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!

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

Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival

Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival — Growing into a Regional Destination

The strains of music waft on the gentle breeze in mid-July as thousands of visitors stroll down Judson Street in Gig Harbor to peruse the high-quality offerings of professional artists and artisans who participate in the Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival. Now in … read more

Volunteers in Bremerton packing the backpacks
Because it Takes a Village...

Grass-Roots Community Efforts Make Sure No Child Goes Hungry

Every week during the school year, dozens of volunteers are working in small teams to sort, pack and make food deliveries throughout West Sound. They do it on different days and as part of different organizations, but these small volunteer armies have one … read more

Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

Located on Bainbridge Island, not far from Winslow Way downtown, is a memorial site that reminds us of a dark day in American history and also honors those who endured years of suffering. The site is called the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion … read more

Kountry Korners Krazy Kreatures Art
Art in Public Places

Kountry Korners Krazy Kreatures

You can’t get to Kingston without passing the trolls! Folks from around the area aren’t certain about the history, but it is believed Mickey Whitbeck, who once owned the Kountry Korners store, recruited a carver from Forks. Whitbeck set him up next to … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
Wet Apple Media W3C Valid HTML 5 PCS Web Hosting LLC