Recently I went down a research rabbit hole learning about the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA), and I wanted to share what I discovered, especially because they exhibit a lot of artist books!
About the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
BIMA opened in 2013 on Bainbridge Island, Washington (just a ferry ride from Seattle). The museum grew out of a long-held community vision to create a dedicated space for contemporary art in the region. From the start, BIMA has focused on showcasing contemporary art and craft connected to the Puget Sound region, including the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. I always appreciate when an institution has a strong sense of place.
BIMA’s mission is to inspire curiosity, wonder, and understanding by connecting people with contemporary art and craft. That word craft is important. The museum actively embraces material-based practices, such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, fiber, glass, photography, and more — placing process and making at the center of the conversation. Yay!
They present rotating exhibitions throughout the year, featuring both established and emerging artists. And notably: admission to the museum is free!
The Cynthia Sears Artists’ Books Collection
The part that especially caught my attention is BIMA’s Cynthia Sears Artists’ Books Collection. This is not a small side collection tucked into a corner. It is a significant and growing international collection dedicated entirely to artist books! The collection includes thousands of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition artist books from around the world.
These works challenge our assumptions about what a book is supposed to be. Some unfold into unexpected shapes. Some require interaction. Some conceal imagery or text. Some blur the boundaries between printmaking, sculpture, design, writing, and craft. In other words, the book becomes an armature for ideas.
BIMA even has a dedicated gallery space for exhibiting artists’ books and rotates selections from the collection several times a year.
That tells you something important: artist books are central to the museum’s identity.
Look Inside the Artist Books
Because artists’ books can be difficult to fully experience behind glass, BIMA has also created an online video series called Artists’ Books Unshelved, where individual books are handled and explored page by page. Being able to see the movement, structure, and sequencing makes all the difference.
I’ve embedded a few videos below so you can get a sense of the range and inventiveness within the collection.
Even through a screen, you can see how thoughtfully these works engage structure, material, and story. (There are lots of photos on instagram too.)
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is now on my bucket list for a museum I have to visit!!
Would You Like to Make Artist Books?
If all of this has you thinking differently about what a book can be, I’d love to invite you to join me for March of Artist Books.
It’s a month-long creative deep dive where we explore structure, storytelling, experimentation, and the endless possibilities of the book form. Whether you’re brand new to artist books or already completely obsessed, there’s something in class for you! You can learn more and sign up here: https://www.juliebalzer.com/march-of-artist-books.
I hope you’ll come make books with us!
Thanks for stopping by!
