Artistic expression comes in many packages, and you could put one under someone’s tree this year.

The Amy Burnett Gallery in downtown Bremerton is part of the city’s designated official arts district, Burnett indicates. With over half a dozen galleries and three museums, complete with gift shops, the arts district is a great place to find gifts for others, for the home or for the office.

According to the artist, investing in original art in your community can be a really great buy. It’s a good future monetary investment, both in terms of the product, and the investment in the local community.

Burnett says some nationally advertised artists’ prints are priced expensively and the number of prints is “limited” to some 50,000.

Local original art is affordable, in the $100 to $5,000 range, she says.
Burnett has recently introduced her own new series called Narrow Passages at her gallery. The vertical landscapes are selling well, and are easy to hang, as they take up little wall space.

She encourages folks to shop downtown for works of art, dining in one of the unique restaurants available in the area.

The Bremerton Symphony has some holiday musicals to take friends to hear, but decide soon, because with the excitement being generated by new conductor Elizabeth Stoyanovich, symphony tickets are selling out quickly.

At 3 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 14, Home for the Holidays will be presented at Bremerton High School. The program, with both orchestra and choral music, includes treats from Christmas carols to selections from The Messiah and the Nutcracker Suite, to a nod to Santa, and then some. The usual ticket price of $18 per adult applies.

The Bremerton Symphony will present Handel’s Messiah in two locations. On Fri., Dec. 19, the South Kitsap High School will resound with this magnificent work. A repeat performance is set for Sat., Dec. 20, at North Kitsap High. Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Special ticket prices are $12 for adults, or $30 for the immediate family.

The symphony will share many other performances in the coming year, and gift certificates may be purchased by phone or in person. For more information, see www.bremertonsymphony.org or call 360-373-1722.

Bremerton’s Admiral Theatre is a great venue with quite a lineup of talent this season. Tickets to any performance would be a welcome gift.

During the holidays, there’s a Thurs., Dec. 11 community talent showcase certain to be a sellout at $9 per seat. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, performed on Thur., Dec. 18, will likewise be popular, priced at $12 to $28. Brian Johnson, the Admiral’s business manager, says if you are unable to get tickets, show up anyway. There is nearly always seating available.

Give tickets to hear Crystal Gayle in January, to laugh with Vickie Lawrence in February, see the Odyssey Dance Theatre or Jugglemania in April, experience Bob Newhart’s comedy or Spirit of the Dance (mesmerizing Irish dancers) in May.

Several other performances are also on the Admiral’s schedule this season. See www.admiraltheatre.org or call 360-373-6743 for details.