Events

BIMA displays the largest selection ever of artwork in the Permanent Art Collection (PAC). Art will be featured on a rotating basis, making this a great opportunity to review the PAC at the twelve-year mark, and to reflect on and inform our collecting priorities for the coming years.

Included are favorite works by Humaira Abid, Larry (Ulaaq) Ahvakana, Jenny Andersen, Gayle Bard, Barbara Helen Berger, William Ingham, Louise Kikuchi, Phillip Levine, Robert McCauley, Linda Okazaki, Paul Rucker, Ramona Solberg, and Preston Wadley, plus new acquisitions by Pat DeCaro, Eric Chamberlain, Charles Emerson, Dennis Evans & Nancy Mee, Barbara Lawrence, and William Turner.

Seattle native Mare Blocker shares 50 years of making artists’ books. Blocker proves that paper and ink are all you need to bring a world to life. Her retrospective focuses on four themes of her life: Fun & Games, Science & Nature, Myths & Legends, and Waterlife. Blocker’s, whimsy, honesty, and daring will entrance you from cover to cover.

Aisha Harrison (Olympia) presents work created over the past four years in clay, bronze, paper collage, and mixed media. Porous Body, Harrison’s first solo museum exhibition, speaks to their focus on life cycles – both human and in nature, while experiencing the world through a mixed-race, queer, mothering lens. It is a confluence of a spiritual ancestral space and the land they inhabit, relate to, grow, and decay with. Porous Body explores wonder and joy, grief, connection, and growth, and how to stay grounded in times of upheaval.

Beginning December 1st, participating stores will have Elf “bingo cards” available to elf sleuths, to locate the hidden elves in their stores. When you find the elf, head to that store’s checkout desk and you’ll get a stamp that you’ve found their elf.

Find 10 or more, and bring your card down to Calico Toy Shoppe by December 23 2025, to enter a drawing on December 24th to win a special gift!

Good luck finding your lucky elves!

We’re pleased to welcome Old Friends, curated by Interim Executive Director Susan Jackson. This exhibition features longtime artists whose work reflects the history, relationships, and creative spirit that have shaped this organization over many years. Their connection to BAC runs deep, and this exhibition is a heartfelt way to honor that shared story.

Featuring work by Garth Edwards, Kathe Fraga, Debbie Fecher, Jeannie Grisham, Denise Harris, Solia Hermes, Max Grover, Linda Jarvis, Johnpaul Jones, Sandra Leese, Jane Martin, Claudia McKinstry, Shirley Moss, Debbie Peek, Roselyn Gale Powell, Ann Reynolds Pearl, Mary Randlett, Anna von Rosenstiel, Selene Santucci, Cameron Snow and Sally Robison, Bob Spangler, Kent van Slyke, and Ellen Wixted.

Opening reception at First Friday, December 5, 6–8pm.

These guided walks offer a peaceful way to experience the solstice lights in stillness and reflection. Participants are asked to remain quiet for the full 90 minute, 1.5 mile trail walk to fully appreciate the sounds and serenity of nature.

Arrive early to enjoy a cozy fire pit and sip on a warm beverage before your walk. It’s also a great time for some last-minute holiday shopping in our Gift Shop. Please read the Know Before You Go information below before booking.

Don’t forget to pick up your Solstice keepsake at the end of your walk!

WHEN
Friday, December 19
Doors open at 4:00 PM; walk begins at 5 PM from the Arrival Garden.

WHERE
Meet at the Arrival Garden

COST
Adult Members: $25
Adult Non-Members: $30
Child (6 – 16): $5 for Members, $10 for Non-Members
Child (5 & under): Free
Price includes lantern use.

Based on the Victor Hugo novel and featuring the soaring music of Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast), this epic musical tells the powerful story of Quasimodo, the bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral. Isolated from society but longing for connection, he finds courage and love in the face of prejudice and fear. With unforgettable characters, stunning choral music, and breathtaking theatricality, this production resonates with the timeless themes of identity, compassion, and the price of justice.

Join us to celebrate the holiday season with the classic tale of The Nutcracker at Bainbridge High School , Dec 13-14 & 20-21, 2025!

Click here to learn more: https://www.bainbridgeballet.com/nutcracker

Awesome Praise was founded in 2002 by Flora Josephine DeWalt-Stevenson, a seasoned gospel choir workshop participant and member of Bremerton’s Sinclair Missionary Baptist Church choir. She envisioned a Kitsap community gospel choir from many churches and beyond. Over the years the choir has become fuller in sound and more diverse in participants from many faiths and backgrounds, ranging in age from 12 to 83. They now comprise a core group of about 15, sometimes including a drummer and a guitarist, from all over Kitsap County and from Gig Harbor and Seattle.

WHERE
In the Residence

WHEN
December 20, 2-3 PM

COST
Included with admission, free for Members

You're Invited to Battle Point Astronomical Association's fundraiser event, "Under One Sky"!  Saturday Dec 20, 2-5 pm at BARN (8890 Three Tree Lane NE, Bainbridge Island).  Drop by for astronomy activities, art, telescopes and more!  All are welcome. Celebrate the Winter Solstice and support community access to non-profit science and education.  Learn more & donate today at bpastro.org.

Your contribution can make a galaxy of difference! Learn more and join us in giving the gift of learning and exploration. Every dollar brings us closer to unlocking the mysteries of space for all.

These guided walks offer a peaceful way to experience the solstice lights in stillness and reflection. Participants are asked to remain quiet for the full 90 minute, 1.5 mile trail walk to fully appreciate the sounds and serenity of nature.

Arrive early to enjoy a cozy fire pit and sip on a warm beverage before your walk. It’s also a great time for some last-minute holiday shopping in our Gift Shop. Please read the Know Before You Go information below before booking.

Don’t forget to pick up your Solstice keepsake at the end of your walk!

WHEN
Saturday, December 20
Doors open at 4:00 PM; walk begins at 5 PM from the Arrival Garden.

WHERE
Meet at the Arrival Garden

COST
Adult Members: $25
Adult Non-Members: $30
Child (6 – 16): $5 for Members, $10 for Non-Members
Child (5 & under): Free
Price includes lantern use.

Close out the year with a magical evening of live music in the Atrium at Bainbridge Pavilion. The final concert of the season features Analisa Reyes, a talented singer originally from California’s South Bay whose artistry has been shaped by her time in the Pacific Northwest. Known for reimagining songs across genres into intimate, stripped‑down performances, Analisa creates an atmosphere that invites audiences to sing, sway, and connect.

This family‑friendly holiday concert will also include sing‑alongs of favorite Christmas and holiday classics, making it the perfect way to gather with neighbors and friends before the new year.

Make it an evening: Grab takeout from Green Pot, Nirvana, Casa Rojas, or SuBI—or book a sit-down dinner at Bainbridge Bistro or The Islander.
Please tip the musicians to help sustain this vibrant community tradition.

Whether you're discovering new voices or reconnecting with familiar ones, *Live in the Atrium* offers a warm, welcoming space to gather, listen, and celebrate the sounds of Bainbridge.

Stay tuned for more Bainbridge Pavilion Concerts!www.bainbridgepavilionconcerts.com

These guided walks offer a peaceful way to experience the solstice lights in stillness and reflection. Participants are asked to remain quiet for the full 90 minute, 1.5 mile trail walk to fully appreciate the sounds and serenity of nature.

Arrive early to enjoy a cozy fire pit and sip on a warm beverage before your walk. It’s also a great time for some last-minute holiday shopping in our Gift Shop. Please read the Know Before You Go information below before booking.

Don’t forget to pick up your Solstice keepsake at the end of your walk!

WHEN
Sunday, December 21
Doors open at 4:00 PM; walk begins at 5 PM from the Arrival Garden.

WHERE
Meet at the Arrival Garden

COST
Adult Members: $25
Adult Non-Members: $30
Child (6 – 16): $5 for Members, $10 for Non-Members
Child (5 & under): Free
Price includes lantern use.

Live music from The Troublemakers, 6-8:30pm, a toe-tapping, crowd-loving band that’ll have you dancing into the New Year.

Dress to impress in your favorite party outfit
Watch the East Coast ball drop live on our TVs
Enjoy a complimentary sparkling wine or apple cider toast at 9pm
Party hats, noise makers, and ALL the New Year’s cheer

We’re closing up at 9:30pm, right after all the kisses, clinks, and confetti – so you can celebrate big and still be in bed before midnight.

No matter the season, there’s always something new just around the corner.

Welcome Wednesday Details:

Timed tickets should be reserved online in advance of your visit to avoid entry delays on busy days
Donations of any amount may be added to your ticket reservation to help support the mission and operations of Bloedel Reserve

Thank you to our monthly sponsor organizations!

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

Inspired by history, artist Chris Demarest presents a visual interpretation of life in World War 2 for Japanese Americans at home and on the front lines.

Come celebrate the opening of our newest exhibit!

Award-winning documentary UP FROM THE STREETS by local Filmmakers Michael Murphy and Cilista Eberle screens on Friday night, Jan 9 at 6:45 with the filmmakers present for audience talk-back. Saturday night The Real LADY A takes the stage for a live performance spanning Blues, Funk, R&B, Gospel and Soul. Back-to-Back nights celebrating the music and culture of The Big Easy.

Join our wine making team for a 2.5 hour blending workshop. Learn how we evaluate wines and blend them to get the perfect flavor profile. You'll have the chance to blend your own bottle to take home. Small bites will be provided to sustain us!

This is the 36th annual Bainbridge Island New Year's tradition!

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community shares the making of mochi, a rice cake, to help bring in the new year.  The rice is steamed over a fire, pounded to a sticky dough using a stone bowl and wooden hammers.  Bring the whole family.

Learn about the Japanese American history on the island
Try origami - the art of paper folding
Participate in group dancing
Listen to and feel the beats of taiko drums by Seattle Kokon Taiko
Try out the ancient strategy game of GO

New this year:  Complimentary shuttles running between Island Church and Bethany Lutheran to Woodward from 10:30am-3:30 pm

Our official food vendors:  Sushiko and Grillipino

Artist Aisha Harrison, currently featured at BIMA, invites you to explore the rich evolution of her creative practice—from the early influences that shaped her path to the powerful ideas fueling her latest exhibition. Through her presentation, Aisha will reveal how the intertwined cycles of grief, growth, and joy are reflected in her work, bringing deeply personal and universal stories to life.

Following the talk, Aisha will sit down with Jenna d’Anna, BIMA’s Senior Manager of Museum Education & Community Engagement, for an insightful conversation. The event wraps up with a lively Q&A and a casual reception—offering a unique chance to connect with the artist, ask your questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the passion and process behind her work.

$10 members/$12 non-members

ARTIST BIO

Aisha is a studio and public artist working primarily in clay and bronze. They discovered clay at a community studio while pursuing a degree in Spanish at Grinnell College in Iowa. After graduating, Aisha taught third and fourth grades in Atlanta, Georgia, while exploring clay at Callenwolde Fine Arts Center and Penland School of Crafts. They later earned a BFA from Washington State University and an MFA from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Aisha uses the body as a site to explore lived experiences of racism, ancestral (human and non-human) connections, and, as a mixed-race Black person, the complex histories held within their body. Their work honors real bodies while incorporating physical forms of the intangible. The figures they create often intertwine with elements of the natural world, many of which are native to the Pacific Northwest, where Aisha’s family has lived for four generations. Their work balances the individual and the collective, reflecting unique identities alongside a larger community and nature’s relatives.

Currently, Aisha is working on a large-scale outdoor public art commission with the University of Washington Tacoma and the Washington State Arts Commission, as well as pieces for a solo exhibition at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Their studio work has been shown nationally at venues including Pottery Northwest, The Whatcom Museum, The Bascom, Crocker Art Museum, Northern Clay Center, Wa Na Wari, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Jordan Schnitzer Museum at WSU, and the Leonor R. Fuller Gallery at South Sound Community College. They have completed residencies at Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts, Women’s Studio Workshop, and Baltimore Clayworks, and have taught workshops and courses at many institutions, including Pottery Northwest, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Penland School of Crafts, The Evergreen State College, Baltimore Clayworks, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and the Lux Center for the Arts.

Learn more about Aisha’s work.

Header image: Photo by Misael Martinez