READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT: Bainbridge Creative District Launches Over July 4 Weekend – by Nicholas Zeller-Singh Bainbridge Island Review

July 3rd forecast… Rain. But a respite was predicted between 4pm and 7pm – much to our relief. Our Bainbridge Creative District (BCD) launch would be saved! That is not what happened. From 4pm there was a downpour that finally subsided at 6pm – just in time for our ribbon-tying ceremony.

Thanks to the courtesy of our host, Erika Thayer of The Ravine, guests enjoyed music by “Songbird,” tacos, drinks, and three exceptional speeches. Our City Manager, Blair King, kicked things off – sharing his view of the creative class and what this designation means for Bainbridge Island. Next we were treated to the formidable Max Weber – award-winning speaker, legislative assistant to Derek Kilmer, and deputy campaign manager for Syrita Steib and a Tulane University student. He focused on creativity and its role in civic engagement. Lastly, Arts & Humanities Bainbridge (AHB) board president, Linda Semlitz defined the role of the arts in mental health, in bridging arts and business, and the immense creative opportunity the BCD presents for our island.

With the break in raindrops, we moved to the Street Dance main stage on Winslow. Chasity Malatesta, leader of the Multicultural Advisory Council (MAC), introduced the incredible talent assembled to tie, not cut, our yellow ribbon. Some artists included Patricia Orellana, Wendy Orville, Tracy Lang, two musical theatre students – tying the ribbon with the likes of Max Weber, Corinne Wolfe, and Blair King. This symbolized the bridging of the arts and business communities, making Bainbridge Island a thriving community to live, work, and visit. Anne Smart, who spearheaded our City’s application for official designation by Washington Arts Commission gave a vote of thanks. After this ceremony, the Street Dance got started with a moving rendition of our national anthem by international singer, Stephanie Reese.

We invite you to join us on Sep 10 for our Experience the Bainbridge Creative District event! Find out more at the BCD booth at the BIMA market on July 24.

As the leader of the Bainbridge Creative District, AHB wants to thank our incredible partners: my (Inez Maubane Jones, ED of AHB) co-chair, Stefan Goldby, President & CEO of the Chamber; members of the BCD Executive Committee – Chris Mueller (ED, Visit Bainbridge), Michael Goodnow (ED, Downtown Association), Andrea Addington (ED Destination Bainbridge & Lodging Assoc), Anne Smart (Spearheaded BCD application & Public Art Committee member), Chasity Malatesta (MAC), Ken Matsudaira (Director of Community & Cultural Programs at BIMA & BI Japanese American Community representative), Jean-Claude Louis (AHB board member), Brenda Fantroy-Johnson (City Council member), and Asa Rabin (BCD Manager).

Special thanks go to Jenna d’Anna (AHB Communications & Programs Manager), Sophia DeBellis, AHB intern, and Chantelle Lusebrink (Visit Bainbridge Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager), and Alex Sanso (for designing our logo). Additional gratitude to launch committee volunteers – Grace Harris, Patty Bell, Sarah Wen, Jessica Miller, Lily Karsten. Thank you to Joanie Stewart & Sarah Wen’s sister! Our photographer and videographer Ron Stewart and Mike Seidl are invaluable.

Shout out to City Council members Leslie Schneider and Jon Quitslund for attending the event and to the BI Downtown Association for use of their Street Dance main stage.

READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT: Bainbridge Creative District Launches Over July 4 Weekend – by Nicholas Zeller-Singh Bainbridge Island Review

ABOUT ARTS & HUMANITIES BAINBRIDGE. AHB is Bainbridge Island’s cultural hub. AHB bridges the arts and business communities by leading the Bainbridge Creative District (BCD), and promoting Bainbridge’s vibrant arts and culture through our online media platform, BainbridgeCurrents.com.  The BCD and Currents highlight the island as a cultural destination, attract visitors, and deepen appreciation for our cultural offerings and heritage. The arts and humanities enhance our quality of life and create a vibrant, attractive place to live, work and visit.