Bainbridge celebrates the return of the pod

A 9-foot steel sculpture created by island artist Kristin Tollefson and Duke Grenier will be unveiled at 6:15 p.m. tonight in front of Bainbridge Performing Arts.

A 9-foot steel sculpture created by island artist Kristin Tollefson and Duke Grenier will be unveiled at 6:15 p.m. tonight in front of Bainbridge Performing Arts.

It’s new, but, then again, it’s not.

Commissioned by the city of Bainbridge Island in 2006, “Pod” was initially situated in Marina Square between Doc’s Marina Grill and Bainbridge Thai Cuisine.

But according to Arts & Humanities Bainbridge executive director Barbara Sacerdote, there were problems with the finish – the piece was rusting – and it had to be moved into storage until repairs could be made.

Shortly after this diagnosis, however, the city defunded its Public Art program, seemingly stamping a big fat “RIP” across the piece’s basket-like back.

Until a change in policy gave “Pod” a new lease on life. Last May, the city of Bainbridge Island reinstated the Public Art program and appointed Arts & Humanities Bainbridge as its manager, with a “Pod”-overhaul one of its first tasks.

“We’re thrilled to bring this back,” Sacerdote said.

The interlude allowed city officials to address concerns regarding the piece’s original location, Sacerdote said, and “Pod” was given a new home outside of Bainbridge Performing Arts.

“It’s the perfect space,” she added. “[Pod] is nestled in the trees. It’s a much more organic way of experiencing the piece than out on a concrete plaza.”

Updates include a restored finish with upgraded lighting. “It glows in the dark,” explained Sacerdote. Tollefson has also added an interior diorama, visible through peepholes in the sculpture’s seat back.

There are currently 20 pieces in Bainbridge’s Public Art collection; the newest, scheduled to be completed in spring 2016, will adorn The Waypoint. Meanwhile, Arts & Humanities Bainbridge continues to identify spaces for future artwork across the island.