Since moving to Bainbridge Island in 1979, Steve Stolee has contributed to our cultural community in a variety of ways, from noteworthy performances in local and regional shows to helping found Island Theatre and the Island Theatre Ten-Minute Play Festival. He has served as producer, director, writer and performer for independent films and theatrical productions alike. Yet it is as a visual historian that his nominators feel he deserves the most praise.
One of Steve’s recent works is the documentary Another Man’s Treasure, which he created about the world’s largest garage sale, our Rotary Auction. Portrait of Louise offers us an affectionate look at Louise Mills, Bainbridge Performing Arts doyenne and costume designer extraordinaire.
Steve has also examined children’s creativity. In Listen, Draw and Tell, he worked with Island Treasure George Shannon to lead kids in an interactive story-telling session; and in The Picture Project, he collaborated with artist Fred Nicholson to create a trilogy of films featuring children’s artwork accompanied by their own words about what inspired their art.
Steve has documented the lives of many late Bainbridge Island luminaries such as Bob McAllister, Bob Cederwall, and Dana Berg in commemorative films and tributes. Steve’s special talent is “his ability to capture in his films the heart and soul of the Island — the exceptional people and events that are the essence of our community.” His videos bring Island stories to life and are priceless gifts to our community.
Listen to Bainbridge Community Broadcasting’s interview with Steve Stolee: