City leaders see an artist community, and the new downtown Arts District, as a key part of downtown revitalization. Bremerton Fire Marshal Scott Rappleye told the group they'd be pleasantly surprised at the buildings in the downtown area, many of which have been remodeled and are in good condition. The smaller buildings, especially, could be converted to artist-loft uses without a lot of problem, he said. Artist Cheryl Hahn, who lives between Belfair and Shelton, located her studio in Bremerton's Fourth Street Building several years ago because of the downtown's access to the ferry system. I think there is a pioneering spirit.
People have a sense of mutual support.
That's one of the things that's impressed Craig Alden Dell. He's leasing space upstairs at the Amy Burnett Gallery as a private guitar studio. But he hopes to use grants, and Bremerton space, to take his ideas further by founding an institute. In a sense, I want to create an alternative to the school system that's targeted at people who are really interested in music.