Bernice Walsh
Bernice Walsh, tell us about your roll in the creation of First Friday Art Walk in Bremerton.
About 25 years ago, I was down in Portland and attended their first Friday art walk. I so enjoyed walking through the streets and seeing all the galleries open and welcoming people in to view the art. It was all very festive and when I returned to Bremerton I was telling Judy Anderson about how great it was, and she ran with the idea, introduced it at the next Collective Visions Gallery meeting and pushed to make it a reality here in Bremerton. Thanks to Judy, it’s been a true cornerstone of the Bremerton art scene the past 25 years, and along with many Bremertonians, I look forward to it every month!
Bernice, tell us about your art!
I get inspired living in Bremerton not only by the natural beauty that surrounds me, but by all the people that make this cosmopolitan city their home. I meet people that have traveled and worked all over the world and I am constantly impressed by their varied talents and abilities and what they contribute to making this town the vibrant city that it is becoming.
Though I do printmaking, painting has always been my first love and primary medium. When I was a small child in rural Montana, the Metropolitan Museum of Art sent our tiny school reproductions of some of their most famous works. When I saw them, I knew I wanted to be an artist, and after working and raising four kids, I had the opportunity to study painting and has brought me so much joy throughout my life.
After many years of making art, I am still finding inspiration for new work in the ever changing moods and rhythms of nature.
Visitors are welcome at my downtown Bremerton studio by appointment, contact me by phone at 907-727-9867.