BIMA is now open daily 10am-5pm.

A time to reflect

As the museum reopens more fully this spring, and we again sense the pleasure of being a gathering place with art as the centering experience, we are also called to reflect.

We continue to be profoundly grateful for the generosity of our extended community. Through gifts of time, talent and resources, efforts large and small, deep commitment and hard work, and a thousand strokes of luck, BIMA has been able to reopen when many other arts organizations remain shuttered. We are grateful to be here, conscious of our good fortune, and are working to help other organizations back to their feet—reminded every day that we can pay forward this gratitude by fostering connection, healing, challenge, and inspiration through art.

This moment is also one of profound change, marked by unfathomable and continued examples of racial and social injustice, inequity, and violence across the US. BIMA’s response to this inflection point begins with self-inquiry and a commitment to make visible the values that we hold close. With that, we’re working to do and be better, to cultivate and support safe spaces, and to ensure that all voices are heard, valued, and welcomed.

As we lean into this learning, we turn first to the artists who can lead the way for us all. As a museum, we are both privileged and responsible to be the best spotlight, platform, and petri dish that we can, particularly for contemporary artists of the Puget Sound region. In BIMA’s front Beacon window right now hangs “Song for Generations” a particularly relevant piece of work by artist Michelle Kumata, a comment on the legacy of harm related to the Japanese American incarceration. This work captures the complexities of a shameful and wrenching historical trauma within this community and the country while serving as a poignant reminder that racially motivated violence still exists. At BIMA, we are proud to champion and support voices like hers, voices that help keep these issues present in our minds and hearts as a foundation to mitigating harm.

Thank you for joining us at the museum, for immersing yourself in the pleasures and perspectives of the artists we showcase, for sharing the values we hold, for lending a hand as we put our cultural community back together, and for working together to lean into the work that we have in front of us.

Field Trips & K-12 School Programs

BIMA provides art-based learning opportunities designed to spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and support the creativity of young people in our region.

Programs for learners grades K-12 support State and Common Core Standards and every learning opportunity can be customized to meet the needs of each student, classroom, or school. Guided field trips, self-guided visits, in-classroom artist residencies, workshops for teachers and more all ensure that high quality art education is accessible to our neighbors in Kitsap County and beyond.

Programs to Explore:

Guided Field Trips | Self-Guided Visits | Virtual Visits | Art Explorers |  Learning Resources |  Workshops for Teachers

 

To receive information about BIMA’s field trips and other school programs, subscribe to our educators email list here.

Questions? Email education@biartmuseum.org for more information.

Guided Field Trips

BIMA offers FREE interactive field trip experiences to Puget Sound area learners, grades K-12.

Students viewing work by Margie McDonald on a field trip to BIMA

Guided field trips are not available at this time.

We encourage K-12 teachers to schedule a virtual visit, explore online resources at #BIMAFromHome, and join our educator mailing list for information about upcoming workshops and resources.

Self-Guided Visit

BIMA asks all K-12 groups visiting the museum for a self-guided visit register in advance. Information about parking, space for lunch, available materials and more available upon registration.

Self-guided field trips are not available at this time. We encourage K-12 teachers to schedule a virtual visit, explore online resources at #BIMAFromHome, and join our educator mailing list for information about upcoming workshops and resources.

Virtual Visit

Tuesday & Thursday slots available by pre-registration for K-12 teachers.
Click here to begin scheduling a virtual visit for your class.

Visit the museum with your class from a distance! Designed to cultivate critical thinking, visual literacy, and collaborative discourse, these short, virtual “field trips” will introduce students to the diverse arts and ideas of Puget Sound region contemporary artists and spark interest in further creative exploration.

  • Tuesday & Thursday slots available by pre-registration.
  • How it works:
    • Fill our our form to begin scheduling a virtual visit.
    • Virtual field trips will take place on your school’s approved video conference platform with a BIMA Educator as your guest. Technical test runs may be scheduled in advance of the “field trip” upon request. 
    • A BIMA educator  introduces students to the museum’s focus on contemporary art and craft of the Puget Sound region and facilitates a group conversation around 2-3 age-appropriate works of art from BIMA’s collection.
    • Other related learning resources will be sent to teachers following the field trip.

Art Explorers

These sessions combine art discussion, games, and art activities, as well as opportunities to connect with peers. A fun and interactive way to build creative skills, students will walk away feeling more empowered to understand our visual world.

Jan 8-Feb 26
K-2nd Graders: Fridays at 11am-12pm
3rd-5th Graders: Fridays at 1:30-2:30pm

  • Parents & caregivers can sign up their students for a virtual “field trip” with other learners in their age group from across the Puget Sound region.
  • How it works:
    • Sign up for a spot in our virtual classroom as we look closely together to learn about art made by local artists!
    • Friday sessions are a great way for Elementary students to practice sharing their ideas, getting creative and respectfully listening to others in a virtual space. A fun and interactive way to build visual and media literacy skills, students will walk away feeling more empowered to understand our visual world. 
    • Parents and caregivers are invited to join us as listeners while their students learn, or enjoy some time away from the screen while their student is engaged in synchronous learning. 
    • Each student will receive a follow-up email with additional learning resources from BIMA

Learning Resources

Art in Action #BIMAfromHome
Premieres on Facebook and YouTube at 10am, Fridays

Join us online every Friday at 10am for Art in Action! Each episode of Art in Action #BIMAFromHome introduces art concepts, materials, and techniques to learners of all ages. Using basic art materials or resources often found at home, these videos will guide you through new ways of talking, thinking, and making. Our growing library is archived here, offering easy access for your next creative journey!

Workshops for Teachers

BIMA supports the continued learning and professional development to teachers from all grade levels and disciplines by offering workshops throughout the year. BIMA is a Washington State clock hour provider, and our annual Professional Development workshop for teachers is free of charge. Additionally, clock hours may be available for select hands-on art-making workshops throughout the year. Contact education@biartmuseum.org to learn more.