Its all about loyalty. I had no idea the February article I wrote for the Kingston Community News (a sister paper to the Herald) on behalf of the Kingston Art Gallery would be my last. I asked readers to place yourselves on a continuum of how important an art gallery was to you and your community. I said the artists placed themselves at the high end — 8-10, very important. Well, I now know something different. I know the bottom line is the bottom line and commitment to a community does not have the force that the bottom line has. It is all about loyalty.

The artists of KAG were loyal to the community for four and a half years: the 4th of July Parade, North Kitsap Arts and Crafts Festival, the Port Store, more than four years of Second Saturday Gallery Nights (a community party held about 50 times with local music, fabulous food, and drinks, and really fine art) partnering with the Fine Arts Boosters of Kingston High School, and with the Crab Creek Review, the local literary journal, art classes, art support group and the legendary Slug Fest; art classes and art support groups.

Susan Rodgers, owner of Cleo’s Landing was a most generous and supportive landowner and cheer leader. So, the artists of KAG feel they have done their best. But where was the outpouring of loyalty from Kingston residents and business owners? The artists of KAG shop, mail, fix, get professional advice and health care, exercise, drink, see movies, eat, buy gas, bank and build with or in local establishments.

Did you return the loyalty?

This is the reason the artists of KAG are moving to Poulsbo. I cannot go. I feel you took longer than four years to develop your loyalty to local fine art. Too bad. This is a huge loss to the livability of North Kitsap. Kingston needs the gallery. Please do not let such flagship Kingston stores such as the iconic Sacks Feed, the Country Pet Shoppe, or the Firehouse Theater go the way of KAG. We need them. Show them. Be loyal.

Marilyn Liden Bode

Kingston