Tribal Elder Peg Deam
Arts & Recreation Day, held April 14, 2017, was an inspirational day of learning about Kitsap’s art, cultural, and recreational opportunities and what makes Kitsap a great place to live, learn, explore, and play. We began the day at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) and concluded the day at the House of Awakened Culture and Suquamish Museum.
Tour with BIMA Curator Greg Robinson
At this point in the year, teams are starting to wrap up their community service projects. Project Co-Chair Audrey Barbakoff (LK16) led the class through a projects update. Board Member Dr. Dora Summers-Ewing (LK12) continued the conversation, tying in the Positive Leadership capacity of Reason. Dora shared a quote by Ann Crittenden, “Leadership is the marriage of passion and reason in the service of a vision. Reason alone cannot move people, and passion alone is dangerous. Leadership demands both heart and head.”
BIMA Chief Curator Greg Robinson led the class on an engaging tour of the art museum. The tour included Lisa Stirrett’s exhibit, “Beneath the Surface.” The artist was present to introduce her work and very personal approach to her show.
Arts Panel
We wrapped up our morning at BIMA with a meaningful discussion facilitated by Sandi Cross (LK10) reflecting on the arts in Kitsap County. Panelists included Greg Enright (Cultural Arts Foundation NW President), Anna Miller (Bremerton Symphony Executive Director), Lisa Stirrett (Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio), Kristin Tollefson (BIMA Education Director), and Marie Weichman (Olympic College Arts Faculty).
Parks & Recreation Panel
The class headed to the House of Awakened Culture for lunch, and a special presentation by Suquamish Cultural Storytellers. The doors of the Longhouse were swung open to take in the beauty of the location as the perfect backdrop for song and story.
Following lunch, we began the Recreation portion of our challenge day with a presentation by Kitsap County’s Parks and Open Space Senior Planner Steven Starlund. The class learned that our county owns and operates 79 public parks many maintained by volunteer groups. Steven then joined our Recreation Panel with Perry Barrett (Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Parks District Senior Planner), John Kuntz (Olympic Outdoor Centers Owner & Founder), and Mary McCluskey (City of Poulsbo Parks Director). Board Member Shawna Bliss facilitated the discussion of highlights and challenges within Kitsap’s parks and recreation sector.
The class concluded the day at the Suquamish Museum, hosted by Peg Deam (Suquamish Elder) and Gus Purser (Visitor Services Representative). After a fascinating tour of the museum, we had the honor of hearing historic stories from Peg Deam of the Suquamish Tribe in Kitsap County
A special thank you to Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Cultural Arts Foundation Northwest, and the Suquamish Tribe for sponsoring our Arts and Recreation Challenge Day.
Executive Sponsors:
