Hoodsport's FlyWheel Gallery spins into a bold new chapter

On the curve of Hwy 101, where the mountains meet the water, sits one of Hoodsport’s most creative new spaces. The FlyWheel Gallery, tucked inside “The Landing” building — also home to a local winery and brewery — has been quietly re-imagining what an art gallery can be since its opening in August 2024.

Founder Jan Morris started the FlyWheel as a creative experiment — an off-site tasting room for The Hardware Distillery, infused with local art. The gallery quickly became a gathering place where visitors could sip handcrafted cocktails while soaking in the work of Mason County’s most talented artists, alongside select works from neighboring counties.

“The FlyWheel is now gearing up for its next evolution — one that blends art, music, food, and community more seamlessly than ever.”

Taking the reins of day-to-day operations is Mason Bonner, a Grammy-nominated mixing engineer who traded Chicago’s urban rush for the quiet charm of Hoodsport three years ago. Mason, his wife, and young son were drawn to the region’s slower pace and natural beauty, and now he’s ready to infuse the FlyWheel with his own brand of creativity.

Mason’s background is impressive: he’s worked with influential artists and companies like Google, Stephen Colbert, and Chance the Rapper, and his recording, mixing, and mastering work has been streamed hundreds of millions of times. Now, he plans to use that experience to turn the FlyWheel into a hub for live music and intimate cultural experiences.

The back room and outdoor deck are being transformed into a cozy café space, offering cocktails, mocktails, coffee, tea, and even juices for kids. The idea is to create a space where the whole community feels welcome — a spot where art lovers, music fans, and families can gather in every season, rain or shine.

The new performance series, “Beside the Gallery,” will debut this fall, featuring small, intimate concerts that complement the art on display.

Some shows will even be recorded and produced on-site, with the potential to stream the performances to a wider audience.

Jan Morris will continue to curate the fine art, ensuring that the gallery remains a showcase for local creativity. The long-term vision is to transform the back half of the gallery into a “speakeasy-style” space for evening events — a place where the lights are low, the music is live, and the community gathers to experience something special.

With extended winter hours planned, The FlyWheel aims to be a bright spot in Hoodsport’s rainy months, giving residents and visitors alike a place to connect over art, music, and great conversation.