County survey
Kitsap County is launching a community survey to gather feedback on local needs and priorities for housing, services, economic development, public facilities and infrastructure improvements.
The information will be used to develop a consolidated plan for 2026-30. The survey closes March 31.
The county and city of Bremerton receive Community Development Block Grantand HOME Investment Partnership funding each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds, along with the county’s Community Investments in Affordable Housing money, are used to provide housing, economic opportunity, public facilities and infrastructure principally for low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods.
Every five years the county and all Kitsap cities gather data and feedback from the community and agencies that provide services to develop priorities to guide funding over the next five years. Community input will ensure the new consolidated plan reflects the knowledge, experience, needs and perspective of residents.
Go to the county website to find the survey.
BIMA awards
BIMA Recognizes Achievement in the Visual Arts is returning, awarding $15,000 in four categories.
The biennial BRAVA Awards recognize contemporary artists, craftspeople and makers in: Native American & First Nations Artist; Artist’s Books Artists; Emerging Artist; and 2025 Special Choice Children’s Book Illustrator. Recipients also receive: Recognition in BIMA media; a short video about the recipient; an award ceremony invitation; and more.
Winners are chosen by an independent jury committee, which seeks to honor artists whose work demonstrates artistic merit, technical mastery, contribution to the arts and professional accomplishments. The awards were inspired by museum founder Cynthia Sears.
BIMA’s executive director, Sheila Hughes, said, “While it’s uncommon for museums of our size to create an award program, BIMA believes our mission demands that we find ways to help artists directly.”
Recipients of the first BRAVA Awards in 2023 were: Kamari Bright (Emerging Artist); Julie Chen (Artists’ Books Artist); Julie Paschkis (Children’s Book Illustrator); and Betty Pasco (Native American and First Nations Artist). For details go to www.biartmuseum.org
Studio Tours
Applications are available for the 2025 Summer and Winter Studio Tours on Bainbridge Island.
The tours will be Aug. 8-10 and Dec. 5-7, and take place at various artists’ studios and community halls around BI. This marks the 25th year for the summer event, and the 42nd for the winter one.
The Studio Tour is a juried art show, seeking professional work, designed and crafted by the artist, with original designs and quality craftsmanship. Artwork should portray the “hand and spirit of the artist.”
The deadline for the Summer Tour application is May 15, and for the Winter Tour its Aug. 23. Artists can apply for both events. There is an Early Bird option due March 31. Artists do not have to live on the island or own a studio.
For artist application forms, which can be submitted online, go to the “For Artists” page on the Studio Tour website at www.bistudiotour.com
Plant shop
When Mariam Rahmani moved to Bainbridge Island, she saw the community’s deep appreciation for nature.
That inspired her to open The Plant Shop, which sells a carefully curated selection of indoor houseplants—plus native plants in the spring. It also offers locally crafted Pacific Northwest pottery and art.
It’s located at 8780 Fletcher Bay Road NE. It’s open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more, go to www.theplantshopbainbridge.com
BIMA concert
Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers” will be performing with guitarist Jack Quall of Bremerton March 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Reservations recommended at RangerSwings.com/calendar
Coffee with a Cop
Another Coffee with a Cop will take place on Bainbridge Island at 9 a.m. March 10 at Pegasus Coffee House, 131 Parfitt Way SW.
There is no agenda — just a chance to ask questions, share concerns and get to know your BI officers.
