Events

Bloedel Reserve joins Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) in celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Creative Residency program. The exhibition is housed at both Bloedel Reserve (in the Residence) and at BIMA. Included is work by visual artists, photographers, designers, musicians, poets, writers, storytellers, and others.

WHERE
Residence at the Reserve and BIMA (550 Winslow Way E.)

WHEN
July 4 – Sept 28

COST
Free for Members
Included in the price of admission for Non-Members

On February 23, 1944, Anne Frank wrote in her diary, “I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles.” Inspired by the wisdom of a young girl who endured unimaginable fear and depended on the kindness of others for survival, we offer this quiet moment of reflection in turbulent times.

Back to Nature features selected works from the Power of the Presses exhibition, including the extraordinary botanical books of Radha Pandey. Her pieces, Flora of Mughal India and Anatomia Botanica, are given special focus to allow for deeper appreciation. Flora of Mughal India invites us into the lush gardens and floral heritage of the Indian subcontinent through a collaboration with contemporary artisans. Anatomia Botanica, with its intricate cutouts and fold-downs, reveals the inner structures of flowers—each book a result of deep research and exquisite craftsmanship.

Also featured is Farewell Florilegium by Alisa Banks. Reflecting on the personal nature of place, Banks writes, “Farewell Florilegium is an ode to my former garden—my first ‘real’ garden.” The book’s covers are formed from recycled paper dried in plaster molds, and the back cover contains a vial of tinctures made from plants she harvested before moving. Banks crafted handmade paper from cotton and abaca fibers and created hand-cut stencils of simplified plant shapes to echo the essence of her lost garden. Her writing, prompted by the invitation to reflect on a beloved place, reminds us that solace often resides in memory.

With several dozen artists represented—many of whom are also naturalists or part-time scientists—Back to Nature brings a blooming collection to the Sherry Grover Gallery. Here, visitors are invited to rest their minds and find comfort in the enduring beauty of the natural world.

Header Image: Lucia Harrison, Stitching the Forest Together, 2019. Wire binding, letterpress printed, photo engravings, 9”h x 17w” x 17″d. Photo: Art Grice.

BIMA joins Bloedel Reserve in celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Creative Residency program. The exhibition is housed at both BIMA and Bloedel. Included is work by visual artists, photographers, designers, musicians, poets, writers, storytellers, and others.

Michael Stasinos (Seattle) seems to capture quick moments in time. But Stasinos’ plein air (“open air” or “outdoors”) painting process can take weeks, months, or even years to complete one scene. He paints directly on location, as opposed to using photographs for reference. Natural light, weather, colors, and surrounding activities change in the moment, by the minute—or certainly by the following week.

Stasinos was born in Canoga Park (Los Angeles), California. He attended Southern Utah University, where he studied both theater and fine art. “I began my university education by studying to become an actor,” he says. “However, exposure to the visual arts diverted my interest into new creative possibilities. The years I spent developing back-stories for my characters as an actor, or dressing sets to enhance the story as a director, had an influence on the type of artist I would become. I discovered early on that I was interested in representational and figurative art.”

He decided to pursue an MFA at the New York Academy of Art, a program dedicated to exploring contemporary figurative ideas in art, with respect to its history and past techniques. Mentors and instructors at the Academy included many well-known figurative/representational painters, such as Alfred Leslie, Eric Fischl, Vincent Desiderio, and Martha Erlebacher.

After earning his MFA, he found it financially challenging to pay back his student loans while also hiring models necessary for his figurative work. His solution was to make the city his studio. “The sidewalks became my studio and the city my new model,” he writes. “I consider every landscape a portrait, and just like a quality portrait, I want to capture a likeness and display the personality of my subject.”

He has been featured in many solo and group exhibitions in Seattle, first at Martin-Zambito Fine Art, and then at Woodside Braseth Gallery beginning in 2007.

While pursuing his passion for painting, Michael has always been a teaching artist, having been an instructor of Art & Design at Pacific Lutheran University and Eastern Illinois University. He also taught briefly at Cornish College of Arts, and landscape and figurative painting at Gage Academy of Art. Michael is now focusing on his painting while also developing new coursework.

“The freeway in a Stasinos painting is like the Grand Canal in Canaletto’s Venice, an omnipresent force of nature.” – Cornichon.org

For more information visit woodsidebrasethgallery.com or michaelstasinos.com

Header Image: Michael Stasinos, Green Lake, oil on panel, 10”h x 30”w. Courtesy of the Artist.

This September, we’re exploring patterns in works of art. From recurring sequences of shapes to lines, colors, and textures, these patterns can be predictable or completely surprising. They can create harmony, rhythm, and often provide structure to the work of art. Patterns can be overt and obvious, or be a faint echo of other visual elements in the piece.

Alongside the Pattern show, we’ll also have an exhibition of Johnpaul Jones drawings and Amy Dapice’s mixed media work.

As part of the Bainbridge Creative District’s CREATIVE THREAD events, BAC is hosting an exhibit through September in its retail area of works by Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) Fiber Arts Studio artists. Learn about the many types of fiber and textile art - and the craftsmanship behind them! There is also a wall display on the history of fiber art through the ages. Participating BARN Fiber Arts Studio artists are: Sara Bantle, Heather Griffin, Katy Levit, Danielle Mariani, Alexandria McKeon, Asha Rehnberg, and Naomi Spinak. Most pieces are for sale.

Thank you to Bainbridge Arts & Crafts for being a sponsor of the Creative Thread Festival! More information about the BARN Fiber Arts Studio is at https://bainbridgebarn.org/studios/fiber.

Jeffrey Moose Gallery is extending their annual exhibition of dot paintings by indigenous artists from Yuendumu in Australia’s Central Desert through September. A reception will be held on First Friday, September 5th, 6-8 PM. A Facebook livestream will happen from about 5:20 to 5:40. Mr. Moose will deliver a brief talk on the genre at 7pm.

Every August, The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair draws thousands from around the world. The 2024 fair featured more than 1500 artists represented by 76 art centers throughout the country. But with the world art market in the ditch, many art centers are struggling to come up with the funds to travel. Consequently, 2025 will have fewer participants. Under these circumstances, the gallery is even more compelled to display these magical works.

Few communities are more important to the genre: Papunya, Yuendumu and Utopia led the way. 2021 was the 50th Anniversary of the first Dot Paintings. Traditional ground paintings by the Yuendumu artists, known as Warlukurlangu (Home of the Fire Dreaming) made history in Paris in 1989, part of the international survey, "Magiciennes De La Terre." At this sensational exhibit of Indigenous art from around the world, a group of men from Yuendumu packed huge amounts of desert earth and crushed flowers from home, shaping the material into an enormous "Ground Painting" to honor the Yarla Jukurrpa, a creation story about the bush potato.

Steven Jupurrula Nelson from Yuendumu was a finalist in last year's TELSTRA Awards and Julie Nangala Robertson won top prize for painting the previous year. Several works by Yeundumu Artists are on display in The Seattle Art Museum’s third floor galleries. It was through the Kaplan/Levy Collection shown at SAM that Jeffrey Moose waconnected to this remote desert art co-op. In 2004, Jeffrey and his father and son visited Yuendumu, establishing a longstanding and fruitful relationship.

Dot paintings are images rendered from an aerial perspective that use symbols to represent people, animals, plants, weather systems and other forms to tell ancient creation stories. In their original form, these stories are part of the Song Lines, complex sets of story-poems recited in rhythmic patterns that link sacred places across the Australian continent.

Join the Park District's trails team on the Forest to Sky Trail this fall. Explore this beautiful trail that connects Battle Point Park to the Grand Forest. Well suited for children ages eight and up who are comfortable using some small hand tools and walking a mile or so throughout the two-hour work party.

We will meet in the southeast corner of the ballfield parking lot to access the trail.

PLEIN AIR PAINTING EXCURSION CLASS: We will be painting Dahlias!

DATE: September 6, and Sep. 20

TIME: 3:00-5:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Bainbridge Island Farms 13610 Manzanita Rd, Bainbridge Island, 98110

COST: $60 per 2-hour session

PAYMENT: Please pay in advance via Venmo to reserve your spot. https://venmo.com/u/SHINEartacademy

CONTACT: David Repyak, Artist Educator email: SHINEartacademy@gmail.com K-8 Certified WA state, Montessori Credentialed Cel/Text: 206-790-8577

Summer Courtyard Concerts at the Pavilion
Every Saturday, through September 27 | 6–8 PM

Join us in the Pavilion Courtyard for a vibrant mix of live music—from classic rock and jazz to indie acoustic, folk, country, bossa nova, and original singer-songwriter showcases. Each performance brings a fresh vibe: soulful, bold, and perfect for dancing, dining, or simply soaking in the summer air. Free Admission, family-friendly and open to all—Islanders and visitors alike!

🎷 August 30
Eagle Harbor Jazz Band
Classic Jazz Standards to Bossa Nova Rhythms
A Bainbridge treasure, this ensemble delivers timeless jazz with elegance and swing. From toe-tapping big band classics to sultry bossa nova, their sound is perfect for golden hour gatherings and courtyard relaxation.

🪘 September 6
WEPA!
Latin Jazz, New York Style
Led by Malo Castro—twice voted Best Percussionist in Kitsap—WEPA! brings the fire of 1970s Latin Jazz with a Northwest twist. Expect salsa, bugaloo, bossa, and jazz fusion with irresistible energy.
Featuring: Malo Castro, Jaymes Dunlap, Joe Rice, Ian Jones, John Hural

🎻 September 13
Ranger & the “Re-Arrangers”
Hot Club Swing
Transport yourself to a Parisian café with this Django-inspired ensemble. Led by violinist Ranger Sciacca, their blend of swing standards and daring originals creates a magical musical escape.
Learn more: rangerswings.com

🎤 September 20
Singer-Songwriter Showcase
Eleanor Thoemke & Matt Butler
Celebrate the power of original music with two distinct voices:
🎶 Eleanor Thoemke, a Poulsbo native, makes her debut performance, sharing heartfelt lyrics and acoustic soul with fresh, local energy.
🎶 Matt Butler, a recent transplant from New York City, brings national acclaim and seasoned storytelling to the Pavilion stage. Known for his emotionally rich performances and genre-blending style, Matt has toured extensively and earned praise from coast to coast.

Expect a rich mix of genres, instruments, and voices—all united by the spirit of authentic, homegrown music.
Additional featured performers to be announced!

🎭 September 27
Broadway & Beyond
A Night of Theatrical Flair & Musical Storytelling
From beloved show tunes to genre-defying surprises, this cabaret-style finale brings drama, charm, and musical magic to the Pavilion stage.
Special guests to be announced—stay tuned!

🍽️ Come Early, Stay Late
Grab a seat—patio tables and picnic benches are first-come, first-served. Explore the Pavilion’s global eats:
SuBi (Japanese) • Trattoria Italian Isola (Italian) • Islander (American) • Bainbridge Tapas (Spanish) • Casa Rojas (Mexican) • Green Pot Deli (Vietnamese) • Nirvana (Indian & Nepali)

Indoor dining reservations highly encouraged.

🔗 View full lineup & details: bainbridgepavilionconcerts.com

FRANCIS NASH became a force in the Northwest music scene when lifelong friends Minor Moriarty and MIke Hommel formed the band on Bainbridge Island in the early 90's. With several albums and epic tours under their belt, FRANCIS NASH welcomed bass player Dave Rees, formerly of Bainbridge bands Malfunkshun and Skindiver. Now the Island rockers have hit high gear and are excited to return where it all began. THE HISTORIC LYNWOOD THEATRE is a special spot for this band and September 20th promises to be a memorable homecoming. Check out this blues based hard rock band with the classic Northwest sound on what will be a night to remember.

BIMA celebrates the latest publication of acclaimed Seattle artist and author Juliette Aristides in a reading and conversation moderated by Jenna d’Anna, BIMA’s Education lead.

Juliette’s newest book, The Inner Life of the Artist: Conversations from the Atelier, is an inspirational guide to thinking, making, and embodying the mind of a creative person.

‘When we put pen to paper, fingers to piano keys, eyes to great books, we cultivate the art of being human.’ – Juliette Aristides

Aristides invites us to tune into our most artistic (and perhaps our most human) selves. She argues that by engaging the senses and diving into direct experiences, artistic practice nurtures our humanity, offering a vital counterbalance to the flattening effects of digital technology.

BIMA will host a post-presentation book signing and reception in the BIMA Bistro.

This elegant and moving book will make a cherished gift for any creative thinker, aspiring artist, or friend seeking to reinvigorate the senses. Books will be available for sale, courtesy of BIMA’s Museum Store.

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM, the Saint Cecilia Requiem will be presented in its world premiere on Bainbridge Island at Saint Cecilia Parish. Composed by Pacific Northwest-based composer Patrick Stoyanovich, this large-scale chamber work is scored for soprano, baritone, violin, and piano and is rooted in the liturgical tradition of the requiem mass. While honoring the structure and solemnity of the traditional form, the composition offers a contemporary interpretation that engages with themes of memory, loss, and transcendence in a meditative framework.

The work’s intimate ensemble allows for a nuanced interplay between voice and instruments, creating a powerful dialogue that emphasizes the text’s spiritual depth. The music is at once solemn and contemplative, unfolding gradually with careful attention to pacing and emotional contour. The setting of Saint Cecilia Parish enhances this experience, its acoustics lending clarity and warmth to the vocal and instrumental textures.

The premiere features vocalists Elaine Daiber (soprano) and Thomas West (baritone), alongside violinist Sophia Stoyanovich and pianist Derek Wang. Together, they bring a high level of artistry and sensitivity to this demanding new work. This performance represents a significant moment in contemporary chamber music and sacred repertoire, offering audiences in the Pacific Northwest a rare opportunity to experience a deeply moving, live musical event of both artistic and spiritual significance.

More information on the event, composer, and ticket information can be found at https://www.saintceciliarequiem.com/

Meet in the North Parking Lot at the Reserve at 2:50 PM; walks begin at 3 PM and last for 1 hour.

Walks continue throughout the year on these dates:

September 24
October 22
November & December – no walks

KiDiMu Garden Walks–sign up here!

Kids get to participate in a building challenge, or let their inner engineer design something straight out of their imagination at the library.

The Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra (BIYO) is offering a "Beginner Strings" class for elementary and middle school students to learn violin, viola or cello in a group setting. Students will learn beginning skills for their chosen instrument, note reading, rhythmic foundations, how to play together and they will have an opportunity to make new friends.

The program meets once a week on Thursdays in the Fellowship Hall at Bethany Lutheran Church and will have two performances.  The final performance will be at BIYO's Spring Concert at Bainbridge Performing Arts. No prior musical experience is necessary to join!

Families are responsible for providing their own instrument, however, BIYO has a limited number of instruments available to rent on a first come first served basis based on time of registration.

Grades 2-4:  Thursday 3:00pm-3:45pm

Grades 5+: Thursday 4:00pm-5:00pm

Term I: 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5 (concert)
Term II:  2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/7 (concert, 3pm BPA)

Tuition: $300/term
Instrument rental: $50/term

Tuition assistance is available

Come and view 10 engrossing short films from around the world at the Manhattan Short Film Festival. Many past shorts have been considered for Academy Awards; two have even won the coveted prize. But this isn’t entirely a passive viewing, as you will vote for your favorite short film and your favorite actor.

As anyone who has been to this event knows, this is one hot ticket—so be sure to get yours in advance! All six showings feature the same 10 short films. The program is roughly 2 1/2 hours including an intermission, but give yourselves extra time to fill out your ballot.

And remember, YOU BE THE JUDGE! You will be given a brochure and voting card so you can vote for your favorite actor and favorite film. Winning filmmakers receive cash and/or filmmaking accessories to further their talent—and they will have their short reviewed by the Academy Award Committee with the possibility of having their film in the running for an Oscar.

We are excited to share this year’s exciting MANHATTAN SHORT collection with you, and are proud to have an additional day this year!

Showings:

Thursday 9/25 - 7 PM

Friday 9/26 - 3 PM & 7 PM

Saturday 9/27 - 3 PM & 7 PM

Sunday 9/28 - 3 PM & 7 PM

All seven showings feature the same 10 short films, you only need to come to one showing to see all the films, but come again if you really enjoy them! (You only get to vote once though)

Tickets:

$12 for Members, $15 for Non-Members

Explore a diverse range of Artist & Artisan Art Fair Booths showcasing unique, handcrafted pieces. Families will enjoy engaging in Kids’ Art Activities, generously sponsored by Heart & Soul Studios. This is a FREE EVENT open to the public, welcoming art lovers of all ages. Winslow Green is conveniently located at the intersection of Winslow Way E and Madison Rd — 100 Winslow Way W, Bainbridge Island, WA.

Join award-winning artist, author, and arts educator Juliette Aristides for a transformative day, cultivating your inner life of creativity! This workshop is designed for both artists and non-artists with a desire to connect more deeply with their own artistic potential. We will be reading, writing, developing a drawing, and conversing with the aim of seeing art and the world around us more deeply. All you need is your curiosity and a pencil to begin!

Participants will receive a complimentary copy of Juliette’s latest book, The Inner Life of the Artist.

The workshop will run from 10:30am to 4pm, with a 1-hour lunch break from 1pm to 2pm.

Ages 14+

Local author Nora Nickum joins us at the library to talk about her book "This Book Bubbles Over" and explore the wonderful world of bubbles!

Join Volunteer Coordinator, Kate Sunderland, for an interactive, nature-themed story time for kids every fourth Saturday 11-11:30 AM in the Residence at Bloedel Reserve. All-ages are welcome!

Cost is included with your admission ticket; no registration is required.