Imagine walking on the streets of Bainbridge Island on a breezy evening, the smell of coffee and food, the bright signs hung in front of the shops, seeing how a small town comes together to view the beauty of the town’s art. This is what happens on the first Friday of every month, in which Bainbridge has its very own First Friday art walk. The community comes together to view the art the locals have to offer.

On this lovely evening people can enjoy some wine in the comfort of a watercolor art gallery, or they can buy some street tacos and sit and listen to some street performers playing some country music. On Winslow Way E Street, you can walk around and visit the art Museum where artists showcase some of their best art pieces. Catherine A. Michaelis speaks about the greatness of the art walk, “What Art walk does is I think, makes the art really accessible to people, because if you for one thing you are often going to see other things.” Michaelis has her own exhibition in the Art Museum and believes that the art walks are a great way for artists to showcase their art and meet people who show an interest in it and for them to get feedback on their work.

Now, the Art Walk doesn’t just benefit the local art community but also the shop owners of Bainbridge. Shay, who owns a small tea shop, says, “The Art Walk is really cool, it gets people out and walking around Winslow. Definitely prompts more art in the community, which is always a great thing.” These small shops are not only a nice place to shop, but the people working there are always glad to meet new people and always have something to offer for everyone.

Though the Art walk only takes place on the first Friday of every month, the shops and art shows are open to everyone every day. The art community could benefit from the multiple art shows and other people could find an interest in the many shops throughout the town on the cool and breezy night.