People & Places

West Sound has an incredible number of talented artists, interesting people, fascinating places and popular destinations. We love to share their stories with our readers. These articles are only a sample of what we have in WestSound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version to see all of what we have to offer!

The Yoga Salmon Trail

The Yoga Salmon Trail

Not heaven, not quite — the Pacific Northwest is a bevy of sparkling amenities, things to do and see that capture the soul. One of those things is my “Yoga Salmon Trail” morning adventure in Belfair. It started at the new, multimillion-dollar Faith … read more

Wanda Garrity — The Artist as the Architect

The Artist as the Architect

Making a Statement with Shape, Form and Balance

It may be tough to put a finger on why one of Wanda Garrity’s pottery pieces calls to you. It’s the sort of beauty that just “feels right.” But listen to the Wauna artist explain it, and it becomes clear that her work … read more

Hazel Bellinger

Unsung Hero — Hazel Bellinger (and Jackson)

Assistant Spay/Neuter Coordinator (volunteer), Humane Society of Mason...

Hazel Bellinger started volunteering with the Humane Society of Mason County in August 2012 after retiring from a 35-year career with the Kitsap County 911 Center. Prior to that, she was a volunteer and then a board member at Kitsap Humane Society for … read more

Sharon Carr
Behind the Scenes of the Creative Process

The Greater Gig Harbor Open Studio Tour

Marking its 20th year, the Greater Gig Harbor Open Studio Tour is an opportunity to get a rare peek into a professional artist’s creative space — as well as meet other artists and purchase locally made art directly from them. This year’s tour, … read more

Gig Harbor BoatShop - A view of the Eddon boatshop including the pier
Gig Harbor BoatShop

Preserving Gig Harbor’s Boatbuilding Heritage

Dotted by net sheds and home to a small commercial fishing fleet, Gig Harbor’s downtown has preserved its designation as a working waterfront. This is where third- and fourth-generation Croatian families still continue their ancestors’ fishing trade that was once a booming part … read more

Polymer Clay Art - Susan Hyde in her studio where the magic takes place

Artist Interprets Color Through Polymer Clay

It’s easy to get distracted when first encountering Susan Hyde’s work. The Bremerton artist — who’s quick to say she’s really just a designer — has a signature way of creating an explosion of color in three dimensions. Your eyes may dart from … read more

Kol Medina

Unsung Hero — Kol Medina

Executive director, Kitsap Community Foundation

Kol Medina has been serving as the executive director for Kitsap Community Foundation since 2012. Though his fingers are on nearly all the activities of the small organization, his primary role is to lead the nonprofit and serve as the spokesperson, develop partnerships … read more

Clear Creek Trail System

An Oasis in the Middle of an Urban Development

When people think of Silverdale, many immediately see it as a large shopping center, massive parking areas and lots and lots of traffic. It’s hard to believe that in 1841, Capt. Wilkes sailed into a bay from Puget Sound and named it Dyes … read more

Harmony Hill Retreat Center

Harmony Hill Retreat Center — 30 Years Young

Recalling the past, looking to the future

On a sunny day, the walk leading to Harmony Hill Retreat Center’s Great Hall offers an expansive view of Hood Canal, framed by the Olympic Mountain range. Standing before that vista, it’s easy to fill one’s twin cups of humility and inspiration while … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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