You have worked so hard and brought such joy to your students along with the belief that we all could learn and make beautiful art.   - Liz Cooper

         I began the course of study with the desire to become a more disciplined artist, able to reproduce processes and designs if necessary.  I learned to do that and then some.  The two years I spent preparing and executing designs were some of the most stimulating and challenging of my life.  This was due to the excellence of the teaching but also to the richness of student exchanges which are only possible in an environment such as the Gail Harker Center for Creative Studies.  We were exposed not only to each other's efforts but also to the exhibits of graduating classes in other areas of the textile arts.  This experience represented an invaluable boon in encouraging and inspiring our own work.

          The skills and habits learned and reinforced by the course of study at the Gail Harker Center are sustaining my work to this day and have become a spring board for innovative ways of expressing myself artistically.  I will be forever grateful for the level of commitment of our instructor and as well as the staff of the center.   – Fine Gelfand

           In order to take these courses, I drive to Oak Harbor from Victoria, BC.  I am usually down 4 or 5 times each year.  The students taking these courses are very dedicated to the Creative Studies Center and come back time and again.  We often drive up for some of the exhibitions that Gail has at the center each year.

          The courses offered at the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center are unique in this part of the world.  There are no other outlets in Canada or the US offering such an exciting concept of combining experimentation and modern design with the textile arts.  These courses help me push my boundaries as a textile artist.  – Barbara Gilbert

         You have developed and created an incredible Creative Studies Center that is used from all over the USA and Canada too!  We will always support you. It is too important to EVERYONE!  - Cathy Jo Hall

          I have been a student of the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center for over 12 years. It has been a tremendous experience that has helped me, both personally and professionally. Over these twelve years, I have completed Certificate courses in design, embroidery, and patchwork and quilting. I have also taken supplemental courses in drawing, painting, and surface design. In 2007, I completed the challenging Diploma in Design and Embroidery. I can honestly say that I value this accomplishment far more than any education I have achieved in my life, and it is entirely due to Gail's tutelage. Because I am a local student, I often help at the center, and over the time I have known Gail, I have seen many of the changes that have come to her business as it has grown. I look forward to the exciting possibilities for her future.

          Gail’s courses train potential artists and designers to a very high standard. She is sought out by serious students who wish to improve their design skills, and they see enormous growth in their art, whatever their discipline may be. Her reputation continues to draw students from all over the United States, Canada, and even Europe. She has French and Swiss students who could seek a similar education in the nearby UK, but they choose to come to our area to receive their education from Gail. The city of Oak Harbor is fortunate to have such a treasure in their community.   - Lisa M. Harkins

         I have taken four one week courses from the Center and am currently registered in an eight session (each session being five days) in Art and Design. I am planning on continuing my studies with Gail once I have completed this course. The courses fill a real void in the education system for individuals who are interested in developing art and design skills and incorporating these in needlework skills. The courses have more than met my expectations and have opened up new horizons for me. I recently retired and as part of my retirement plan, I wanted to take up study with Gail on a full time basis. Each five day session is followed by approximately 2.5 months of home study before returning for the next session.  The design of Gail’s courses allows both working individuals and retirees to continue with their life-long learning. Gail’s courses are recognized as world class and meet the same rigorous standards of equivalent programs in Europe.

          Many graduates of Gail’s courses have gone on to become recognized artists in their field and their works of art are owned by local and national organizations or individuals.

          From a business perspective, I have found the studio to be above reproach. The course content as set out in brochures is the content that is covered within the course.   – Linda Ingham

           I have always had an interest and a practice in fiber arts, but wanted to extend my education in that area. I was fortunate to discover Gail Harker's Creative Studies Program and have been taking classes from her for over 12 years. During that time I earned several certificates which have been instrumental in establishing myself as a fiber artist. Her classes are of the highest quality and are, to my knowledge, the only program of this type in the country. Gail’s program offers an opportunity to adult students who do not wish to follow the rigid and formal academic track in a university and who want to focus more intensely and directly on the area of their particular interest. It offers the opportunity to enroll in a course over a number of years to get the in-depth training in their area of interest toward a professional goal. The course work is rigorous and in depth. I am a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. and know well the rigors of a formal educational program and can attest that the work and training in Gail's classes are of the highest quality and certainly as rigorous as any I experienced in my graduate program studies. Gail brings only the highest quality instructors as adjuncts to her program. I plan to continue my work and study with Gail's program this year and in the future as it is one of the mainstays of my continuing education as a fiber artist.   – Bobbie Larson

          I think that it is safe to say that if it were not for the quality and breadth of educational offerings provided by the Center, that we would not have spent over 200 days and nights enjoying the wide range of activities and experiences offered on North Whidbey Island. The quality of the Center's educational and exhibition offerings have resulted in our friends, relatives and colleagues visiting Oak Harbor from London, Tokyo, Singapore and from all across the United States.  

          In the past ten years we have seen a significant increase in art-related activities on Whidbey that have certainly enhanced the reputation of the island as a high-quality source of creative expression. In our experience, the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center offers a number of unique features that set it apart from the activities of the many talented and accomplished artists working on Whidbey today.   – Sandra Little and Mike Harburg

          I believe your contribution to the arts is one that is having extensive influence. For me personally, my seven years of classes at the Center has totally impacted my textile work and has given me the skills to visually communicate my thoughts and beliefs.  When people ask about my experiences at the Center, I explain that Gail and her staff have the unique skill of helping individual students expand their vision and their handwork.  The facility, the professionalism and the vision that is integral to the Creative Arts Center is unique in this country.  I travel and teach throughout the United States and have not found any other school that is even close to offering what is available here. I am willing to help in any way to assure that the art world will continue to have the benefits of the courses offered at the Creative Arts Center.  This is one important way to elevate the hand arts to a higher level both through classes but also by educating the public with the frequent exhibits.  My fiber art is being recognized nationally as a result of my courses at the Center.   - Anita Luvera-Mayer

          My first course at the Center was a two-year course which began in 2001. This involved a one-week session on “campus” about every three months for two years: In total approximately seven weeks in Oak Harbor “on campus.” After finishing that course, I knew I had just begun the study of art and that Gail’s teaching was the sort that asks us to reach, to grow, and that under her tutelage everyone of my classmates had achieved much more than they had ever expected from themselves and this nurtures the desire for more learning, discovery, and accomplishment.

          I have observed Gail’s ability to give students the tools they need to continue to grow and express themselves and also her ability to bring our artistic desires forward, straight and center, from which we could develop more directly and deeply.   – Elisa Miller

          There are no other places, that I can think of, where a student can take on a study that encourages and broadens their artistic abilities. An art college or university is available for art students but for those of us who do not wish to study full time or have retired the Harker studio has a syllabus that allows her students to take courses at times that will fit into their busy lives. Gail, as a teacher fulfills the needs of those of us who wish, for their own enlightenment, to travel down the path of the arts, and she encourages her students to reach into their artistic ability to make it blossom. Her studio offers a rich and rewarding place to bring our budding talents to light. I know there are many Canadians who have taken some of Gail Harker's classes and they all speak very highly of her methods and professionalism.  – Susan Paynter

          The courses offered are both unique and high quality.  They focus on developing adult students as art, design, textile and embroidery artists, and use innovative, experimental and experiential approaches.  The courses are organized in sequential levels, and not available through trade schools, community colleges, or colleges and universities.  They draw students not only from Northwest US and Canada, but also from across North America and from Europe.  I have met people from Paris and Switzerland who regularly travel to Oak Harbor to attend courses.  Students are drawn to the courses because they are exciting, well planned and hands-on, and because of Gail’s considerable passion, knowledge, skill and ability as an instructor and tutor.  One Whidbey Island graduate has an embroidered piece on the February 2009 cover of American Style Magazine; others are exhibiting and selling their work after attending courses; still others highly recommend courses to their friends.  Success speaks for itself.  – Penny Peters

          I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude for the skills I have acquired in the field of textile art from the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center.  I have been a client there since the beginning of their program offerings.  The Center is indeed one of the finest studios in North America for studies in creative textiles and design.  Gail Harker has unique talents in this field that she has generously shared with her students.  This type of study is not available elsewhere in the United States as her center is unique to this country.  She received her degrees in the field of art and design in England under the City & Guilds Program which is known world-wide.  I have taken classes that included many students from other countries because they know that her curriculum is creative and unique.

          I sincerely endorse and support her studio which is unparalleled in this country.  It is a jewel in the field of textile arts.  – Marie Plakos

          I have worked closely with Gail Harker for the past 8 years and as a result of the guidance, mentorship and collaboration have the utmost respect for her artistic accomplishments, innovative thinking and extensive knowledge and developed a confidence to develop my own unique style of work. There is no doubt in my mind that Gail will continue to extend the envelope of learning for new and returning students with the US, Canada and international artistic communities. To my knowledge there is no other center in North America offering the caliber of training available at the Harker Center.

          Learning sessions at the center encourage students to sample and broaden their repertoire of embroidery techniques and develop their own unique style. Gail and her tutorial assistants provide practical instructions and encourage students to experience creative inspiration based on fundamental design concepts. The courses are structured to provide training that exceeds the high standards required by the world acclaimed City & Guilds of London and this reputation has enabled the Harker Center to recently offer certificate courses of its own for specialized art and textiles. 

          Gail has worked hard and acquired a strong base of support for contemporary fiber artistic endeavor and has been recognized for her excellence throughout her career. She is an excellent teacher who is committed to training the next generation of artists and she is highly regarded as an excellent mentor and role model. 

– Deborah Zibrik