The Pacific Northwest has always been a unique location for art. From Northwest Coast art created by Native Americans and the tribes of First Nations to blown glass sculptures, our region is witness to incredibly talented artists.
On Bainbridge Island, we are fortunate to have a world class museum right in our backyard. The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) is one of the first buildings to greet visitors as they step off the ferry and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Since its inception in 2013, BIMA’s missions is to inspire curiosity, wonder and understanding by connecting people with the contemporary art and craft of the Puget Sound Region. They achieve this goal by consistently hosting ongoing workshops, classes, field trips, artist meet and greets and through an impressive selection of rotating exhibitions.
Showcasing both emerging and established artists, there are currently five stellar exhibitions happening at BIMA that you don’t want to miss. Pro tip: time your visit in collaboration with an artist talk event for an even closer look to explore the inspiration behind the work.
Next Artist Talk: Carol Milne
September 8th, 2019 at 3 p.m.
Departures and Arrivals: Artists in Abstraction | June 29th through September 29th
Jan Hoy, Kiss, fired clay with iron oxide finish, 11h x 19w x 11d inches, Courtesy of the Artist, Photo by Myron Gauger
A unique group exhibit featuring 15 artists from the Puget Sound Region. The commonality is that each artist shares their personal way of viewing the world inspired from cultural histories to contemporary life. One of the participating artists is Bainbridge Island’s very own Rob Wagoner.
Joe Max Emminger, Street Music, 2018, acrylic on canvas, 44h x 30w inches, Courtesy of Linda Hodges, Photo by Dale Cotton
Joe Max Emminger: The Long Way Home | June 29th through September 29th
Welcome Emminger, a self-taught artist, as he takes on his first solo exhibition. His spontaneous yet straightforward approach to painting results in colorful, bold and whimsical narratives that portray Seattle and musicians, families, cemeteries and more.
Philip McCracken, Untitled, stained juniper wood, BIMA Permanent Art Collection, Gift of Ann Gould Hauberg
Selections: Permanent Art Collection | June 29th through September 29th
This series of work is at the heart of BIMA. This permanent collection focuses on artists from the Puget Sound Region and includes a wide range of mediums from painting and printmaking to glass and jewelry art. Uniquely, BIMA does not have a fund that allows them to purchase art—rather, they rely on donations from the kind people of our community to make their mission possible.
Carol Milne, Wiggle Room, 2017, kiln cast lead crystal and Addi click knitting needles, 14h x 10w x 10 d inches, Courtesy of the Artist
Carol Milne: Knit Wit | June 29th through February 23rd
Expanding upon historic kiln-cast glass techniques, Carol Milne introduces her thought-provoking and amusing sculpture that defy our perceptions of glass material. Going beyond recreation, the works presented by Milne thoughtfully weave in personal memories and stories.
Lou Cabeen, Herbarium Martyrium
Following the Thread | August 26th through November 30th
This unique exhibition features various artists’ books through creative stitching—highlighting work from several regional artists to international artists. The exhibition is in collaboration with the fall exhibition All Stitched Up at the University of Puget Sound’s Collins Memorial Library.