- Feature Links
- Public Art Program
Public Art Program
Background
Bainbridge Island Municipal Code (BIMC) 3.80 created the Public Art Works Program and Fund. This ordinance allows for two percent of eligible funds for capital projects to be directed into the established Public Art Fund for the funding of public art projects. Expenditures from the fund are made at the discretion of the City Council, and the fund is administered by the City Finance Director. The City is responsible for the inventory and conservation of the current public art collection. The City’s current public art portfolio is worth over $300,000 and includes 23 pieces of art located throughout the City.
Current Public Art Portfolio
Recent Acquisitions
“Tribute Baskets” by Christine Clarke, 2016. Located in Waypoint Park.
"Pod" by Kristin Tollefson, 2015. Located outside of the entrance to the BPA.
Background
City Ordinance 3.80 created the Public Art Works Program and Fund. This ordinance allows for two percent of eligible funds for capital projects to be directed into the established Public Art Fund for the funding of public art projects. Expenditures from the fund are made at the discretion of the City Council, and the fund is administered by the City Finance Director. The City is responsible for the inventory and conservation of the current public art collection. The City's current public art portfolio is worth over $300,000 and includes 23 pieces of art located throughout the City.
Current Public Art Portfolio
Recent Acquisitions
- "Pod" by Kristin Tollefson, 2015. Located outside of the entrance to the BPA.Located in Waypoint Park.
- "Tribute Baskets" by Christine Clarke, 2016.
Permanent Collection
-
The Seed Ball
Created by Robert Lucas, 1992. Located on Winslow Way in front of Town & Country.
-
Arrow Point Bench
Created by Robert Lucas and Patrick Croghan, 1991. Located in Waterfront Park by the playground.
-
Ripple Effect
Created by Bruce Meyers, 2012. Located on Winslow Way streetscape on the south side.
-
Creative Grounds Bus Shelter
Created by Devin Johnson and Olympus Beach Community Association, 2011. Located on Beat St. and Battlepoint Dr.
-
Water Quilt
Created by Maggie Smith, 2002. Located inside the Aquatic Center, 8521 Madison Ave N.
-
Blackberry Vines
Created by Gayle Bard, 2000. Located outside of City Hall on the Madison Street entrance. Artist Statement: “Running along and over the street side of the courtyard’s plain concrete wall will be a linear, metal sculpture interpreting the complex symbol of the blackberry vine…On the one hand it is deeply rooted, common, tenacious and enduring, all qualities necessary for the hard work of civic participation; on the other, it is rampant nature, invasive, unruly and stubborn. While we strive to keep it under control, it is, thankfully, ineradicable because it keeps us vigilant, and it annihilates our pretensions while providing previous habitat for wildlife, and offers up its abundant fruit.”
-
Bronze Inlays
Created by Erin Shie Palmer, 2000. Located inside of City Hall. Artist Statement: “The City Hall is the civic anchor of Bainbridge Island, the point from which to navigate the past and direct the future of the island community. The building is a repository of records and a center for community planning; it is a place of wayfinding/charting/finding one’s bearings. As with pilot books, the course is told through narratives, stories, and personal histories. The proposed treatment of interior and exterior walking surfaces at the City Hall is inspired by the pilot books and nautical charts. It serves as a reminder of the fluid character of civic activities and the desire to find the right course.”
-
Compass
Created by Erin Shie Palmer, 2000. Located outside of City Hall at both entrances.
-
Handrail
Created by Phillip Baldwin, 2000. Located inside City Hall. Artist Statement: “The railing for the stairs from the main hall to the second floor are designed to give the users of the building something not often included, tactile experience. The irregular woodgrain pattern forged into the railing surface will be visually appealing and make a reference to one of the first industries of Bainbridge Island. This element is included in the gate posts nearby. The fabricated wall mounting plates make reference to the trapezoidal elements in the gate. The railing is a “special touch”, a surprise element to delight users of the City Hall.”
-
Historic Photo Table Top Tiles
Created by Elizabeth White, 2000. Located inside of City Hall. Artist Statement: “Photography is a contemporary tool our technological society uses to capture a moment in time, yet the photograph itself deteriorates relatively quickly. Objects made out of clay, however, are some of the most enduring evidence of ancient times… Working with photography and ceramic tile together in the Bainbridge Island City Hall project takes advantage of the best qualities each medium offers but neither clay nor photography alone can produce.”
-
Sliding Botanical Panels
Created by Michele G. VanSlyke, 2000. Located inside of City Hall in the City Council Chambers. Artist Statement: “For this project for the Bainbridge Island City Hall, I wanted to create a symbolic piece. The location for the artwork on two existing sliding partitions triggered the idea. Emphasizing the height of the doors, I decided to use alternating bands of two very different metals: shiny aluminum and rusty steel. For me the aluminum panels which are recessed, symbolize the shiny past of Bainbridge Island, while the rusty panels overlapping the aluminum are symbolic of the present fading into the past.”
-
Topiaries
Created by Gayle Bard, 2000. Located outside of City Hall.
-
Topographical Reflections
Created by Virginia Keyser, 2000. Located inside of City Hall in the Council Conference Room. Artist Statement: “The piece consists of undulating wood structures that intertwine with each other and the rigid, gridded structure of the garage door. Each structure has two parallel sides with linear elements spanning between them as well as areas that are completely covered. The covered areas are like the terrain of the island as well as a skin being peeled away, exposing the inner workings of the structure.”
-
Waterscape
Created by Phillip Baldwin, 2000. Located inside City Hall. Artist Statement: The highly “structural” quality of the design is a reference to the role of the City of Bainbridge Island Building Department. It is an elegant design intended to bejewel the structure housing it.”
-
Wood Countertop
Created by Cecil Ross, 2000. Located inside of City Hall. Artist Statement: “Given the architects design, reminiscent of old industrial marine structures, it seemed logical that the countertop which runs the length of the main hall should be in keeping with this vision. With this in mind, the countertop is designed with a subtle curve, referencing a boat deck. To further accentuate this curve, I have elected to plank the countertop much as the deck of a boat would be done.”
-
Beach Glass Quilt
Created by Mesolini Glass, 1999. Located on Winslow Way and Madison Ave, in the SE corner. Artist Statement: “For decades small town street corners have been gathering places for friends and neighbors during their everyday chores and activities. The corner of Winslow Way & Madison Avenue is no exception. The sensitive foresight of enhancing its appeal with seating areas, vegetation, a shade tree and public art is to be commended… With the ambiance of glass aggregate, the look could be mosaic-like, abstract, graphic, or figurative in theme…The various elements of shape, texture, light, and weather conditions will enhance the project’s depth and beauty (i.e., sun, rain water)… Bainbridge residents are from various economic backgrounds, a wide range of generations, beliefs, values, and opinions. Our common thread is that we love living on this island. What holds us here, is the water around us and the beauty it provides.”
-
Clouds
Created by Gayle Bard and Steven Maslach, 1997. Located at the Bainbridge Public Library, 1270 Madison Ave.
-
Sidewalk Panels
Created by Carolyn Law, 1993. Located on High School Rd, west of Madison Ave.
-
Sidewalk Panels
Created by Carolyn Law, 1993. Located on High School Rd, west of Madison Ave.
-
Rainbringer
Renovated in 2011. Created by Craig Jacobrown, 1990. Located on High School Rd, and Madison Ave. Artist Statement: “The first Bainbridge Island public art sculpture, Rainbringer, is in traditional American Indian style with family crest elements.”
The Public Art Committee
The Public Art Committee (PAC) is a group of citizen volunteers who are dedicated to enhancing the public space through access to public art. The committee members are appointed by Arts and Humanities Bainbridge (AHB). PAC is responsible for proposing new works to the City Council, assisting with design and implementation of installations, and advising the City on maintenance of the existing collection. The Committee meets monthly. For more information on the Committee, or on how to get involved, please visit the AHB Public Art Program website, or contact AHB at programs@ahbainbridge.org.