Five Ways BARN Makers Gave Back in 2023
Each year, BARN makers give back to the community through dozens of projects. Whether it’s a new project like rebuilding the footbridge at the public library, or an ongoing project like knitting cozy hats and mittens to keep others warm in winter, you can’t go far on Bainbridge Island or surrounding areas without encountering some form of their good work. They also donate time and expertise to make our communities stronger, like mentoring high school robotics teams.
While each service project is a gift to the community, some are more visible than others. Here are five ways BARN makers gave back in 2023 that you might have missed.
1. They Tickled Taste Buds: Just last week, the Kitchen Arts Studio hosted a group of local scouts for a cookie baking party and exchange (see photo above). It was just one of many times studio volunteers have shared their expertise and fully equipped commercial kitchen with community groups.
2. They Reclaimed Treasures: Jewelry & Fine Metals Studio volunteers collected two large apple crates full of jewelry this year for repair, restoration, and resale or donation to support the Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project, which they’ve steadfastly supported for many years.
3. They Honored Loved Ones: Tech Lab volunteers created a laser-cut sign for the Odyssey Multiage Program on behalf of the Troy & Baden Biddle Foundation. It was one of several commemorative projects artisans carried out in 2023.
4. They Added Intrigue: BARN Fiber Arts artisans created and donated more than three dozen intricately embroidered masks to support Fishline’s gala and fundraiser, helping the North Kitsap food and resource center support our neighbors in need.
5. They Reached for the Stars: BARN Metal Fabrication volunteers crafted a custom shutter assembly to protect the Ritchie Telescope for the Battle Point Astronomical Association, helping preserve this local gem and protect it from the elements.
Through these and many other projects, the impact of BARN makers extends far beyond the studios. Thanks to all who contributed this year to enhance our surroundings and uplift neighbors in need.
BARN Closed Monday, Dec. 25
New on BARN’s YouTube channel: go inside the BARN Foundry Program. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more inside looks at BARN activities!
featured classes
Laser 102: LightBurn for the Laser Cutter
Sat, Dec. 23, 9 AM – 12 PM
Learn the basic features of this essential engraving and cutting software that controls both our newer laser machines.
Register >
Patternmaking for Casting in the Foundry
Wed, Jan 3 & 10, 6:30-8 PM
Create a pattern you can cast into metal and begin your casting journey!
ROCK ON! A Mosaic to Remember
Sun, Jan. 7, 2:30-5 PM
Make your own garden or memorial art with mosaics.
Taco Tuesday: Uplevel the Family Fiesta
Mondays, Jan. 8-29, 2:30-5 PM
Young chefs ages 10 and up can learn how to create an incredible taco bar from scratch.
Register >
more classes and events
Kitchen Arts Open Studio: Holiday Baking
KITCHEN – Sunday, December 17 OR Tuesday, December 19
Lay Out and Cut Numbers with the CNC Plasma Cutter
METAL – Sunday, December 17
Techniques in Soft Glass Torchwork – Raking
GLASS – Sunday, December 17
‘What’s for Dinner’ Exhibit: Free Demo
COMMONS – Tuesday, December 19
Try It! Solstice Gemstone Bracelets
JEWELRY – Thursday, December 21
Metal Casting in the Foundry
METAL – Thursday, December 21
Metal Fabrication: Tidy Friday
METAL – Friday, December 22
Finishing a Metal Casting
METAL – Thursday, December 28
Woodworking Basics: Sanding and Abrasives
WOOD – Wednesday, January 3
Woodworking Basics: Measurement and Math
WOOD – Wednesday, January 3
Independent Casting
JEWELRY – 2 meetings, Saturday, January 6 and Sunday, January 7
Independent Sand Casting
JEWELRY – 2 meetings, Saturday, January 6 and Sunday, January 7
Kiln Carving with Fused Glass
GLASS – 2 meetings, Sunday, January 7 and Tuesday, January 9
Woodshop Tool Safety Checkout 2
WOOD – Monday, January 8
Youth Maker Mondays: Make a Pizza Peel
WOOD – 3 meetings, Mondays, January 8, January 22, and January 29
Youth Maker Mondays: Weld a Metal Pet
METAL – 3 meetings, Mondays, January 8, January 22, and January 29
Working with Live-Edge Slabs
WOOD – 4 meetings, beginning Monday, January 8
Introduction to MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welding #1
METAL – Monday, January 8
Introduction to Glass Mosaic Jewelry: Pendants
JEWELRY – Tuesday, January 9
CNC 101: Make a Sign
TECH – 2 meetings, Tuesday, January 9 and Thursday, January 11
Youth Filmmaking Workshop (Ages 12-15)
MEDIA – 6 meetings, Wednesdays, beginning January 10
Writing in Three Layers
WRITERS – Thursday, January 11
Metal Fabrication: Tidy Friday
METAL – Friday, January 12
Sharpening Your Own Chisels and Plane Blades
WOOD – Friday, January 12
Self-Edit Your Memoir with Beth Jusino
WRITERS – 6 meetings, beginning Saturday, January 13
Introduction to 3D Printing
TECH – Saturday, January 13
Introduction to Lapidary: Cutting and Carving Stones
JEWELRY – 2 meetings, Saturday, January 13 and Sunday, January 14
Self-Edit Your Novel with Beth Jusino
WRITERS – 6 meetings, beginning Saturday, January 13
Introduction to Boro Pendants: Hearts
GLASS – Saturday, January 13
