Bainbridge Arts and Crafts has announced that former members of the board and staff have come together to give the 76-year-old nonprofit art gallery in Winslow a chance at a new life.

“We couldn’t just stand by and let BAC die. It means a lot to us and to so many members of the community. They’ve filled their homes with BAC Art, they’ve taken classes, their kids discovered the artist in themselves by participating in our annual student exhibitions,” said Ellin Spenser, former and also new president.

“We’ve undertaken this challenge with a lot of history and experience but artists, contributors, volunteers and shoppers are what we really need to get BAC back on its feet. If we succeed, it will be because of this terrific community. And we believe it can be done!”

Spenser, Susanne Lindsley (former treasurer), Susan Jackson, Janice Shaw and Kathleen Thorne (former staff members) are being joined by new board members Scott Allen and Elaine vonRosensteil.

Lindsley, Shaw and Thorne are new officers. Jackson is the interim executive director. Jackson retired from BAC in 2015 after 13 successful years in that post. At that time the organization was financially solvent with a substantial endowment, and it offered a variety of public programs including classes, exhibitions (not only in the gallery, but also in medical facilities and offices) as well as an active art-rental program and scholarships.

BAC is located at 151 Winslow Way E and is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will host a festive First Friday from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 6.