The gallery formerly known as Bainbridge Arts & Crafts has a new space and a new name in honor of its 70th anniversary.
The Art Project (151 Winslow Way East) is the island cultural staple’s fresh moniker; the change a reflection, gallery officials said, of two years of reflection, research and conversations, plus a two-month top-to-bottom gallery remodel.
“We’re a bit of a misunderstood organization,” said executive director Lindsay Masters. “A lot of people think we’re an ‘arts and crafts’ supply store. And we can’t blame them since those words were literally in our name.”
Changing that perception was a top priority for the organization, she added, along with updating its gallery space to better serve the more than 200 Northwest artists it represents, and the community.
“The remodeled space is a lot more open and true to its original architecture,” Masters said. “We’ve torn down walls, opened up the ceiling, and moved our offices off-site.”
There is more space for art — up to 6,000 works of art at any given time — as well as art education, too.
The nonprofit regularly hosts artist talks, demos, and classes in its space, as well as monthly receptions for its always-changing exhibitions.
The Art Project will also continue to take its programs off-site, bringing art to hospitals, retirement centers and schools, and hosting a variety of community events, such as its popular plein air event, Paint Out Winslow. More than 10,000 people are served through the nonprofit’s 100-plus education and outreach events each year.
“All of the programs we provide are free,” Masters said. “And we want to do more.”
The makeover, Masters said, will help the organization increase funds through the sale of artwork in its gallery space, as well as broaden community support through memberships and donations.
“Increased sales and support will help us expand the reach of our mission-driven programming,” she explained.
Just a few days into the reopening of the gallery and the announcement of the new name, Masters was pleased with the results.
“We’re extremely sensitive to the magnitude of making such a fundamental change to a venerable and beloved organization,” she said. “But vitality sometimes requires adaptation. And we’re making it very clear to supporters that we’re still the place they know and love. Our staff, day-to-day activities, and reverence for the organization’s history are exactly the same. Our heart and soul still lie with our founders’ vision to provide exhibitions, education and outreach to our community. So the response has been wonderfully positive.”
During the first post-makeover weekend alone the gallery reportedly welcomed more than 500 visitors.
Masters and staff are now gearing up for the gallery’s April exhibition, featuring Seattle-based artist Holy Ballard Martz, and a student art show in May.
“We’re 70, and ready to rock and roll,” Masters said.
Visit theartproject.org to learn more, or call 206-842-3132.
