|
|
|
|
|
The Arts
Grumbling, complaining and sour grapes - NOT!
By Amy Burnett |
 |
| Art does make a difference. Before and after photos of the new murals near Sixth and Park tell the story themselves. |
|
Do you want to hear something good about Bremerton? In the midst of all the grumbling, complaining and sour grapes, it’s a pretty amazing place. It’s probably the most underrated underestimated town in Washington. It’s a town on the edge of overwhelming prosperity.
Its geographical characteristics are unique to the world. Its juicy history can provide subject material for a million novels.
It’s fun to entertain the tourists with the “Give em hell Harry,” story of President Truman’s visit next to my gallery location, or the “Bill Gates’ grandfather’s furniture store that was across the street.”
Wait until Fredi Perry’s book “Bremerton” comes out in February. The place was a Mecca of scandalous delights, bar brawls, shootings, brothels, and hard working people eking out a living.
A few Sundays ago while going through the Tacoma Tribune, a huge full color article stopped me in my tracks. There were these beautiful murals that looked a bit familiar, and sure enough they were the famous 1942 WPA murals on permanent display at the Kitsap County Historical Museum. The two 5x16 foot oil paintings were created by Ernest Norling who was the artist who also painted the Bremerton Post Office mural.
Speaking of murals, as I have previously shared the beginning sagas, the second mural is complete except for a protection yet to be applied. The two huge exterior wall murals have changed the complexion of Bremerton for the better, as crime has been reduced and neighborhood pride restored to sensible levels. But it almost came to a stop.
September 11 made my begging for mural money seem insignificant in light of the horrendous terrorism we witnessed and felt. Then something happened.
Someone I hardly knew said, “My family was devastated by the New York Trade Center disaster. Grieving, we were driving by the 7-11 and saw the mural, and it brought smiles to all our faces.” Then another person said something similar and then another and another.
Art does make a difference. Artists make a difference. Bremerton made a difference, and I’m not ashamed to beg for art money any more.
Bremerton is really pretty amazing with all its treasures. In the lower bowels of the Admiral Theater has been stored one of the most significant puppet collections in the Northwest. Last month it and the Evergreen Children’s Theater moved above ground to the store space next to the Metropolis Gallery. That makes three museums in Downtown Bremerton.
Another interesting gallery has recently opened called Gallery by the Bay. It’s located on Wheaton south of the Hospital and bowling alley. You’ll love the fabulous waterfront deck.
It’s not downtown, but I have to mention the fall over drop dead gorgeous Bremerton Gold Mountain Golf facility. The new club house is not finished, but from what I have seen along with the view, course, and setting, it’s world class award winning!
Art has brought a new and positive identity to Bremerton, but art by itself can’t revive the spunky oddball town. The county seems to realize this, but the powers that be seem reluctant to allow the much needed really big kick in the butt to happen.
But it is inevitable. The dominos are lined up, and one push will start the momentum. Yep, amidst all the grumbling, complaining and sour grapes people may look up someday and wonder where Bremerton went — and then run mighty fast to try and catch up.
|
|
| |
|
| |
