Art, music on Valley

The Bainbridge Island Creativity Center has moved its Winslow location and will now be sharing a roof with the Island Music Guild, hosting classes at IMG’s Rolling Bay building starting this fall.

The two organizations will soon be providing collaborative opportunities for the community.

The new partnership made sense, according to organizers, because both the Guild and the Creativity Center are similar in their structures and needs.

“We like sharing a space with people with a mutual philosophy and attitude towards creativity and quality … We think it’s a beautiful blend of music and the visual arts,” said Pam Christiansen, executive director of the Creativity Center, in a press release.

Christiansen said the move was important for the art center because the space provided opportunities for expanded schedules and curriculum, as well as a diversity of times and classes.

The Guild’s, executive director, David Bristow said he thinks working together will be beneficial in several aspects. “(This step is important) to establish in the minds of the local community that this venue, this physical location, is an arts location, a cultural location and an educational location,” he said.

Community members can expect interactive classes with expanded curriculums that combine both music and visual skills.

The Creativity Center’s classes will be held at both its original space off Sportsman Road at the IMG building until the end of this year and will make a complete move in January.

Classes at the Guild begin the week at Sept. 21, and classes at the Creativity Center begin on Oct. 6.

For class and workshop schedules or contact information, visit: www.islandmusic.com and www.bainbridgeislandcreativitycenter.com.

PAC seeks member

From Mesolini Studio’s “Bainbridge Island Beach Glass Quilt”outside Cafe Nola to Maggie Smith’s “Water Quilt,” at the Don Nakata pool, public art abounds on the island.

What residents might not be aware of is that these and other projects were created with funding from the Bainbridge Island Public Art Program, which is managed by the Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council and and a volunteer Public Art Committee.

Committee members select sites for both permanent and temporary artwork in areas frequented by the public, develop project goals and budgets, determine artist selection processes, provide project management oversight, advocate for public art as a community value, and engage the community in extraordinary art experiences.

PAC meets on the second Tuesday evening of every month, and members contribute additional time working on projects.

Each fall, PAC solicits new members, and it’s that time again.

In addition to knowledge of the visual arts, the committee is looking for members with a variety of types of experience including technology, contracting, project management, art conservation, architecture, planning, education, community engagement, or graphic design.

To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to Program Manager Janice Shaw at Janices@artshum.org before Sept. 30.

For additional information go to www.artshum.org and navigate to Programs and Services / Public Art. Alternatively, contact Membership Chair Amy Aspell at 780-5825.

Parks plan bridge for Blakely

The Bainbridge island Metropolitan Park and Recreation District is poised to unite two previously estranged portions of Blakely Harbor Park.

A planned 75-foot bridge at the head of the bay will connect the section of park accessed from Blakely Avenue with the section of park off Country Club Road.

Park district Senior Planner Perry Barrett told park board last week that construction on the bridge can begin as soon as permits are secured.

“The bridge is something we are pursuing immediately,” Barrett said.

The district received an estimate of $40,000 from one company for a Douglas fir constructed bridge supported by concrete abutments and posts.

The district already has funds for the bridge.

Elsewhere near the park’s entrance on Blakely Avenue, the district is planning to reshape the parking lot and add a permanent restroom among other improvements.