that will nourish our programs and impact in the year ahead. Hearing Jake’s weather report, I feel something stir inside me, coaxing me to the surface.

“The salmonberry buds are forming now too,” Jake continues. “A few rare pink blossoms are hanging on through the chill wind. As February’s full moon hangs above us, it’s a reminder that we are over halfway to spring. While winter still holds its place here, new growth is on its way.”

Another sure sign of the changing seasons at Sitka is the arrival of our annual Spring and Summer Guide in mailboxes. This year, members-first registration opens on February 20 at 9a.m. PT, inviting our community to explore a fresh lineup of workshops designed to foster creativity and connection with the natural world.

“I am particularly excited about first-time offerings designed by returning instructors who are crafting new experiences with Sitka’s setting in mind,” shares Program Manager Maria Elting, who curated the 2025 season. “Workshops such as ‘From Sea to Sky: Exploring the Nature of Oregon’s Coastal Ecoregion,’ ‘The Way of the Water,’ and ‘Telling the Bees: Practices in Reverence, Reunion, and Repair’ all reflect a deep relationship between creativity and place.”

Also new for 2025: Dual members and above can now use their membership discount to enroll themselves plus any guest—whether it’s a friend or family member—making it even easier to plan a trip to Sitka together. Additionally, we’ve expanded this benefit for our higher membership levels: Sustainers and Benefactors can register up to two guests at their discount, and Friends Circle members can register up to four.

“I love seeing how Sitka’s unique ecology influences the creative process,” Maria reflects, “…and, in that spirit, I’m looking forward to hosting longer, more immersive workshops in 2025 for people who want to plan creative retreats—for themselves or with friends and family—and truly sink into our studios and this remarkable space.”

This month, the Sitka family was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of artist and friend Marlana Stoddard-Hayes.

Marlana came to Sitka as a resident in 1990 for an immersive experience that deeply rooted her love for the Pacific Northwest and its profound influence on her art. Over the years, she returned as a workshop instructor and exhibited her work in the Sitka Art Invitational, always bringing her passion for nature and creativity into every space she entered. In the summer of 2023, she led a memorable week-long immersive art project for our K-8 Create students at Nestucca K-8, sharing her boundless curiosity and joy for making art with the next generation.

I had the honor of spending a day with Marlana during that program, witnessing firsthand how she encouraged young artists to observe the world around them with wonder. Her own lifelong love of art and nature—born from childhood days collecting shells and journaling about the world—mirrored what we strive to foster in today’s rural youth: a sense of curiosity, expression and connection through art.

We invite you to read more about Marlana’s life and legacy.

As we prepare for the season ahead, we are reminded that learning and growth are lifelong pursuits, made richer by the people with whom we share them.

Alison Dennis

Executive Director