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

For more information:

https://jameswashingtonculturalcenter.com/

Courtesy of Dr. James W. Washington, Jr. & Mrs. Janie Rogella Washington Foundation.

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.

July 1st, 2025

Keep Dreaming! Jeffrey Moose Gallery’s 30th Anniversary Continues

Jeffrey Moose Gallery is proud to announce an exhibition of dot paintings by indigenous artists from Yuendumu in Australia’s Central Desert for the months of July and August. Receptions will be held on First Saturday (due to the holiday) July 5th, 6-8 PM and First Friday, August 1st, 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 at both events. This year we will change the show over the course of the two month period, so visitors will experience different work in July and August.

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 was connected 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.

The Ten-Minute Play Festival features ten of Kitsap County’s best short plays, penned by Kitsap County playwrights and featuring 24 local actors. The Festival’s theme this year is ESCAPE and the resulting program includes plays that are funny, serious, quirky, surprising, and thought-provoking. Plays are suitable for young adults and older.

Performances will take place in the Buxton Center at Bainbridge Performing Arts. Curtain times are 7:00 pm Thursday August 21, Friday August 22, and Saturday August 23, with an additional 3:00 matinee on Saturday.

Every Saturday, July 5th to August 30th from 6 pm to 8 pm, join us in the Pavilion Courtyard for an eclectic lineup of live performances, featuring everything from classic rock and jazz to indie acoustic sets, folk, country, classical, bossa nova, and original singer-songwriter showcases.This summer, we’re bringing neighbors together through the power of live music. Each show brings a fresh vibe—soulful, bold, and sure to get you dancing. The concerts are family-friendly and perfect for islanders and visitors alike.

Come early and grab a seat—patio tables and picnic benches are first-come, first-served—then explore the Pavilion’s diverse lineup of global eats: SuBi (Japanese), Trattoria Italian Isola (Italian), Islander (American), Bainbridge Tapas (Spanish), Casa Rojas (Mexican), Green Pot Deli (Vietnamese), and Nirvana (Indian & Nepali). Reservations for indoor dining are suggested.

Learn more & view the full lineup at www.bainbridgepavilionconcerts.com

The Ten-Minute Play Festival features ten of Kitsap County’s best short plays, penned by Kitsap County playwrights and featuring 24 local actors. The Festival’s theme this year is ESCAPE and the resulting program includes plays that are funny, serious, quirky, surprising, and thought-provoking. Plays are suitable for young adults and older.

Performances will take place in the Buxton Center at Bainbridge Performing Arts. Curtain times are 7:00 pm Thursday August 21, Friday August 22, and Saturday August 23, with an additional 3:00 matinee on Saturday.

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.

Timed tickets are required for admission.

ECO-ARCHITECTURE: August 25 - 29 (Ages 5-8, and Ages 9-13) $465
Young architects will try their hands at 3-point perspective, designing eco-friendly environments and spaces meeting STEM Engineering principles. In our “maker space”, collaborative groups will design, engineer, construct and test 3D forms with 2D materials. Activities may include: drawing lego buildings in plan view, cityscapes, elevations, contour maps, 3D animals, clay forms, and daily abstract design challenges.

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:

July 23
August 27
September 24
October 22
November & December – no walks

KiDiMu Garden Walks–sign up here!

August 27 – Nearly Dan

Nearly Dan fuses the chops of 12 diversely talented artists into the iconic music of Steely Dan, presenting their arrangements of those masterpieces, such as the bouncing “Reelin’ In the Years,” the sorrowful “Do It Again,” or the funny “Peg.” Satiate your hunger for music when Nearly Dan takes the stage.

Vendors: Aunty Dolly’s, Sauced, Da “Q” Shack, The Saucy Sailor, Island Cool, Bluetree Cotton Candy, Balloon Brothers

Event Sponsor: Island Cool

These events are free and non-ticketed, with general admission seating only. We invite guests to enjoy a variety of talented musicians while enjoying food from local on-site vendors and connecting with their community. There will also be opportunities to get to know various organizations and businesses, such as Platinum Series Sponsor Island Cool. We hope to see you grooving to the music all eight weeks of this family-friendly concert series!

Event parking is most easily accessible from the west entrance to the park off Battle Point Drive NE in the softball and artificial turf field parking lots. Please adhere to “no parking” signs and do not block emergency vehicle access. Parking is limited! We encourage you to walk, bike, take the bus, or carpool.

Pack a picnic blanket, grab a bite from our vendors, immerse yourself in art, and settle in for a summer celebration!

Whether you come for the art, the music, or just to savor a late-summer day surrounded by nature, The Summer Social is a celebration of connection, creativity, and community. Join us for a fun-filled, relaxing sunny afternoon of food, art and games!
Summer Social Activities
* Stroll the Reserve
* Lawn games & picnic spaces
* Nature craft station
* Free face painting by Art Monster Face Painting
* Live music featuring T&T Quartet (3-7 PM)
* Beer Garden (21+)
* Enjoy food from some of our favorite local vendors including:

* Aunty Dolly’s West African Cuisine
* Bluetree Bainbridge
* Corrigan Sisters
* Harris and Sons Italian Ice
* La Churreria J&J
* One Two Kai Kitchen
* The Saucy Sailor
Art Throughout the Reserve
Wander the grounds and discover works by local artists:

* Meet artist Kelly Johnston, Bloedel Community Creative, and explore her Bloedel-inspired landscape paintings displayed at the very sites that sparked them.
* Join Lynne Rosskamp & Amanda Danford, Bloedel Community Creatives, for live printmaking—showcasing intaglio techniques including chine-collé, press collage, and the layered magic of mokuhanga, traditional Japanese woodblock printing.
* 10 Years of Creative Residencies – This exhibit is located at the Residence and includes work by visual artists, photographers, designers, musicians, poets, writers, storytellers, and others from the last 10 years of creative residents at Bloedel.
Purchase your tickets today!
* Members get in FREE, but need to reserve tickets to ensure entry
* $35 for non-member Adults
* $25 for non-member Seniors
* Free for non-members 17 & Under

In 1965 a completely new and organic sound sprang from the rippling blue waters of Southern California vibrating into the collective musical soul of an entire generation. The music of LAUREL CANYON LEGACY is tribute to the pioneers of this golden age of Rock and Roll and comes to Bainbridge Island's classic HISTORIC LYNWOOD THEATRE for a one-night special performance on Saturday, August 30. Joni, Buffalo Springfield, Carole King, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, C,S,N&Y, The Beach Boys, The Doors. Literally the who's who of the sound that built folk-rock's Good Vibration. Cut to the chase and get your tickets here.

This program is appropriate for people of all genres or none, those comfortable with writing or not. There will be readings, gathering time, guided explorations on the land, writing and activity prompts, and opportunities to share writing. (Please note that sharing is optional and there will be no literary critique.) Participants will experience the nature/creativity connection; be guided through free writing and practice; learn ways to bring nature into their writing projects and creative processes; and receive feedback on how their projects can incorporate these practices. Spending guided time outside roaming the gardens or sitting will be a significant aspect of this offering.

This 5-session program is co-sponsored by TEALarbor stories, Bloedel Reserve, and Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN). The program will take place on the exquisite grounds of Bloedel Reserve. Registration is through Bloedel Reserve.

Participants should bring: a few pens, journal (preferably unlined), weather appropriate clothing and gear, a water bottle, and an open heart and mind. 

WHERE
Sept 2 session meets at the Japanese Guest House.

WHEN
Autumn series dates:

Sept 2, 12:30 – 2:30 PM at the Japanese Guest House
Sept 16, one-hour semi-guided session outdoors
Oct 7, ninety-minute session at the Japanese Guest House
Oct 21, one-hour, semi-guided session outdoors
Nov 4, ninety-minute session at the Japanese Guest House

COST
Cost includes admission for each of 5 session dates and a 1-year, individual membership to Bloedel Reserve.

If you are a BARN member, please email Amy King to receive your special registration link. Email Amy here.

$275 Members
$250 Member of both Bloedel Reserve and BARN
$300 BARN Member
$350 Non-members

All are welcome to explore our trails and gardens and experience the transformative power of nature. 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!

Join Gardens North Manager, Horticulturist and Artist, Sean Peterson, for an in-depth tour of the Arrival Garden and surrounding areas.

WHERE
Arrival Garden

WHEN
Sept 5, 10:45-11:45 AM

COST
$15 for Members
$15 plus admission for Non-Members

Join us for a special edition of Art on the Green as we join Bainbridge Island’s First Friday Artwalk! On September 5th from 5–8pm, Winslow Green transforms into an illuminated hub of creativity featuring local artists, live music, and community magic.

Whether you're discovering bold new works or catching up with familiar faces, this twilight art event promises connection, color, and inspiration. Come for the art, stay for the vibe!

Join us at the corner of Winslow Way and Madison to explore more art! The Winslow Green community of businesses welcomes you.

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion as Esther Ervin, former artist-in-residence, interim director, and studio tech at the James W. Washington Jr. Foundation, engages with June Sekiguchi and Stewart Wong, former resident artists, about their experience on the grounds and studio of the Washington property.

June is known for her scroll-cut wood sculptures, immersive installations, and public art. Her recent projects have been inspired by natural environments, particularly her experiences at artist residencies in Willapa Bay and Vashon Island, where she examined water at a microscopic level.

Stewart Wong is a mixed-media artist blending craft and technology to explore culture, environment, and identity. Influenced by his Native Hawaiian and Chinese heritage, his public artworks highlight AAPI and BIPOC histories. He mentors youth and creates socially engaged art that fosters reflection, equity, and connection through layered materials and meaning.

Each panelist will share how this unique residency not only shaped their artistic journeys but also influenced their creative process. Discover the stories behind their works and how working in James W. Washington, Jr’s studio shaped and inspired their work.

Audience Q & A and reception to follow.

Brent Jensen’s “Pure Desmond” Quartet

Brent Jensen: alto saxophone

Jamie Findlay: guitar

Chris Symer: bass

D’Vonne Lewis: drums

Brent Jensen’s debut CD release on Seattle’s Origin Records, “The Sound of a Dry Martini: Remembering Paul Desmond” was on JazzWeek’s Top 50 radio airplay charts for thirteen weeks after its initial release in 2002 and continues to receive airplay on jazz radio and online streaming services around the globe. For Brent’s “First Sundays” concert he will be joined by guitarist Jamie Findlay, bassist Chris Symer and drummer D’Vonne Lewis as the quartet pays tribute to the legacy of the late, great cool jazz saxophonist.

The concert series is proudly presented by the Bainbridge Community Piano Association & First Sundays Concerts, a monthly musical performance series featuring world-class classical and jazz musicians. Bainbridge Community Piano Association is supported in part by True Sound Piano Service, Bainbridge Community Foundation, Umpqua Bank & Amy McFarland, Compass Real Estate.

Concert Format:
Approximately 1 hour - 1 hour 15 minutes performance with no intermission.

The concert takes place at Waterfront Park Community Center - 370 Brien Drive, Bainbridge Island at 4:00. For more information www.firstsundaysconcerts.org