Works of art are being displayed in windows of empty buildings across downtown Bremerton, designed to reinvigorate vacant storefronts, giving reason for the public to visit the business district while providing exposure to local artisans.
The project – called Creatively Restored – comes as Bremerton moves to become the arts and entertainment hub of the region with development of the Quincy Square and downtown earning the designation as a “creative district” by the Washington State Arts Commission.
Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler said: “It creates optimism. When empty storefront windows are filled with art we show the community and those visiting Bremerton from around the world that we care enough to organize and turn something that might not be a positive into a tremendous benefit.”
The arts endeavor is speared-headed by Lynn Horton, a member of the Bremerton Creative District’s advisory board and executive committee, and former mayor from 1994-2001. She modeled the project after one in Seattle.
Pop-up offerings showcased in barren windows vary. “It can be visual, which is what you see on a wall or public art. It can be performing arts. It can also be literary arts and even culinary arts,” Horton said.
Over two dozen stark windows have been transformed into showcases for those who volunteered their artistic skills. Several displays include conventional artwork, such as paintings. Others, spotlight handcrafted handbags, leatherworks, henna tattoos, vintage typewriters and imaginative announcements of community events like Zine Fest and the Krampus Nacht festival. One window features a framed poem from Tia Hudson, Bremerton’s first poet laureate.
“Creatives” are all connected to Bremerton. “Someone from Kingston or Seattle can’t come and say, ‘Hey, I’m interested in doing a window display.’ This is for Bremerton. As long as they have a connection to Bremerton – they live here, have a business here, have students that go to school here or teach here. There are lots of different ways they can be connected,” Horton said.
Organizers have ensured the city’s young artists are involved as members of Bremerton Youth Arts Hive have contributed. Window displays are located throughout the city’s creative district, which includes the downtown and Manette business districts and the Charleston and Sheridan gateways.
Those interested in displaying works and property owners who want their vacant windows livened up can email bremertoncreativedistrictwa@yahoo.com
