The most ingenious innovations may be inspired by the whispers of the wind, the complexity and strength of a spider’s web, the magnetic alignment of a termite mound, or the resilience of a towering gum tree.

—What I learned about Innovation being immersed in Nature — Brian Orloff

Bloedel Reserve: 10 Years of Creative Residencies will be opening at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) on July 4th. Bloedel Reserve and BIMA are co-producing an exhibition of works by some of our past Creative Residents and Community Creatives. Running through September 28th, the exhibit will be both at BIMA and in the Residence at Bloedel Reserve.

The Glen – Wachtler

Launched in 2015, the Creative Residency Program at Bloedel Reserve connects the arts and nature in a stunning location. Ten years ago, the program began with efforts of a small group of dedicated individuals. Their vision centered on the simple premise that artists and innovative thinkers are vital contributors to our collective well-being and that being immersed in nature is instrumental to creativity and problem solving. Ten years later, between 250 to 300 applications are submitted annually for the Creative Residency Program. Ten of those applicants are selected by a panel of independent jurors.

The Creative Residency brings writers, poets, performers, composers, painters, scientists, landscape designers, and more to Bloedel Reserve. They come to the Reserve individually, three weeks at a time, to be immersed in nature and work on their craft. While the participants find inspiration, respite and insight, we are offered opportunities to learn and to see the Reserve, and the world, in new ways.

Since 2015, the program has brought over 100 creative thinkers to Bloedel Reserve, adding richness to the fabric of our community, and contributing significant creative works from a diverse range of participants. Notable works come from the acclaimed investigative journalist and science writer Zoë Schlanger, (The Light Eaters), award winning writer, editor, and poet CMarie Fuhrman (Cascadia Field Guide), internationally acclaimed composers Pete M. Wyer and Andrea Clearfield, and painters Kimberly Trowbridge and ZZ Wei, to name just a few. In many cases, participants are at the beginning of their careers, and the Creative Residency helps them to advance and deepen their work.

Reflection Pool – Len Eisenhood

In October of 2023, twelve past Creative Residents returned for UpLift, a week-long celebration of the creative and inspiring connections between man and nature. Included among the over 30 events in eight days, Scott Kildall placed an installation in the Glen where three trees interactively recited poetry to us using real-time electromagnetic currents from their water content and sap flow. Alison Stigora created a site-specific installation titled Embrace, which still stands in the Bracken Meadow. It was built using Western Red Cedar for the interior wall and bench with a moss wall exterior. Bloedel Reserve staff and the public were able to participate in the Embrace project. Pete M. Wyer installed a musical score, Ritual for the Western Red Cedar, inspired by Embrace, in which people pass through an immersive sound experience, which was installed again for the 2023 Solstice Walk. Behavior Ecologist Peter Marting showed his fascinating macro film, made at the Reserve, of thatching ants going about their business. Over 2,000 people attended events throughout the week and several of the artists brought together during UpLift are joyfully continuing to collaborate with one another and expand upon work that started at the Reserve.

Bloedel Reserve: 10 Years of Creative Residencies at BIMA and in the Residence at Bloedel Reserve celebrates the connections between creativity and nature, affirming the value of deep immersion residencies for Creative Thinkers and their necessary work.

To help sustain this vital Creative Residency Program, click here.

–Written by Amy King, Creative Residency Program Manager