Record-Setting Aspire Gala at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

June 1 was a night to remember at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA), with the arts organization hosting a record-breaking Aspire Gala fundraiser with more than $300,000 raised in support of its programming, scholarship opportunities, and community initiatives.

With catering and decorations by Freeland’s Fare Market, WICA was transformed into a whimsical floral landscape. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., 120 gala attendees mingled over creative hors d’oeuvres and specialty beverages in WICA’s Zech Hall, standing beneath delicate and transparent umbrellas brimming with vines and flowers. Guests were treated to music by Whidbey Island local Philip Van Seters while previewing the Live Auction and taking part in the Wine Grab and 50/50 Raffle.

During the Cocktail Hour, WICA was presented with the Theatre Puget Sound (TPS) People's Choice Award for North Puget Sound, 2020-2023, by Crystal Yingling, Executive Director of TPS in Seattle. During this time, one of WICA’s Bridge Family Scholarship recipients, South Whidbey High School graduating senior Ethan Heather-Ford, treated attendees to a jazz performance with his jazz trio, and spoke to guests about his plans for the future.

The event then moved to the mainstage, which was decorated with life-size floral arrangements that were reminiscent of a scene out of Alice in Wonderland. Attendees took over the stage, which featured large rounds of tables decorated in a pastel color scheme that glowed under the stage lights.

The setting served as a backdrop for the Live Auction, which featured items ranging from full festival passes and soundcheck access for DjangoFest Northwest 2024 to a VIP event with Pacific Northwest Ballet. Spirited and generous bidding took place, all while catering staff served food prepared with local ingredients—from Whidbey Island Seafood Company salmon to Whidbey Island Grown greens. Attendees also took part in the Paul & Pam Schell Producers Circle Raise the Paddle, with Executive Artistic Director Deana Duncan inviting everyone to “Be a Producer” and contribute to the arts programming at WICA.

“It was an inspiring experience,” says Duncan. “We are a community arts organization, and this event directly supports our programming, students scholarships, accessibility efforts, and Whidbey Island partnerships. We are feeling the generosity of spirit and encouragement across the entire organization right now and are so fortunate to exist within a community that values arts programming and the important role it plays in our lives.”

As the highest grossing WICA fundraiser to date, the Aspire Gala was a clear reminder of the island’s support for the arts organization and proof that at 28 years old, the nonprofit remains a relevant and important part of the community.

Celebrating the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

For nearly three decades, the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) has been at the heart of the Whidbey Island community, bringing artists, performers, productions, and speakers to its campus in Langley, Washington. On May 16, the Center celebrates its 28th year on the island.

Work underway in the 1990s at the future site of the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

“Art is our passion, our purpose, and above all else, our commitment to you,” says Executive Artistic Director Deana Duncan. “We firmly believe in the power that strong storytelling has to create positive change, to enrich lives, and to encourage greater discussion and understanding. Our heart and soul are in our work, and we love sharing that with each and every one of you.”

Over the years, the Center’s programming has grown to include four heritage festivals—DjangoFest Northwest, the Whidbey Island Film Festival, Celtic Festival, and Bluegrass Festival—the Bridge Family Scholarship which is available to students in all three island school districts, and community partnerships that have addressed everything from the future of farming and sustainability to the role that the arts play in our educational institutions. For 28 years, the Center has adapted to changing needs, withstood economic challenges and a global health pandemic, and has emerged as a beacon of artistic light in the community.

As Island County’s largest arts organization, the Center employs 600 regional, national, and international artists annually and offers 15,000 patrons more than 120 days of arts, educational, and cultural programming each year. With support for local youth through educational outreach and expanded accessibility through pay-what-you-will initiatives, the Center is working to ensure that the arts are available to all.

In 2023, the Center was awarded the Theatre Puget Sound People's Choice Award for North Puget Sound, a recognition of the organization’s dedication to its mission in the community. 

“The Center has had a rich history on this island for more than two decades, and it has served as a space to connect, engage in meaningful conversations, and really deepen our understanding of our shared humanity” says Peter Ehrlichman, Board President. “As we look ahead to the future, I'm excited to see how we can further our mission in the community, ensuring that the Center remains an integral part of Whidbey Island's identity.”

Embedded in the social fabric of the community, the Center has spent nearly three decades establishing itself as an arts organization bringing world-renowned experiences to Whidbey Island. Today, as the nonprofit looks ahead, the sky's the limit.

Grand opening of the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, May 1996

The Whidbey Island Center for the Arts today

Arts Center Scholarship Open to Whidbey Island Students

Art enriches lives—creating avenues for expression and understanding that unite us in our shared humanity. At the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA), the Bridge Family Scholarship enables students with an interest in the arts, whether it is visual arts, music, or other creative endeavors, to pursue an artistic path in their post-secondary education.

“This scholarship is at the heart of what we do at WICA,” says Executive Artistic Director Deana Duncan. “The future of the arts is with our youth, and supporting these island students as they pursue an artistic path is one of the greatest joys I find in the work we do. Our community is an essential part of our mission, and this is a wonderful way to encourage our students to expand their horizons, think outside the box, and really delve into their creative passions that make them who they are.”

Now in its second year, the scholarship is named for former WICA Board Chair and current board member Bobbe Bridge and her family.

“This scholarship program supports young people on Whidbey Island who have a demonstrated interest in the arts—in the broadest possible definition of the arts,” says Bridge. “It can incentivize the building of a career in the arts, or facilitate the continuation of arts as an avocation, enriching their lives and the life of the community in which they will live.”

An island-wide initiative to support recent graduates in the Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and South Whidbey school districts, the scholarship provides funding to Whidbey Island students who are interested in continuing to pursue art as they move on to an accredited institution of higher education.

“We have an extraordinary number of very talented young people on the Island who are looking to pursue work in the many different forms of art. These scholarships support their dreams. We hope to encourage even more students to apply for these scholarships, and we are actively pursuing additional funding so that more students can benefit,” adds Bridge. “Scholarships will increase the number of folks who participate in arts activities on the Island and will also contribute to the development of broader and more diverse audiences for the work of new artists in the future.”

Applications are now open for this year’s scholarship and interested students are encouraged to apply through their school district scholarship sites by April 20.

To learn more about WICA and its mission in the community, visit wicaonline.org. 

Trailblazing Musical Justice Comes to Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

On April 11, the groundbreaking musical Justice will open at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) for a three-week run on the Michael Nutt Mainstage. A new American musical by playwright Lauren Gunderson of The Revolutionists, along with composer Bree Lowdermilk and lyricist Kait Kerrigan; the production explores the lives of the first female Supreme Court Justices—Sandra Day O’Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Sonia Sotomayor—and delves into issues related to equality and civic responsibility while exploring the justices’ personal journeys. WICA’s production is directed by Rose Woods, with musical direction by Sheila Weidendorf, and stage management by Michelle Durr. 

“Playwright Lauren Gunderson gives us characters deeply seeped in language—words that are transformational and powerful. These three characters are all ‘women of words’ and this musical upends any preconceived notion that we ‘know them.’ They all ask themselves what they must do to ‘get it done’ and their stories will inspire us,” says WICA Executive Artistic Director Deana Duncan. “We are thrilled that Justice has a home at WICA and we know that it'll encourage conversations, creating a ripple effect that will truly impact our community. That is our mission at WICA and this is the right play at the right time. We are so excited to support Rose Woods and the entire creative team in the PNW premier of a new American musical.”

The epic and intimate musical is brought to life by the three-person cast: Christina Boom (O’Connor), Gail Liston (Bader Ginsburg), and Jessica Robins (Sotomayor). Whidbey Island locals Boom and Liston are no strangers to the WICA stage, having previously appeared in numerous productions at the arts center. With a background in scripted, improvisational, and musical theater, Robins will be making their Whidbey Island debut, having performed with other Pacific Northwest theatre companies.

“I was surprised to find out that Sandra Day O'Connor did not have the goal of becoming a Supreme Court justice, rather, when she was asked by President Regan to be a nominee to the Supreme Court, she felt it was her duty to accept,” says Boom. “It clearly wasn't an easy task, being the first woman on the court, and yet she felt the responsibility to do it well and to make sure she ‘wasn't the last.’”

For the three actors, the musical is the opportunity to explore current themes and to have important conversations about societal issues.

“When I first heard about this play, I got excited,” says Liston. “What an amazing concept. And the idea of playing one of these strong, brave women was irresistible. The show is so timely, with an important message about fighting for your rights and never giving up or becoming complacent.”

Adds Robins, “More than anything, this show is a call to action. Please, please vote. Make your voice heard. Our democracy needs us more than ever!”

The WICA production includes sweeping songs and an exploration of incredibly relevant themes that Woods hopes will encourage the audience to think deeper about their shared humanity.

“I think we are living in a time when it is getting more and more impossible to look away from the ugliness, the violence, the rifts in our society,” says Woods, who was drawn to the musical for the opportunity to bring this “call to action” to life on WICA’s mainstage. “I think this play gives us a deep and personal look at our recent history and brings us to right now; to a better understanding of Equal Justice Under Law; to We the People; and to a powerful sisterhood of trailblazers as they confront the battles of their time. I hope our audience is moved by the personal stories and perhaps motivated to step out and make a difference in social justice and equity in our own communities.”

Adds Durr, “This musical isn't just about the Supreme Court and ‘government’ but about these women's personal lives and the challenges they each faced outside of being a Supreme Court Justice.”

It is the unique blend of music genres and the powerful messages behind the musical score that intrigued Weidendorf, who as musical director, will also be supporting the cast on piano during the performances. “The Justice score is largely what we would call a ‘pop/rock’ score with nods to old Broadway, TV Westerns, and more.”

For her, the production has the power to truly inspire through artistic creativity. “Art is most potent when creativity intersects with and illuminates our shared experiences—be that political or personal experience. Justice brings the personal to the political and makes the conversation accessible.” 

It is this “raw expression of living a life” that Woods can’t wait to witness with the official opening this month.

“I am in love with this cast,” she says. “There is a kind of alchemy and power between these actors. From the beginning, they dove into research and each shared stories of these characters they learned. We all got to know these women through our rehearsals. I won’t pretend this was easy. The music is complex, the pacing is relentless, and the actors never leave the stage. But they bring everything they’ve got to every single rehearsal.”

Adds Durr, “All these incredible humans have come together to tell this timely story. From the actors, music and costumes, we have supported and held each other up every rehearsal and beyond. We are truly the Justice League, as we like to call ourselves.”

In addition to the Justice performance run, WICA will also be hosting a Center Conversation Series event on April 21 following the matinee performance, featuring retired Washington State Supreme Court Justice Bobbe Bridge and sitting Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu who will discuss how the groundbreaking work of women Supreme Court Justices relates to the courts today.

On April 27 at 2 p.m., playwright and Play Club founder Amy Wheeler will be interviewing playwright Lauren Gunderson as part of the Play Club virtual series. For those who want to virtually attend the event and not pursue Play Club membership, there is a one-time $10 admission "ticket." For those interested in membership, there is a discounted membership fee. Anyone interested in either opportunity should connect with Wheeler at info@theplayclub.org.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the WICA events, please visit wicaonline.org.

Art Exhibit Opportunities at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

The Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) is currently seeking works of art for display in the Lasher Gallery, located in the lobby of the WICA campus in Langley. 

“One of WICA's prime goals is to provide a space for as many genres of art as possible,” says Lasher Gallery Manager James Hinkley. “Just as with music, theatre, and poetry, the visual arts absolutely require workable spaces devoted to bringing their unique expressions to the community.”

The gallery serves as a communal arts space, featuring artwork by professional and amateur Whidbey Island artists and celebrating the vast array of creative endeavors found within the local community. The venue is open to the public during WICA’s regular business hours and by appointment with Hinkley.

Art submissions can be in any medium—from painting and drawing to photography and ceramics. Selected artists will be featured for two months in solo shows, with the submission deadline for the 2024 season May 1.

For those interested in learning more about submitting artwork, please contact Hinkley at 360.221.7661 or by email at james.hinkley@wicaonline.org