I had no idea the February article I wrote for the Kingston Community News on behalf of the Kingston Art Gallery would be my last.

I asked you readers to place yourselves on a continuum of how important an art gallery was to you and your community. I said the the artists placed themselves at the high end — 8 to 10 — meaning very important. Well, I now know something different. I know the bottom line is the bottom line and committment to a community does not have the force that the bottom line has.

It is all about loyalty. The artists of KAG were loyal to the community for four and a half years. They were there for the 4th of July Parade, North Kitsap Arts and Crafts Festival, the Port Store, more than four years of Second Saturday Gallery Nights. They partnered with the Fine Arts Boosters and with the Crab Creek Review. They hosted art classes, groups and the legendary Slug Fest.

Susan Rodgers, owner of Cleo’s Landing was a most generous and supportive landowner and cheerleader.

So, the artists of KAG feel they have done their best. But, where was the outpouring of loyalty from Kingston residents and business owners? The artists of KAG did their business in local establishments. Did you return the loyalty?

This is the reason the artists of KAG are moving to Poulsbo. I cannot go. I feel you took longer than four years to develop your loyalty to local fine art. Too bad. This is a huge loss to the livability of North Kitsap. Kingston needs the gallery. Please do not let other “flagship” Kingston stores go the way of KAG.

We need them. Show them. Be loyal.

Marilyn Liden Bode,

Kingston printmaker