One winter day back in 2003, a group of friends had an epiphany: Bainbridge Island needed a comprehensive art supply store. Somewhere that any artist -- be they beginner, amateur, or professional -- could find the tools and materials they needed and that little extra something to spark their creativity. Harnessing the creative power of their passion, these friends founded Oil & Water Art Supply in February of 2004. Here's a bit about our journey so far!
Our first home was in a little purple converted doublewide on Madison Avenue, across from the Bainbridge Island Pavilion. Although the space was modest, we filled it to the brim with quality fine art materials. Oil & Water, Bainbridge Island’s first and only fully-dedicated art supply store, was born!
Each morning, life-sized drawing manikins Art and Artie Jr. greeted Islanders in various outfits and poses. The park-like back lawn was filled with a complex of market tents where a variety of community art programs and art demonstrations were held. Oil & Water was growing a creative community of wonderful, vibrant, loyal customers.
In the spring of 2007, we found that our vision was outgrowing our cozy space. That May, we made the move to our first location in the lower level of the Winslow Mall. Art and Artie Jr. retired, handing over mascot privileges to Duffy, the shop owner's Wheaten Terrier.
In June of 2009, our dream of expanding into art education was realized when we purchased the Bainbridge Island Creativity Center. Our newly-forged Oil & Water Creativity Center took root in a wonderful space in the second level of the Winslow Mall, just above the shop. In January 2010, we moved the shop upstairs to be next to the class space. And that brings us to where we are today!
It's an honor to be part of Bainbridge Island's rich creative community. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Oil & Water | 278 Winslow Way East | Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 | 206.842.0477
home | art classes | demos | shop | contact us | facebook
All content © Oil & Water
