Placing art in public spaces
Enhancing the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Bainbridge Island and inspiring communal conversation and individual contemplation through art in public spaces is the mission of AHB’s
Public Art Committee (PAC).
Bainbridge Island is home to many thriving cultural institutions and a great many artists. The Public Art Program is part of the City of Bainbridge Island’s ongoing support and investment in the community, as well as citizen artists. The City’s Comprehensive Plan, and specifically the Cultural Element recognizes that the arts contribute significantly to its identity, its sense of place, and its economy.
To learn more about the public art on Bainbridge Island, visit. CurrentsOnline.com/public-art
Something New: An Ephemeral Art Exhibition
The Something New project debuted in downtown Winslow in 2018. The project brought a collection of sculptures to outdoor sites around Winslow for a yearlong exhibition. New pieces are selected and rotated into these permanent locations annually, bringing “something new” to Bainbridge Island year after year.
Something New 2019
The two Something New sculptures in 2019 are Stargazer by Timm Duffy and Daphne by Karsten Boysen. Stargazer is located along Winslow Way near its intersection with Ericksen Avenue and Daphne resides in the harborside plaza at the southern end of Madison Avenue. Both pieces were installed in July and will be on display until summer of 2020. Both pieces are available for purchase. To learn more about the sculptures & their artists, visit Currents Online (BainbridgeCurrents.com).
The 2019 Peoples Choice Award, selected by the community is Karsten Boysen’s Daphne. This award includes a $1,000 honorarium.
2019 Peoples Choice Award Winner!
A welded upcycled steel sculpture with a chartruese green powder coat finish, 6.5ft tall x 5ft wide x 3ft deep. This abstract rendition of the Greek image of Daphne being pursued by Apollo and changing into a laurel tree as a metaphor for Spring.
Stargazer, Timm Duffy:
“The sculpture is based on a neighbor of mine back in Boulder, CO, who would go out and look at the stars as they came out every night in the summer.” says Duffy. Stargazer embodies Duffy’s sense of mysticism, and is cast in bronze with a patina finish.
Something New 2018
The three sculptures in the first year of this exciting exhibition were: Hand in Hand by Will Robinson (Purchased by COBI, now permanently installed at Waterfront Park); Three Color Spires by Gerry Newcomb; and Iris Flare by Lin McJunkin and Milo White. The pieces were officially unveiled at the First Friday Art Walk on July 6, 2018. These engaging works of art enriched our community spaces until the summer of 2019.
Nearly thirty sculptors from around the Pacific Northwest submitted their works for consideration. “We wanted each of the chosen sculptures to make a statement appropriate to their specific locations,” said PAC Chair Carl Sussman. A jury of selected community members reviewed and chose the first year’s sculptures.
Towering basalt columns and imposing granite boulders morph into sensuous, challenging forms and fountains at the hand of Robinson, an award-winning sculptor. Hand in Hand was purchased by the city for it’s permanent collection.
Iris Flare, Lin McJunkin and Milo White:
2018 Peoples Choice Award Winner!
Metal sculptor Milo White & glass artist Lin McJunkin create outdoor public work that blend their aesthetic & technical strengths.
Three Color Spires, Gerry Newcomb:
Newcomb works with kiln-cast glass to form large architectural panels, wall murals, sculptures, light fixtures and tables.
About the Public Art Program
Cities gain cultural, social and economic value when they integrate art into their public spaces. Public art also distinguishes
Bainbridge Island as a unique and culturally active community. Perhaps most importantly, public art humanizes the built environment and invigorates public spaces.
We believe Bainbridge Island needs public art.
To view a list of the COBI public art permanent collection, click here.
To learn more about the public art on Bainbridge Island, visit. CurrentsOnline.com/public-art
Public Art Committee
The Public Art Committee (PAC) is a group of volunteers dedicated to enhancing public space through access to public art. The committee members are recruited by Arts & Humanities Bainbridge (AHB) for their artistic, cultural, or community knowledge.
PAC is responsible for proposing new works and programs to the City Council, assisting with design and implementation of installations, and advising the City on maintenance of the existing collection. AHB provides administrative support including press, community engagement, project management, grant applications and coordination with the City. AHB also consults with PAC to provide advisory services for a fee to private entities for placement of art in public spaces.
2020 Public Art Committee members
Steve Rabago (chair), Susan Arens, Bill Baran-Mickle, Patty Bell, Grace Harris, Michael Seidl, Ron Stewart, Carl Sussman, Denise Stoughton, and Steve Tremble
Interested in volunteering as a committee or jury member?
Contact: Steve Rabago.