Waypoint calls for beach glass donations

The Waypoint park is steadily on its way to completion. But islanders are still being sought to pitch in and help.

By Richard D. Oxley • November 4, 2012 12:43 pm
Beach glass weathered on the salt water shores of Bainbridge is commonly collected by beach combers. The Mesolini Glass Studio is asking islanders to donate found beach glass.
Beach glass weathered on the salt water shores of Bainbridge is commonly collected by beach combers. The Mesolini Glass Studio is asking islanders to donate found beach glass.

The Waypoint park is steadily on its way to completion. But islanders are still being sought to pitch in and help.

Thirty sponsored tiles will be up for grabs at $1,000 a pop after Nov. 1. They will be placed on the plaza of the park to form a 14-foot diameter mosaic within its walkway.

In the meantime, the Waypoint’s fundraising committee is reaching out to the island and asking for beach glass donations to incorporate into the tiles in the park.

“It’s a great way that the community can be involved,” said Diane Bonciolini, a glass artist with the Mesolini Glass Studio that will be crafting the tiles.

“And we need their help,” she added.

Mesonlini Glass Studio was also behind the quilt design incorporated into the sidewalk on the corner of Winslow Way and Madison Avenue.

Bonciolini said that the tiles that they will design for The Waypoint will match the quilt. The idea is to create an artistic symmetry between the gateway to the island and to the other end of Winslow Way.

“We love the idea that it’s a pathway that will lead visitors into the downtown core of Bainbridge,” she said.

The sponsored tiles will be 2-inches thick and constructed of concrete with beach glass accents embedded into the tiles, similar to the quilt presentation.

In the sponsorship form that will be available to the community, islanders will have the opportunity to request Bainbridge themes for the tiles such as deer, the Point White Dock, sailing and more.

The Mesonlini Glass Studio is leading the beach glass collection effort. The studio will also be crafting and installing each tile.

Beach glass donations can be dropped off at the Mesonlini Glass Studio at 12391 Madison Avenue NE, or at the chamber of commerce at 395 Winslow Way.

The steering committee for the park needs to raise $30,000 for the tile portion of the Waypoint. The sponsored tiles are expected to be installed in the spring.

To inquire about tile sponsorship, email Shannon Evans at pshannon.evans@gmail.com.

To simply make a donation to the Waypoint effort, mail a check payable to the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, “The Waypoint Project,” PO BOX 11286, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.