Hidde Van Duym has been described as a Renaissance Man, a gentleman and a scholar, and “Mr. Humanities.” As an artist he has a singular voice, creating boxes that contain a multi-layered collage of memories, impressions, cultural observations, and compelling fragments from his experience. Coming from an academic background devoted to the study of art, history, language, literature, and culture, he has learned always to look for the larger context in which events occur. His ongoing involvement in the humanities has made him think about the way one’s regional or national identity is always linked to the common humanity we share.
Both professionally and as a volunteer, Hidde‘s contributions have been profound, from expanding the mission of BIAHC to cofounding and incorporating the Northwest Bookfest. For writing the elegant document that became the Cultural Element of Bainbridge Island’s Comprehensive Plan, he earned a special commendation from the City.
Hidde’s watchword is “communication.” He believes in talk. If there is a way for people of opposing views to come to some level of understanding, you can count on Hidde to find it.