Impact Report 2025

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Creativity

Community

Service

2025 At a Glance

1,586

members

10,730

registrations

6,300

open studio hours

$48k

financial aid awarded

$2.78 million

estimated regional economic impact

20,500+

volunteer hours recorded

111

BARN Bazaar vendors

Dear BARN Community,

2025 was a year that reminded us why BARN matters. When federal workers faced furloughs, BARN waived membership fees to ensure our community remained accessible. When young artists needed platforms, BARN provided space through exhibitions and events. When neighbors sought connection, BARN offered abundant opportunities to gather, learn, and make together.

The energy across our studios was remarkable. With more than 3,176 classes, events, and Open Studio sessions, BARN served as a vital gathering place where creativity met purpose. We welcomed accomplished craftspeople from across North America, expanded our Drawing & Painting program, and deepened partnerships with organizations like the Suquamish Museum, Bainbridge Arts & Crafts, BIMA, and Bloedel Reserve.

“This is BARN at its heart: a place where people discover their own creativity and capacity to contribute.”

Our commitment to youth flourished. Teen Night continued to offer free creative exploration, while summer programs and Youth Maker classes introduced hundreds of young people to hands-on learning experiences. One young artist who learned welding at BARN was even featured in the Youth Art Showcase at Arte Noir in Seattle.

Other BARN artisans were awarded grants from Arts and Humanities Bainbridge, named Community Creatives by Bloedel, and featured in exhibitions at Bainbridge Arts & Crafts, among other recognitions too numerous to mention. But the stories that move me most are about transformation. Students finishing instruments they started years ago. Members building confidence alongside their projects. Volunteers dedicating thousands of hours because they believe in what we’re building together. This is BARN at its heart: a place where people discover their own creativity and capacity to contribute.

As we look ahead, I’m grateful for this community’s resilience, generosity, and commitment to the idea that working together makes us all stronger.

With gratitude,

Grae Drake
Executive Director

Board of Directors

Erin Thomasson, President
Craig Wakefield, Vice President
Grace Harris, Treasurer
Kimber Brown, Secretary
Grae Drake, Executive Director
Ehren Brav
Mel Carson
Sean Eaton
Ian Forbes
Holly Gray
Tom Hogan
Sallie Maron
Warren Pollock
Jeff Williams

Studio Leadership

Culinary Arts
Gina Galasso/Tracy Matsue Loeffelholz

Drawing & Painting
Michael Gunderson/Carla Mackey

Fiber Arts
Sara Bantle/Robyn Weimer

Glass Arts
Cynthia Jacobs/Julie Dougherty

Jewelry & Fine Metals
Karen Olch/Joan Hammond

Media Arts
Brianna Torres/JP Powell

Metal Fabrication
Andy Dupree/David Hays

Print & Book Arts
Jane Kim/Laura Samant

Tech Lab
Alex Marcus

Woodworking
Dave Roe/Morgan Neff

Writers’ Studio
Sallie Maron/Emily Smiley

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Growing Creativity

2025 marked another year of growth and innovation as BARN expanded its programming, strengthened community partnerships, and solidified its role as a regional destination for exceptional craft education.

Our Drawing & Painting program expanded weekly Community Sketching Sessions and added weekly Watercolor Meetups, both popular gathering places for artists.

Women’s participation in Woodworking & Small Boatbuilding Studio courses increased to nearly 50% in introductory classes, a remarkable shift that speaks to a welcoming culture and the intentional inclusivity that is the heart of BARN.

In October, the Glass Arts Studio participated in Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience, the Pacific Northwest’s largest glass art festival. BARN hosted “Reflections of the Pacific Northwest,” an exhibition of glass art by members and local artisans, and welcomed visitors for Demo Day, featuring live glassworking demonstrations and
hands-on activities.

Volunteer printmakers participated in the Wayzgoose Kitsap steamroller printing festival and began featuring rotating monthly exhibitions of the studio artists’ work.

Culinary Arts hosted celebrated chefs, sent six students to Tuscany, and forged a new partnership with Chimicum Grainery for local, sustainable flour.

A partnership between Fiber Arts and the Tech Lab brought Cosplay meetups to life, showcasing the power of combining traditional and digital techniques.

The Writers’ Studio published its first annual collection, featuring a curated selection of creative work by its members. The studio launched regular roundtable discussions, critique groups, book clubs, and other meetups. It added a romance-themed author event in the spring to complement the beloved “It Was a Dark and Stormy Night” event.

Music-making gained momentum at BARN. The SoundWave Scholarship program in partnership with Rambler Arts supported young artists through professional mentorship and studio recording experiences. The Just for Fun Singers continued to bring a joyful noise in their monthly gatherings. A new jam session for instrumentalists and guitar-building students expanded BARN’s music-related offerings.

The Jewelry & Fine Metals Studio expanded its offerings with new stone-setting workshops and metalsmithing techniques.

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Youth at BARN

Youth programming remained vibrant and essential in 2025, with significant expansions.

Teen Nights provided free monthly opportunities for young people, while Summer Youth Programs offered intensive weeks of hands-on learning across multiple studios. New summer youth assistant positions, generously supported by the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, provided young makers with the opportunity to serve while developing their leadership skills.

Fiber artisans introduced local third-grade students to floor looms, tapestry, and rigid heddle weaving during a memorable field trip. Teens and adults gathered in the Culinary Arts Studio to make hearty meals and seasonal treats for Helpline House to share with neighbors in need.

The Teen Council was revived in 2025, giving young people a direct voice in shaping Teen Night programming and youth initiatives.

A significant milestone in 2025 was the transition of our Youth Programs Coordinator position to a full-time role, demonstrating BARN’s deepening commitment to youth and intergenerational learning. This investment ensures consistent, high-quality programming that nurtures young makers and strengthens connections across generations.

The impact of youth programs extends beyond the studio walls. Participants gain confidence, develop skills, and discover their creative capacity — lessons that serve them long after class ends. One young BARN participant exemplified this spirit of service by using skills learned at BARN to create adaptive rowing equipment for people with disabilities, demonstrating how craft knowledge can create accessibility and opportunity for others.

Fundraising Milestones

Night at BARN 2025 was another spectacular celebration of creativity and community. Imaginative decorations and thoughtful details transformed the space, creating an unforgettable evening. The event’s success was made possible by the generosity of our donors and sponsors, whose support sustains BARN’s mission and programs.

This year, we grew our Legacy Makers program, honoring those who have included BARN in their estate plans, and inspired more donors to support BARN through monthly contributions. We are deeply grateful for ongoing grant support from ArtsFund, Bainbridge Community Foundation, the City of Bainbridge Island, Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, and others. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our community, BARN exceeded our 2025 fundraising goals.

Building Community

In 2025, BARN launched Fix-It Fairs in partnership with Kitsap County Solid Waste, Sustainable Bainbridge, and the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island. These free community repair events connect skilled volunteer fixers with residents seeking to repair household items—from clothing and small appliances to lamps, vacuums, and jewelry. Fix-It Fairs embody BARN’s commitment to sustainability by promoting repair over replacement, reducing waste, and preserving essential repair knowledge through neighbor-to-neighbor skill-sharing.

“Everyone I’ve encountered at BARN has been very pleasant, informative, and helpful. Great environment.”

Since 2017, BARN has completed over 100 community service projects, engaged more than 500 volunteers in service activities, and established partnerships with over 50 nonprofit organizations throughout the region. In 2025, BARN began formally tracking community service project requests and completed work, enabling us to measure our impact more effectively.

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Financial Report

BARN’s 2025 finances reflect steady, purposeful growth. We ended 2025 with $2.4 million in revenue and expenses in close balance. Our modest net deficit is due to depreciation. As an organization we are investing intentionally and sustainably in the community.

2025 Income Overview

Fundraising	$ 1,130,578
Classes & Events	$ 787,575
Membership Dues	$ 461,356
Other Income	$ 24,755
Total	$ 2,404,264
Net Income for 2025	($ 51,118)

2025 Expense Overview

Program	$ 1,897,918
Fundraising	$ 287,721
Management	$ 406,047
Total	$ 2,455,382

This financial summary presents BARN’s operating revenue and expenses for January-December 2025, excluding depreciation. Fundraising income includes restricted donations and other sources of income. Programming & services expenses include the costs of goods and services.

Looking Forward

As we move into 2026, BARN continues working toward the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan. The year ahead promises exciting developments, including the launch of Handwork Week in April 2026 — a celebration of traditional crafts and skills that will bring together makers across disciplines.

With planning underway for an expansion into the adjacent Tree Farm, expanded programming across all studios, and deep community support, BARN is positioned to serve as a creative catalyst for our region for generations to come.

“The instructor and fellow students were all just fantastic!”

BARN’s mission is to grow and inspire a creative community through craft, learning, and service. Your involvement helps make that possible, whether you join as a member, share your expertise as an instructor, give back as a volunteer, or support our community through tax-deductible contributions.

Get Involved