After five years with the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, Director David Upham finished the 2010 season in May with an announcement of his acceptance of a dream position with the University of New Hampshire.

In May, The Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council and Bainbridge Performing Arts bestowed Bainbridge Island musician Wes Corbett with the 2010 Amy Award.

KiDiMu celebrated its much anticipated opening at its Island Gateway location June 5.

Theater continued to thrive on Bainbridge with BPA’s One Act Fest, Man of La Mancha, Rocky Horror, Annie and a host of other entertainment. After two successful runs with the frisky Cabaret and the Sound of Music, Ovation! Musical Theatre announced it would open a performing arts academy. Island Theatre continued to produce an eclectic assortment of titles including Sahmatah: Memory of Stones which paired Bainbridge playwright Hanna Eady and young actor Shaun Pearson.

In an administrative shuffle, BIAHC’s Morgan Smith moved to the City Finance department, and Cheryl Dale, capital campaign chair for both KiDiMu and the Bainbridge Art Museum, agreed to fill in as interim director.

Last year, the arts community showed up at City Council meetings to protest cuts to the arts and humanities sector. This year the cuts went even deeper, pulling the plug on BITV and eliminating funding to BIAHC and HHHS completely.

The First Friday Art Walk has picked up steam since spring when Bainbridge Art Museum paired up with Bainbridge Downtown Association to help promote the monthly event.

And still, artists in all mediums, continued to be prolific.

­— Connie Mears