BARN needs $3 million for new artists’ facility

The members of Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network are more than ready to move from their current temporary space in Rolling Bay. There is just the need for $3 million standing in the way.

By Seraine Page • April 4, 2015 11:12 am
Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network members hope to raise a $3 million fundraising goal to build a permanent BARN center on the island.
Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network members hope to raise a $3 million fundraising goal to build a permanent BARN center on the island.

The members of Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network are more than ready to move from their current temporary space in Rolling Bay.

There is just the need for $3 million standing in the way.

“We have a ways to go to dig a hole this summer,” said Jane Martin, a board member and head of BARN’s jewelry studio. “We have a lot to do.”

Initial design plans include a 25,000 square-foot, two-story building with a kitchen, office space, classrooms and meeting rooms.

So far, BARN has raised $4.5 million of an estimated $7.5 million needed to build the artisan center, and is actively seeking donations for the remaining amount.

Since 2012, when the nonprofit opened, members knew the growing interest in the community center would create a need for a larger space. BARN allows a variety of artisans from different disciplines to come together in a common place to work on skills, projects and community service.

“Every class I take at the BARN and every meeting I attend add to my repertoire of skills,” said Donna Lee Dowdney, a local fiber artist.  “BARN is turning out to be a vibrant, enthusiastic, nurturing community of people working together on creative projects.”

Carolyn Goodwin of BARN said the Rolling Bay location has allowed board members to get a feel for which classes are most popular, and survey which art forms need more space and equipment.

“This is just a wonderful place to experiment,” said Goodwin of the current location.

The new location will be on Three Tree Lane, where BARN has purchased two acres off New Brooklyn Road for its permanent artisan center.

Johnpaul Jones, an internationally known Bainbridge architect, and his firm, Jones & Jones, are developing the plans along with PHC Construction.

With around 160 annual memberships, plus drop-in visitors, the current location often uses the same room for multiple activities as there is no dedicated space for each art medium.

Little space has also limited the number of participants per class, such as glass arts and jewelry making.

Going from its 2,000-square-foot home to a larger center may also attract famous artists for talks, board members hope.

“We hope to be a destination artist center,” Martin said. “We will get bigger. We have dreams.”

The new space is expected to have movable walls to accommodate popular classes as well as dedicated spaces for writers, welders, jewelers and others.

“It’s growing out of need here,” Martin explained.

To make a donation, visit www.BainbridgeBarn.org, or mail checks to 221 Winslow Way W., Box 205 Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.

Tours of the current facility are available between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sundays for those interested in learning more about BARN and its offerings.

For more information on donating, call Sallie Maron, BARNraising crew chief, at 206-842-5306.