An Island Treasure

 

I took a day trip by myself to one of my happy places last Wednesday - Bainbridge Island. I fed my soul and it felt soooo good!

 

Originally my main reason for the excursion was to have lunch with my friend and color mentor, Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman, who lives on the Island. I've also been wanting to visit the year-old Bainbridge Island Museum of Art since it opened so that was my first stop before lunch, and it was such a treat!

 

This stunning new building greets visitors right when they get off the ferry. It has quickly become a cornerstone of the community. The architecture and landscaping are stunning and inviting. I couldn't wait to get inside!

 

I was greeted by volunteers who informed me that the museum is free thanks to generous benefactors. Wow, what a treat! Then they informed me that they were in between major art exhibits, which at first bummed me out, but I made the most of it. There was still ample art to see and it was also fun to observe the museum director, artists and volunteers installing the art for the exhibit that was opening two days later. 

 

I really enjoyed the varied collection of regional art. From colorful serigraphs by Romson Regarde Bustillo (top photo above and also below) to flora and fauna acrylic panels by Fred Lisaius (below) to sculpture and oil paintings, the museum is beautifully curated.

 

Art has long been the backbone of the Bainbridge community, and many artists have moved there to practice their art. Now they have a lovely place for "a real local focus on artists and their stories that haven't been told yet," according to a video I watched in the museum's auditorium. They said (and I agree) that "Art is as fundamental to us as trees, water, nature. Part of being human is the ability to create." How wonderful that just a ferry ride away from Seattle is this island treasure.  

 

 

 

There is a room tucked away on the second floor dedicated to the art of book bindery.

 

Even the bathroom is art-filled!

I have a thing for bees, so this is one of my favorites by Fred Lisaius.

 

After filling up on art, I had a wonderful lunch with Lee catching up on all things color, art, travel, health, nutrition, family and life. Then I headed north to Suquamish, where Geoff's grandfather lived for many years and his family is selling his final property. I soaked up the view, read a magazine (Coastal Living, in fact, so appropo!) and enjoyed the sound of the waves and the nice sea breeze.

Before boarding the ferry back to Seattle, I stopped for an iced tea at one of my favorite Island hangouts - Pegasus Coffee. This lovely patio made me feel like I had been transported to Europe.

 

I wrote in my new "Wonder" journal and reflected on a lovely day.

 

 

 

How do you feed your soul?