hit kitsap trails for treasure

Words by Leif Utne

This spring, don’t be surprised if you notice colorful glass floats hiding under bushes, sitting on fence posts, or lodged in the crooks of tree branches as you hike your favorite local woodland trails. No, it’s not some live-action game of Pokemon GO. They’re part of BIMA’s Treasure Trek—a countywide scavenger hunt organized by the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

The balls, inspired by antique glass fishing floats, will begin appearing April 1 in public parks and beaches around Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula. All 200 are handmade by youth participating in a tuition-free, nonprofit arts program run by Hilltop Artists in Tacoma. If you find one, it’s yours to keep.

BONUS ALERT! PNW Bainbridge and Tideland magazines are teaming up to sweeten the pot. If you find a glass float, post a photo of yourself with your treasure on social media and add #bimatreasuretrek by May 25. We’ll select five float finders at random to win $100 gift cards for BIMA’s café or gift shop and feature you in our magazines. To top it off, the museum will provide each winner a pair of tickets to its BIMA Bash! on June 9.

Photos: Hunter Stroud