Learning the artist’s way at BAC

The Bainbridge Arts and Crafts Gallery turns 60 this year.

That makes it one of the oldest, most seasoned and experienced galleries around in Kitsap’s art world. Though the gallery’s hair has turned gray and it sips its coffee out of a cup with the logo “Over What Hill?” comically displayed, BAC is still a vibrant and viable center for the arts in the ripe Winslow District of Bainbridge Island.

From intriguing exhibition ideas like prompting its artists to think “Out of this World” or to wax on the creative complexity of a box, the gallery’s walls stay fresh. Through inventive ideas like January’s “Whodunit” mystery artists’ show, it keeps the community interested.

But what’s more is BAC’s mission to keep the community educated.

Two exhibition events ongoing at The Gallery throughout the month are exemplary to that end.

The first exhibit is a collection of work entitled “Mixed Nuts.”

While it’s consistently an advocate for art in schools, this month, BAC provides local students with a real-world look at the business relationship between a gallery and it’s artists by commissioning students as “professional artists.”

The kids signed contracts and met deadlines, while learning how to present their work and how galleries function. Plus the students’ work is for sale, with the standard 50 percent gallery commission. All pieces are $75 and the BAC’s take will go back to the schools in the form of grants for art supplies.

The second educational event at BAC this month is a sort of living exhibition called “Works in Progress,” for which five BAC artists have pledged at least 10 hours per week of working in the gallery while answering questions and chatting with patrons.

Mixed water-based media artist Jeannie Grisham, paper engineer Linda Costello, ceramic sculptor Joe O’Brien and painters Elizabeth Moga and Amy Williams have all dedicated their time.

There should be an artist in residence every day of the month, educating the general public.

For more info: www.bacart.org or call the gallery at (206) 842-3132. The Gallery is located at 151 Winslow Way E. on Bainbridge.

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