BARN awarded $500K grant

Published 11:05 am Sunday, June 21, 2015

Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the C. Keith Birkenfeld Memorial Trust.

The grant takes BARN’s capital campaign past the $5 million mark, and much closer to its $7.5 million goal.

BARN is a nonprofit organization formed in 2012 created to build and operate a hands-on center for craft and invention on Bainbridge Island.

“We think BARN is a great way to create community — among artists and craftspeople as well as with those who wish to learn new skills. Mr. Birkenfeld was a great believer in the arts and we hope his gift inspires others to also give,” said Claire Bishop, Birkenfeld fund director.

A groundbreaking may occur this fall on a 25,000-square-foot facility on Bainbridge Island, leaving only a few short months to close the rest of the $2.5 million gap.

“We are honored by the generosity of the Birkenfeld grant,” said BARN Board president Jeanne Huber. “It is such a clear validation of the BARN vision.”

The BARN gift is the highest grant amount given by the fund this year.

The non-profit is currently in a temporary facility on Sunrise Drive where a variety of classes are offered. Locals can stop in to learn and craft in metalwork, jewelry, fiber arts and more.

BARN’s new facility is located on Three Tree Lane off of New Brooklyn Road, and the building will be designed by famed island architect Johnpaul Jones.

Free tours of BARN’s temporary facility are offered every Sunday between 1 to 3 p.m. For general information, call 206-780-1246.