BIMA Bash 2023: A PASS10NATE AFFAIR – Friday, June 9th and Saturday, June 10th

Margaret Millmore | Posted on May 26, 2023 |

Come celebrate the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art’s 10^th Anniversary at BIMA Bash 2023!

A PASS10NATE AFFAIR

In June of 2013, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art proudly opened its doors for the first time, inviting islanders and visitors alike to discover the contemporary arts and crafts of the Puget Sound Region and this year marks their 10^th Anniversary!

To celebrate BIMA is combining their annual two-day BIMA Bash and “official” 10^th Anniversary* party with an “Artful Party and Silent Auction” on Friday, June 9^th and their “Gala and Silent and Live Auctions” on Saturday, June 10^th.

Tickets are still available for both nights – prices are $100 for Friday and $500 for Saturday – click here for details and purchase.

Welcome to BIMA on this dual happy occasion — the return of the beloved BIMA Bash! and the official tenth anniversary celebration of this small but mighty museum. No one could have anticipated that when we closed the museum’s doors to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 that it would be three full years before we’d be able to celebrate like this again. It’s difficult to put into words just how much gratitude we feel to be here… strong and vibrant, overflowing with arts, education, and cultural energy, and back with the community that we cherish so deeply.

Yes, the Bash! is one of the best parties of the year, but like all things BIMA, it’s much, much more… because it is built with love. Each piece of art in the auction was generously donated by one of 200 artists, makers and collectors who hold a piece of BIMA in their heart. Every aspect of the event, from hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind experiences to the flowers, bountiful culinary and beverage offerings was sourced from local purveyors who care deeply about art and community. All these details were wrangled into order by a group of passionate art-party organizers who’ve waited three years to bring this event to life again. And if you are reading this, we already know that you’re an arts advocate, champion, and supporter who wants to keep places like BIMA vibrant, impactful, and free to all.

So before the party begins, let’s share a moment of appreciation for the real gifts this event represents. We’ll stand in a beautiful, light-filled space packed with friends, neighbors, artists, and appreciators. We’ll be surrounded by sparkling conversation, music, and exquisite pieces of art, glass, jewelry, and sculpture – each one a creative expression by an individual artist. We’ll feel the energy of common purpose – people who all want to build a more joyful, just, and creative world, who share a mission to create a safe and wonderful place where art can help bring out the best in us.

Thank you for all your support of BIMA, now more than ever. (Sheila Hughes, Executive Director of BIMA)

THE ARTFUL PARTY and SILENT AUCTION! Friday, June 9^th

Party the night away roving through the galleries and viewing over 150 incredible Silent Auction items, which include paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics and more! Relish the opportunity to take home one-of-a-kind works by renowned and emerging artists. Sway to DJ Sidecar’s musical selections, while sipping a signature cocktail from one of the two bars (located on each level). Enjoy strolling performers and beguiling bites as you flirt with the possibilities of the Wall of Wonder (WOW) – these fabulous prizes include spa packages, shopping sprees, fine dining, art classes, and even tickets to some of your favorite museums and cultural destinations – and every purchase is a winner!

6:00 – Doors Open, Bidding Begins
7:15 – Silent Auction Section 1 Closes
7:50 – Silent Auction Section 2 Closes
8:20 – Silent Auction Section 3 Closes
9:00 – Event Concludes
Entertainment – DJ Sidecar, Dozfy Live Art, Maison de V Strolling Performers, and The Lighting Booth
Masters Of Ceremonies – John Kenyon Ellis & Ann Wilkinson Ellis
Catering & Bar – Fig & Spice Catering and Kitsap Bartending Services

Click here to see the full catalogue

GALA and SILENT and LIVE AUCTIONS! Saturday, June 10^th

Exquisite passed appetizers kick off a decadent four-course dinner by Shooby Doo. Guests will be delighted with creative cocktails, fine wine and live music while perusing the possibilities showcased in the Silent Auction. The Live Auction features outstanding fine art, unique art experiences, and highly sought-after travel and culinary adventures. Count on cake and champagne and special guests for BIMA’s milestone birthday! Cheers to an artful decade of impact!

6:00 – Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
Ribbon Cutting | Trudi Inslee & Cynthia Sears
Tauck River Cruise Ticket Sales
Entertainment By Ambiance Jazz Quartet
7:15 – Silent Auction Closes
10th Anniversary Cake Cutting – Joe Wilcynski, President, Bima Board of Directors –Lovelace Gallery
7:30 – Dinner Seating – Feferman Gallery
7:40 – Land Acknowledgement – Chasity Malatesta, Vice President, Bima Board of Directors
7:45 – Program Begins
Introductions – Jeff Randall, Auctioneer and John Kenyon Ellis, Master of Ceremonies
Welcome – Sheila Hughes, BIMA Executive Director and Greg Robinson, BIMA Chief Curator
Dinner Service
Live Auction Part I
Guest Speaker – Michael Greer, President & Ceo, Artsfund
Video & Raise The Paddle
Live Auction Part II
Tauck River Cruise Raffle Drawing
9:00 – Thank You – Kathy Nibarger, Bash! Event Co-Chair and Liz Walters, Bash! Event Committee

BECOME A SPONSOR – Generous sponsors help bring events like the BIMA Bash! to life. With plenty of sponsorship levels to choose from, your contribution goes directly to supporting. Click here to learn more.