Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) is a contemporary art museum located in Bainbridge Island, Washington, United States. Opened in 2013, the institution focuses on the art and craft of the Puget Sound region. The museum has established itself as a cultural hub for the area, attracting approximately 150 daily visitors during its initial weeks and continuing to serve as a significant venue for regional artistic expression.

BIMA was established in 2013, with its building designed by Coates Design Architects. The museum opened with an exhibition featuring works by Roger Shimomura, signaling its commitment to contemporary and culturally significant art. In the years following its opening, BIMA has expanded its programming and institutional reach. Sheila Hughes served as executive director as of 2018. In 2023, the museum launched a biennial artistic award program, marking a new phase in its support for artists. Throughout its history, the museum has maintained a focus on regional artists, with exhibitions featuring figures such as Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. and George Tsutakawa.

BIMA's collection and exhibition programming center on contemporary art and craft from the Puget Sound region. A distinctive feature of the museum's holdings is its commitment to artist's books, which the museum highlights as a unique art form worthy of dedicated attention. The institution positions itself as a showcase for regional artistic production, emphasizing handmade and craft-oriented work alongside contemporary art practices. This regional focus distinguishes BIMA within the broader landscape of Pacific Northwest cultural institutions.

The museum's exhibitions have featured significant contemporary artists with connections to the region and beyond. Roger Shimomura, whose work was featured in the museum's opening exhibition, is known for his explorations of Asian American identity and experience. Amos Paul Kennedy Jr., a celebrated letterpress printer whose work addresses themes of race and social justice, has also been exhibited at BIMA. George Tsutakawa, a prominent Pacific Northwest sculptor and painter recognized for his fountain designs and abstract works, has been featured as well. The artist's book collection represents a particular strength, with the museum actively collecting and displaying works in this specialized format.

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art building was designed by Coates Design Architects. The structure was purpose-built for the museum's opening in 2013, representing a significant architectural investment in the island's cultural infrastructure. The building houses multiple gallery spaces that accommodate rotating exhibitions, including the seasonal exhibition cycles that the museum maintains.

BIMA is located on Bainbridge Island in Washington State and operates as a community-supported nonprofit institution. The museum relies on donations and membership support to sustain its operations, offering membership programs that provide enhanced access to its exhibitions and programs. Visitors can access information about current exhibitions and plan visits through the museum's website at biartmuseum.org. The museum hosts special events including the Makers Market, a multi-day event celebrating handmade goods from vendors across the Puget Sound region. Gallery installations rotate on a seasonal basis, with the museum transitioning between exhibition cycles throughout the year.