“The Chief,” which stands outside of the Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio in Silverdale, greets Silverdale Way passers-by. Gallery owner and artist Lisa Stirrett designed the piece and hired Bainbridge Island metalworker Dick Strom of Bapatom’s Metalworks to weld it. At about 11 feet tall, the whimsical sculpture is made largely of repurposed metal — […]
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 West Sound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version to see all of what we have to offer!
Posted inPeople & Places
A Spa for Your Wild Soul
A chance meeting more than a decade ago was the unlikely beginning of a relationship that today builds confidence and begins transformation for women in an unlikely way. A Spa for Your Wild Soul, women’s kayak journeys, is the creation of Spring Courtright and Maria Cook, two local women on a mission to challenge other […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Unsung Heroes — Chris and Debbie Clark
Chris and Debbie Clark founded Children of the Nations (COTN) in 1995. A fifth-generation missionary born in Japan and raised in Liberia and the United States, Chris had worked for Youth for Christ for 10 years. Debbie, who grew up in Edmonds, worked as a special education teacher for eight years. After traveling to Sierra […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Harbor Family Park — Land Saved for Future Generations
Through efforts led by Gig Harbor citizen-activist Vern Young and a few other community visionaries, a 19-acre forested site was saved from becoming a housing development so that the community, as well as future generations, will have a wonderful park. Young, who died in 2014, was taking a walk in the wooded area in 2005 […]
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The Roller Blader
This whimsical sculpture is part of the public art collection in Uptown Gig Harbor, a destination shopping center. Southworth artist Douglas Granum made the 9-foot sculpture from steel, covered with “Ferrari red” powder coat; and etched, stainless-steel rollers. “The Roller Blader” greets visitors by the Green.House restaurant. Another Granum work, a rock fountain depicting a […]
Posted inFeatured, People & Places
Expressing Native Tradition Through Contemporary Art
While many artists excel in a variety of mediums, it’s rare to meet a master who is equally talented as a woodcarver, jewelry maker, painter, glassblower, printmaker and sculptor. For Larry “Ulaaq” Ahvakana, that’s not even a complete list. Known nationally for his sculptures — especially animals and Inupiaq figures — the Suquamish artist has […]
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Unsung Hero — Julie Ann Gustanski
Julie Ann Gustanski is a founding member (together with Vernon Young, Eric Guenther and Mike Paul, Jr.) of the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. All of her work for the foundation — including, currently, as the CEO — has been volunteer service. Prior to her current role, Gustanski served as the first treasurer, then as president […]
Posted inFeatured, People & Places
Cooking Club Brings Food and Friends Together in the Kitchen
Learn. Cook. Eat. Drink. Laugh. This is the mission statement of the Gig Harbor Cooking Club, an eclectic group of amateur chefs who have formed lasting friendships through food. The club began two years ago, after one member spent a month in Korea. While in Korea, she went to a cooking school in Seoul and […]
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On the Level — A Home for Entertaining… and the Dogs
In the summer of 2014, when Lance and JoAnn Kahn first saw the 1970s rambler, they weren’t all that impressed. The 40-year-old house was dated and the floorplan was decidedly quirky with long, dark hallways that ran like tunnels from either side of the front door. However, the couple had to admit that the place […]