After ten years of service to Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) as Executive Director, Sheila Hughes has announced her departure effective June 20, 2026, marking ten years of deeply committed and transformative leadership.
Thank you for 10 amazing years, Sheila!
Since joining BIMA in 2016, Hughes has led the museum to new levels of sustainability, visibility, and service through thoughtful artistic and programmatic growth. Her devotion to the mission fueled BIMA’s commitments to diversity, community engagement, and the cultivation of meaningful partnerships, while helping place the museum on the national stage. Community partner and leader Akuyea Karen Vargas remarked that Sheila “… moved art to a whole new level. She broke down barriers and built a whole new community where we can come together, across diverse cultures, to celebrate the heart of unity through the arts.”
She also elevated the Cynthia Sears Artists’ Books Collection, supporting its recognition as an internationally significant resource and anchoring BIMA’s leadership in the field of artists’ books.
“Of particular strategic importance is her role securing the promised gift of the Cynthia Sears Artists’ Books Collection and its related programs—an organization-changing development for BIMA, which is unique among museums across our country,” Chief Curator Greg Robinson emphasized. “As BIMA continues the years-long effort to build an Endowment Fund to help offset operational costs, we have Sheila Hughes to thank for crafting so many critical building blocks for BIMA’s future success.”
Throughout her tenure, Hughes brought a genuine sense of wonder and joy to the museum. Her decades of arts and spectacle experience, including executive positions at One Reel, Bumbershoot, Teatro ZinZanni, WOMAD, Summer Nights at the Pier, Gage Academy of Art, and Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, helped shape an artistically adventurous and public-centered philosophy at BIMA. Under her direction, BIMA built and produced one of the richest arrays of community and cultural events in the Puget Sound region. She spearheaded the BRAVA Awards, putting unrestricted gifts of $15,000 each in the hands of four working artists each year, launched the one-of-a-kind DogEar Festival in celebration of artists’ books, and was instrumental in creating the Within/Earshot Jazz Festival at BIMA. These initiatives cross-pollinated new audiences while keeping artists and their work at the center of every decision. She also remained a steadfast champion of accessibility, working to ensure that museum admissions remain free, as it has since the museum opened more than twelve years ago.
Reflecting on her time at BIMA, Hughes shared her gratitude for the community and people who made the work possible:
“What a gift it’s been to be trusted with this exceptional organization – and to discover the constellation of artists, activists, supporters, staff, volunteers, and community groups who want to shape and immerse themselves in this vibrant, lively, warm, and wonderful incubator of art and ideas. The work has been so deeply collaborative and imaginative – and cultivated hope even in these dark and challenging times. I once called BIMA a gateway drug to joy – it really is that powerful and transformative – and I can’t think of anything this world might need more right now.”
Equally defining was Hughes’ care for people and culture. She built an exemplary, diverse staff, closely partnered with BIMA’s Board of Directors, hired team members who shared BIMA’s values, and fostered authentic relationships with artists and partners across the Puget Sound region. “She represents the best interests and objectives of the museum, and manages to inspire those who work with her to do their very best as well, and make their own deep commitment to BIMA’s well-being,” said museum founder Cynthia Sears.
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, Sheila worked tirelessly to keep her entire staff of 40 employed, scrambled to fundraise even with the doors closed, and emerged with an organization that was stronger in the implementation of its mission, vision, and values. Known for empowering her team with autonomy and confidence, Sheila worked to create a workplace where ideas are valued and innovation is encouraged. Working with the Board of Directors, Hughes helped establish best practices in operations, management, and fundraising, while also leading quieter but equally critical efforts, including expanding the BIMA campus with off-site office and storage facilities, launching an endowment campaign, and consistently delivering a balanced budget.
Suzanna Darcy, President of BIMA’s Board of Directors, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Hughes’ leadership and the foundation she leaves behind, saying, “Sheila Hughes is the whole package and a Board Chair’s dream. Sheila is smart, insightful, inspiring, creative, and financially astute – a unique combination of skills and heart. BIMA’s Board of Directors so appreciates what she has brought to the museum as Executive Director – and as a person – and we wish her as exciting a new chapter as the one she is finishing.”
Hughes will remain in her role through June 20, 2026, supporting a thoughtful transition to a new Executive. Additional information about the search and transition process will be shared in the coming weeks.
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art extends its deepest thanks to Sheila Hughes for her extraordinary contributions, lasting impact, and unwavering belief in the power of art and the power it has to build and connect community.
Cynthia Sears, Museum Founder
“When I first dreamed of an art museum on Bainbridge Island, I fantasized that we might find an executive director who would guide it with dedication, grace, and clarity of vision. Sheila is that dream come true. She represents the best interests and objectives of the museum, and manages to inspire those who work with her to do their very best as well, and make their own deep commitment to BIMA’s well-being. She is also a wonderful friend and makes the best pies in the world.”
Dana Quitslund, current Board of Directors:
“Sheila has been the ideal Executive Director, in part because she’s remarkably skilled in so many areas–she manages people, finances, and a very ambitious set of programs so well. She led our way through the pandemic years, making pivot after pivot and keeping BIMA on a financially sustainable path. Years before joining the board, I was drawn to BIMA because it felt alive and had such high standards; these were part of the culture Sheila inspired in her team. Still, what I love most about her tenure here is her moral leadership: she inspires the board, staff, and BIMA’s many supporters to hold up art and artists in all their diversity, to welcome all to our museum, and to build close relationships with people and organizations in the region we serve. She inspires us to think of the future and the critically important connections we share.”
Ralph Siegel, past Board President & current Board of Directors:
“I have served on the boards of more than a dozen not- for-profit organizations ranging from arts organizations to social services providers and to civic enterprises… And never have I had the privilege of working with any Executive Director who brings such a broad range of skills and talents to bear. Not only did she deliver on our mission of bringing the contemporary art and craft of the Pacific Sound region to the visitors to our museum, but she also excelled in budgeting, operational oversight, strategic planning, and in building a cohesive team of talented people. She was a visionary in establishing BIMA as a community treasure and guided us all through the uncharted waters of managing and growing during a global pandemic. She treated every challenge as an opportunity, and BIMA emerged from each challenge stronger and more effective. She understood and responded to the needs of all of our stakeholders, enhancing our relationships and building important partnerships. Thank you, Sheila, for giving so much of yourself during your time with us. You will be missed.”
Korum Bischoff, BIMA Deputy Director:
“Sheila’s leadership and reputation in the Puget Sound region have shaped multiple generations of arts leaders—mine included. From Bumbershoot to Summer Nights at the Pier, Teatro ZinZanni to the Goodwill Arts Festival, some of the biggest arts events ever to happen in the Pacific Northwest happened because of Sheila, and somehow BIMA was lucky enough to be her home for the last ten years. Anyone who has worked on a project with her knows to buckle up, because she’ll push you beyond your own imagination with her passion, energy, and dedication. She challenges those around her to be better versions of themselves, both professionally and personally. Whether it’s a handmade card with a note tucked inside or a warm apple pie to start a meeting after a hard week, you always know that as much as she cares about the project, she cares even more about the people.”
David Lewis, past Board President & current Board of Directors:
“Sheila is my mentor, my guide, an educator, a source of great pride and joy, all with a good sense of humor. Her passionate commitment to BIMA, its staff, the museum’s donors, members, and visitors, runs deep, beyond the walls of BIMA, inspiring me every day to recognize this remarkable community we call home.”
Liz Walters, past Board President:
“Sheila’s arrival as Executive Director was transformative in the early years of BIMA. Her ability to envision and communicate new opportunities, her commitment to art and justice, and her unflagging habit of rolling up her sleeves to get the really important stuff done, shaped the deep love and respect that BIMA enjoys today.”
Joe Wilcynski, past Board President:
“In my opinion, hiring Sheila as the Executive Director changed the trajectory of the museum. She brought the heart of an artist and the mind of an accountant to the organization. I so loved working with her.”
Mark Levine, past Board President & current Board of Directors:
“I once read that ‘we are all drops of water on the sea of life… but some of them do sparkle,’ and Sheila really does SPARKLE!”
The Book Club of Washington honors BIMA founder Cynthia Sears
BIMA was beaming on Sunday, September 21, 2025, as The Book Club of Washington honored our founder, Cynthia Sears, with the 2025 Emory Award for her outstanding work championing artists’ books and the literary arts.
Cynthia’s vision and leadership have shaped BIMA into a vibrant hub for artistic exploration, fostering community engagement, and celebrating creativity throughout the Pacific Northwest. From The Book Club of Washington, “Cynthia Sears is a tireless advocate for the book arts and a national figure whose impact continues to shape the field. Her vision, generosity, and leadership have elevated the cultural landscape of Washington State.”
Letter to Community – Cancelation of rental, “One Family in Gaza”
June 6, 2025
Dear BIMA Community, Family, and Friends,
Last week, I made the painstaking but ultimately hurtful decision to cancel a rental production of “One Family in Gaza” in BIMA’s auditorium. That decision has created a deep rift in our community and serves as a sobering challenge to us as an organization that works to exist of, by, and for community.
The Board of Directors and leadership team join me in a unanimous acknowledgement of the damage that can be done when the care with which the values we are entrusted to nurture falls short, however unintentionally. For this, I offer a deep and unreserved apology.
For 12 years, BIMA has served as a space where voices and stories, especially those that are complex or difficult, are amplified through the work, diversity, and breadth of artists. In canceling the production with so little time for the play presenters to respond, BIMA fell short of our goals as an organization and of our agreements with cultural partners, fracturing the trust that we have worked so hard to earn. While my intention in that moment was to prevent potential harm, I recognize that the decision had an immediate and deeply adverse effect on KPSC and every member of the community. This experience presents a humbling opportunity for us to revisit our responsibilities – from basic policies and communication to the very values upon which the museum was built.
We have reached out to Kitsap Palestine Solidarity Coalition, who have already been thoughtful and generous in their dialogue with us, to begin a process of deep listening and healing through facilitated discussion. The grace with which they, and so many others, have chosen to navigate this is deeply appreciated. The responses from across the Island and beyond have been received, and each letter will be considered with respect in our decision-making as we move forward, paying special attention to suggestions that better advance mutual understanding and increase our cultural sensitivity.
BIMA will be reviewing our policies and processes, and we hope to better uphold our values and commitments so that the heartbreaking and divisive impact of this instance is never repeated. BIMA accepts the responsibility to learn from this moment of deficiency and disappointment, to rise to the high bar we have always attempted to set, and to repair trust where broken, one relationship at a time.
Thank you to all those who have held us accountable and challenged us to be the museum that truly works in service of our whole community. We are committed to restoration, redemption, and healing, standing shoulder to shoulder with the artists who give life to our mission and with each of you
In solemnity,
Sheila Hughes, Executive Director
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Board of Directors
Thank You for a Great 2024!
A special end of year message from Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Executive Director Sheila Hughes. 2024 was an incredible year at BIMA, and we could not have done it without the support of our wonderful community. Thank you all, and happy holidays!
June 2024 Special Hours
Due to our exhibition changeovers and BIMA Bash fundraiser, museum hours and galleries will be affected over the coming weeks, beginning Monday, June 3.
Galleries:
June 3-5 – Limited gallery access
June 6-11 – No gallery access
June 12 & 13 – Limited gallery access
BIMA Bistro:
June 3-6 – Open
June 7 & 8 – Closed
June 9 & after – Open
Museum Store:
June 3-6 – Open with expanded pop-up show
June 7 & 8 – Closing at 2pm
June 9 & after – Open
CALL TO VISUAL ARTISTS, POETS & VIDEOGRAPHERS – LGBTQ+ PRIDE EXHIBITION
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) invites visual artists and poets to submit works for consideration for the LGBTQ+ PRIDE EXHIBITION, June 14 – 30, 2024.
BIMA’s exhibition will contain visual artworks (including silent videos or photo loops up to 10 minutes in length) and poetry that reflect the lives, experiences, and visions of LGBTQ+ persons, their families and allies. We invite LGBTQ+ artists, families, allies, and supporting organizations to submit finished works, or ideas to complete, as follows:
Types of works accepted: Visual artworks in all media, including silent videos and collaborative/group projects, and poetry.
Submissions may be made from April 10th until June 1. Submit/Inquire via email to Greg Robinson, Chief Curator: greg@biartmuseum.org. Submission is free. The Art Task Force will review all submissions to fit with the goals of this pop-up exhibition, and the feasibility of display. BIMA will reply no later than June 7.
Deadline for inquiry of ideas and/or submission of works: June 1, 2024.
Delivery Dates: Work must be completed and delivered by June 12, 2024, to BIMA. 550 Winslow Way E., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. We are able to accept works from June 1 through June 12, seven days per week, except June 7 &; 8 (the dates of BIMA Bash – our largest annual fundraiser).
Artist/Organization Contracts: Accepted works will require completion of a simple contract with BIMA. Youth ages 17 and younger will require a signature from a parent or guardian, if they are
submitting on their own, outside of an organizational project. BIMA will distribute those upon acceptance of artworks.
submitting on their own, outside of an organizational project. BIMA will distribute those upon acceptance of artworks.
Inquiries? Please contact one of the following:
– Greg Robinson, Chief Curator and Gay Community member: greg@biartmuseum.org
– Jenna d’Anna, Senior Manager of Museum Education & Community Engagement: jenna@biartmuseum.org
– Nic Schluter, Education Programs Coordinator: nic@biartmuseum.org
– Eve Palay, Rainbow Crew NW and local Trans activist: eve.palay@gmail.com
– Greg Robinson, Chief Curator and Gay Community member: greg@biartmuseum.org
– Jenna d’Anna, Senior Manager of Museum Education & Community Engagement: jenna@biartmuseum.org
– Nic Schluter, Education Programs Coordinator: nic@biartmuseum.org
– Eve Palay, Rainbow Crew NW and local Trans activist: eve.palay@gmail.com
BIMA’s Annual Report to the Community: Celebrating our 10th Anniverary
BIMA’s members, donors, volunteers, artists, and supporters are the reason that this small regional museum has achieved so much in such a short time. We’re extremely proud to share our online 2023 Annual Report to the Community, a year where our regional impact, support to artists, and commitment to community reached an all-time high.
The photos and stories capture extraordinary memories of this ‘Year of Appreciation,’ especially to you, our closest supporters and dearest friends. Enjoy this snapshot of your community investment in action — helping BIMA make waves in ways we never would have imagined ten years ago.
Thank you for your continued friendship, support, and encouragement!
Sheila Hughes
BIMA Executive Director
BIMA to stay open late on Fridays and Saturdays through Labor Day weekend
In response to summer visitor patterns, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) will experiment with extended evening hours this summer. Beginning June 30, 2023 to coincide with the opening of the Museum’s first ever juried exhibition, BIMA Spotlight, the museum will stay open until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The effort builds upon BIMA’s success with extended hours on First Fridays and will continue through September 2nd.
Not only will the galleries be open later, but the BIMA Bistro will be open and serve beer, wine, and snacks while the Museum Store will be open for shopping. This effort was inspired by recent shifts in visitor trends, with day-trippers coming to visit Bainbridge Island later in the day than in previous years.
BIMA hopes that these extended evening hours will serve their local audience as much as tourists. “I’m excited to give this a try,” said Korum Bischoff, BIMA’s Director of Communications & Visitor Experience. “While I’m happy to give our tourists the ability to interact with the art and culture of our region, I’m even more excited to give our local and West Sound audiences different hours in which to visit. It can be hard to escape to the museum during your work day, and, let’s be honest, parking isn’t ideal during the day on summer weekends in Winslow.”
BIMA Bistro x Pegasus!
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and Pegasus Coffee Partner to Create an Exceptional Visitor Experience
The launch of the new coffee bar helps kick off the museum’s 10th Anniversary
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is proud to announce the unveiling of a redesigned BIMA Bistro including a new Pegasus Coffee espresso bar. The launch of the new Bistro will be celebrated with a kick-off reception on Friday, May 5th. The BIMA Bistro is located in the heart of the museum, enveloped in the art of the Puget Sound region, and is known locally as the living room of the community.
In response to frequent visitor requests for espresso at the museum, the remodeled Bistro will now offer a full menu of espresso-based beverage options featuring Pegasus’ top-quality coffee, ethically sourced and roasted weekly on Bainbridge Island. The new coffee bar will complement Chef Stephanie Knutson’s rotating menu of artfully created and seasonally inspired Pacific Northwest cuisine. The Bistro’s updated look pulls from coffeehouse culture, using rich tones to create a cozy feel, and a salon-style wall featuring art from BIMA’s Permanent Art Collection.
“Coffee and art make the perfect pairing,” said Korum Bischoff, BIMA’s Director of Communications & Visitor Experience. “For years now, one of the most frequent questions we get at museum reception is whether the Bistro has espresso. We’re thrilled that the answer will finally be ’YES.’ The redesign of the Bistro space and partnership with Pegasus Coffee will enhance the overall experience for our visitors.”
In celebration of its 10th anniversary this year, Pegasus Coffee has also collaborated with BIMA to create a custom blend of coffee to be served and sold exclusively in the Bistro. The medium-roast blend features high-scoring coffees from Colombia, Sumatra, and Tanzania, and offers tasting notes of orange, spice, and subtle cocoa. The blend can be enjoyed exclusively at BIMA’s Bistro, and bags of whole bean coffee will be available for purchase at the museum’s gift shop and on the Pegasus Coffee website.
“We’re thrilled to partner with BIMA to bring together two Island institutions,” said Pegasus President and co-owner Matt Grady, “and to promote a space that Pegasus has long supported and inhabited – the intersection of great coffee, community, and the arts.”
The collaboration with the BIMA is part of Pegasus Coffee’s efforts to expand its presence on Bainbridge Island. The Coffee Bar at BIMA Bistro provides a convenient location for Island commuters and visitors alike to grab a high-quality cup of coffee just steps from the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal.
The Bistro is now open Wednesday-Monday 10am-4pm and Tuesday 10am-3pm.
BIMA Spotlight Call For Artists Now Open
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art invites Puget Sound area artists to apply for the Museum’s first-ever juried group exhibition BIMA Spotlight. Submissions will be accepted from September 1, 2022, through October 15, 2022, via CaFÉ (CallForEntry.org). The exhibition opens on Friday, June 30, 2023, runs into September 2023 and is a cornerstone of BIMA’s 10th Anniversary celebrations.
BIMA Spotlight will be a vast group exhibition filling the galleries on two floors (except for the Sherry Grover Gallery). In addition, one artist will be selected for BIMA’s Beacon Window Gallery – a two-story, 24-hour display space on the corner of Winslow Way and Highway 305. The Beacon Window Gallery Program includes a stipend for the selected artist (read more here). Artists may apply for both opportunities.
Visual artworks of all media will be considered, with some limitations to the size and other variables, and will include film/video and visual artworks with performance elements.
APPLY HERE
About the Jury Process
Jurors from the Puget Sound Region:
- Eileen Jimenez (Seattle) – Indigenous queer artist, Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at South Seattle College. Elisheba Johnson (Seattle) – artist, poet, curator, and co-founder Wa Na Wari.
- Ed Archie NoiseCat (Bremerton) – artist and instructor.
- June Sekiguchi (Lakewood) – artist and curator
- in addition to BIMA Chief Curator, Greg Robinson, and BIMA Associate Curator, Amy Sawyer.
The BIMA Spotlight Jury will select zero (1) to three (3) works per artist. Artists will be notified of juried selections by November 30, 2022.
EXHIBITION DATES:
Friday, June 30, 2023, runs into September 2023
SUBMISSION PROCESS:
Submission Dates:
September 1-October 15, 2022
Only online submissions are accepted via CaFÉ. Application Fee of $25. The fee is optional and can be waived per need. This information is confidential and not shared with jurors.
ARTWORK MEDIA AND OTHER CRITERIA:
Visual artworks created since January 1, 2018, will be considered. Artists may submit up to six works. One (1) to three (3) works may be selected by the Spotlight Jury.
Artwork may be for sale (retail value not included on gallery labels). BIMA does not take a sales commission on gallery exhibitions and will refer interested parties directly to the artist.
MEDIA FORMAT:
JPG or JPEG – Dimensions: 1200 pixels or greater on the longest side. CaFÉ may readjust your dimensions after entry to fit the limitations. Size: under 5 MB
Film/video will be limited to 30 minutes in length. The Frank Buxton Auditorium will be used on a scheduled basis for film/video loops. For technical help, click on CaFÉ HELP and go to “Uploading: Image, Audio and Video Files.”
BIMA SPOTLIGHT EXHIBITION PHYSICAL PARAMETERS and LOGISTICS:
2-dimensional, wall-mounted artworks should not exceed 72”h x 72”w. 3-dimensional artworks should typically not exceed 72″h x 72″w, but the jury may review other works for the feasibility of installation.
BIMA SPOTLIGHT- BEACON WINDOW GALLERY: PHYSICAL PARAMETERS and LOGISTICS:
Two-story, 24-hour display space on the corner of Winslow Way and Highway 305. Dimensions: 22 feet high x 11 feet wide. The Beacon Window Gallery Program includes a stipend for the selected artist. Applicants for the Beacon Window Gallery can learn more and apply through this link.
Artists may apply for both opportunities.
APPLY HERE
BIMA reserves the right to exclude any artwork deemed too heavy, fragile, vulnerable, valuable, or otherwise not feasible to install or display.
Artists are requested to communicate any questions/inquiries via email: spotlight@biartmuseum.org.
Eligibility:
- Works created since January 1, 2018
- Artists must be 18 years of age or older (as of September 1, 2022)
- Film/video projects are limited to 30 minutes
- Some size limitations will be in effect
- Artist must live and work in the Puget Sound region
- Artists who have had a solo exhibition at BIMA do not qualify
- BIMA staff and board members are not eligible