Nonprofit Spotlight

Peninsula Hands On Art

November 13, 2025 - Around West Sound, Blog, Featured
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Nonprofit Spotlight

Washington state is gifted with over 30,000 registered nonprofit organizations. Their missions are wide-ranging, but all attempt to address a significant community need, often relying completely on donor funding and an active cadre of community volunteers to do so. With federal funding reduced, rescinded or at risk, nonprofits are eager to engage increased community support.

The nonprofit landscape can often seem overwhelming for potential volunteers, donors and community partners. But these groups provide, or supplement, essential and often underfunded resources, direct services and programs that address critical community needs, bringing added value to their service areas. And often hope, to those who need it most. Leaning more about them is the key.

Nonprofit Spotlight provides a snapshot for you as readers, residents, potential volunteers, donors and clients with the basics, the info you need to make an educated decision on whether to support or participate. These are most often community-based organizations, so you can bet that your interest will be highly valued and greatly appreciated. Check them out, ask questions, stop by, call or email for further info. Contact information is at the end of this post. They’ll be delighted to hear from you.

This month:

Peninsula Hands On Art

Founded in 2003, Peninsula Hands On Art provides art instruction to over 4,000 students each year. Reaching every elementary student in the Peninsula School District (psd401.net), the organization believes that “students across all socioeconomic backgrounds should have the same educational opportunity and ability to access artist-quality materials and art education.”

Its mission is “to create a community of young artists that embraces the artistic talents of each individual child,” and the vision is “to provide an all-district elementary art program that educates and engages children in art history and mixed media, and encourages the talents of each child.”

Birch Tree composition — 3rd grade Mrs. Wright at Swift Water
Birch Tree composition — 3rd grade Mrs. Wright at Swift Water

Board President Jen Nielsen says, “Hands On Art is an incredible program helping students, school communities and families connect with art in really meaningful ways — from the training nights to the classroom experiences to the beautiful projects kids bring home.”

Madchen and her son
Madchen and her son

According to volunteer and board member Erin Morton, “Parents and kids really rally around our projects. I can see the impact they have on students. Just yesterday, several of the fifth graders who spoke of their memories during their moving-on ceremony mentioned HOA as a highlight of their elementary school career. Many also expressed that they’ll be sad not to have HOA in middle school.”

Upcoming Projects and Guest Artists

Below is a sample of projects planned by HOA.

“Hanging with Calder” through November 2025; guest artist Kit Kuhn

Students will explore fundamental metalworking techniques and gain hands-on experience using the same tools employed by professional jewelers. Guided by local artist Kit Kuhn, students will design and create their own copper wire pendants inspired by the innovative work of renowned artist Alexander Calder.

Resse, Mom Mallory (longtime volunteer)
Resse, Mom Mallory (longtime volunteer)

Learning goals:

  • Understand the life and artistic contributions of Calder
  • Explore the properties of metal as an artistic medium and the concept of jewelry as wearable art
  • Learn to safely and effectively use metalworking tools and techniques
  • Gain insight into the work and career of local artist Kit Kuhn

“The Magic of Molas;” November 2025 – January 2026; guest artist Hannah Jay

Local artist Hannah Jay will introduce students to the vibrant molas, the traditional clothing artfully crafted and worn by the Kuna people of the San Blas Islands in Panama. Using bright, colorful paper, students will create their own “Magic of Molas” masterpieces inspired by the bold geometric patterns of mola textiles and the collage techniques of artist Henri Matisse.

Learning goals:

  • Understand the history and cultural geography of the Kuna people and the San Blas Islands of Panama
  • Learn the art of paper collage, with an emphasis on recognizing and using geometric shapes, drawing inspiration from Henri Matisse’s collage work
  • Develop layered designs using drawing, cutting, collage and composition techniques with vivid color
  • Explore the artistic background and creative process of local artist Hannah Jay
Faryn and her "Swimming Salmon"
Faryn and her “Swimming Salmon”

“For the Love of Dots;” February — March 2026; guest artist Ashley Aston

In this fun and colorful project, students will learn about the amazing artist Yayoi Kusama, who is famous for using dots, bold colors and patterns to fill her artwork with emotion, energy and imagination. Inspired by her love of flowers, pumpkins, loops and especially polka dots, students will create their own unique “dot masterpieces.” They’ll also explore how using lots of small dots (like in pointillism) can help create a sense of space, movement and even infinity.

Learning goals:

  • Learn about the life and work of Yayoi Kusama
  • Explore how repeating patterns and dots can create motion and emotion in art
  • Use bold colors and polka dots to make eye-catching and creative designs
  • Discover how dots can be used in different styles, including Kusama’s art and pointillism
  • Meet and learn about local artist Ashley Aston and her creative process
Jillian — "The Perfection of Picasso"
Jillian — “The Perfection of Picasso”

“The Will to Quill;” April — June 2026; guest artist Ernie Donehower

In this project, students will be introduced to quilling, also known as paper filigree, a fun and creative art form that began during the Renaissance and has been used for centuries to make beautiful decorations. Quilling uses thin strips of colorful paper that are rolled, shaped and glued to make cool designs like flowers, animals, swirls and more. People around the world still use quilling today to make greeting cards, wall art and even jewelry. Students in grades 3-5 will also learn about symmetry and how to use it to make their designs look balanced and eye-catching.

Learning goals:

  • Learn about the history and evolution of “quilling” or paper filigree
  • Practice the basic quilling techniques: rolling, shaping and gluing paper strips
  • Build fine motor skills through hands-on paper art
  • Understand and apply the concept of symmetry in art
  • Get inspired by the creative work of local artist Ernie Donehower
Van-Gogh inspired "Starry Harbor"
Van-Gogh inspired “Starry Harbor”

Peninsula Hands On Art

This Nonprofit Spotlight column is designed to inform you about our community’s highly respected 501(c)(3) organizations. We highly recommend potential clients, volunteers and donors access further information via the charity’s own website, or via independent watch groups like GuideStar, Charity Navigator, GreatNonprofits or Charity Watch, all available online. And for an updated list of nonprofits in our community, check out these links provided by community foundations in Kitsap and Jefferson counties, Gig Harbor and Bainbridge Island.