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!

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

A Cultural Landmark With a Bold Mission

When longtime Bainbridge Island resident Cynthia Sears had a vision a decade ago to build an arts museum on the island, she met a lot of skepticism. Start with a collection, many advised her, and then explore the feasibility of a building. But … read more

Tami Allen
Musicians by Night

Kitsap’s Hidden Talents

For the past 20 years, Bainbridge Island resident Tami Allen has had a “secret.” A sailboat captain for Lille Danser Boat and Breakfast and a Bainbridge Island Police Department harbormaster by day, she’s also a Cajun and zydeco music performer. Currently a vocalist … read more

VIDEO

Guests carefully handle a mottled sea star
Harbor WildWatch

Get Ready to Get Your Feet Wet!

Leadership. Example. Educate. Stewards. Mentor. These are words you hear over and over when talking with the staff and dozens of volunteers who make Harbor WildWatch the first-rate, local, marine environmental, nonprofit organization it has become. In less than a decade, Harbor WildWatch … read more

The Seaside Garden of Dody Solaas

The Seaside Garden of Dody Solaas

If you were to drive west toward Hood Canal after passing the Hansville General Store on the right, you could easily miss a charmingly beautiful seaside garden on the Hansville shore. The cozy home and garden of Hugh and Dody Solaas is tucked … read more

The Forever Home on Mason Lake
Cover Feature

The Forever Home on the Lake…

What do you do when you own a beautiful piece of waterfront property on Mason Lake, and you’re not sure what to do with it? You build your forever home on it, of course. Mason Lake is one of those special places that … read more

Jan Coen

Unsung Hero — Jan Coen

Coordinator, Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank

Jan Coen has been involved with Gig Harbor’s FISH Community Services since its inception in 1976. When she and her husband moved to Gig Harbor in 1975, she was surprised not to find a coalition of churches working together to provide services to … read more

The Waypoint on Bainbridge Island
Local Projects

The Waypoint on Bainbridge Island

Welcome to a series of articles we will write on unique, innovative and creative park and public space projects in West Puget Sound that contribute to our community in terms of quality of life. We hope to identify the community leadership, the project’s … read more

Keyport Mercantile

A Perk of the Merc — A Century of Coming Together

For more than a hundred years, the Keyport Mercantile has stood as the heart and soul of its community. Affectionately known as “the Merc,” the business has ridden out the rise and fall in the fortunes of its hometown alongside the people it … read more

Roxy Theater

Now and Then — Roxy Theater

First-run movies and folks who once lined up around the block to get in at the Roxy Theater have long been faded memories. The double-sided, age-worn, empty marquise, the towering vertical sign with missing letters and the huge, old “ROXY” sign — which … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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