Sharing an Ocean series looks at life on the Pacific Rim.

I can remember when a trip to the Washington coast always became a contest to see who would be the first to find a glass ball, which used to wash up on the beach as regularly as driftwood. Many people in seaside communities had huge collections of them in all sizes and colors, scattered across their yards or suspended in nets draped over the deck railing.

The thick glass balls, usually green, were handblown in Japan and used as floats on fishing nets. In addition to their aesthetic beauty, it was fascinating to think about how far they had come, drifting on ocean currents all the way from the other side of the Pacific. They were a reminder that somewhere, across that vast ocean, we were connected to another culture.

Now they are collectors’ items. Fishing is not what it used to be, and plastic floats have replaced glass on the nets that remain.

A trip to the beach now is more likely to garner a collection of Styrofoam chunks, old tires, single sneakers, liquor bottles, and the ubiquitous pink plastic tampon tubes. We’re still connected, it’s just not as romantic.

Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council annual series, the Humanities Inquiry, is examining what it means to live on the Pacific Rim with “Sharing an Ocean: Living on the Pacific Rim.”

The series runs through June with discussions, drama, poetry, music, art and films, all featuring issues surrounding the Pacific Ocean. Most presentations are held at various locations on Bainbridge Island.

These elements “examine how Bainbridge Island and the Pacific Northwest are impacted culturally, economically, environmentally, socially and politically by being part of the Asian Pacific Rim,” according to the Arts and Humanities Council. “Although Iraq and the Middle East are getting most of the media attention these days, many experts predict that it is the developments in the Pacific Rim, and especially the reemergence of China as a global power, that will define the coming century.”

Keynote speaker for the event is former Gov. Gary Locke, long an advocate of increasing Pacific Rim trade. He will discuss the growing trade and economic developments in the Pacific Rim countries, especially China, and how these developments affect the Pacific Northwest.

Locke, however, won’t be taking the ferry to Bainbridge. His March 29 presentation will be held in Seattle at the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Museum, on the waterfront. For $40 a ticket you get a tour of the facility followed by a light supper, the talk by Locke, and a reception for the former state leader. Family rates are available.

Prior to that event, the series begins March 2 with a slide presentation and reading of “Pacific Voices: Keeping Our Cultures Alive,” 7:30 p.m. at Eagle Harbor Books, 157 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island. The reading is free.

Published by the University of Washington Press, the book is a collection of essays, photos and illustrations on the many sources of cultural identity found in Pacific Rim communities.

March 4 there is an all-day seminar on “The Pacific Ocean: Its Health and Human Impact,” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Islandwood, 4450 Blakely NE, Bainbridge Island.

Sessions include author Bradford Matsen with a multimedia presentation of his book, “Descent: The Heroic Discovery of the Abyss;” Washington Sea Grant Marine Advisory Services program leader Peter Granger with “The Pacific Ocean as Resource: Aquaculture; a 30-minute film, “Return of the Plankton;” U.W. research scientist Amy Snover speaking on “Rhythms of Change: Climate Impacts on the Ocean;” and Usha Varanasi, director of Northwest Fisheries Science Center speaking on “Oceans and Human Health.” The seminar is $35 including lunch.

The Island Theatre group contributes to the series with a free, staged reading of Edward Albee’s “Seascape,” March 18 and 19 at the Bainbridge Library.

In April, look for poster-sized poems by local poets displayed in locations throughout downtown Winslow, using the theme “The Ocean.”

April 12 Prof. Moon-Ho Jung, University of Washington history professor, presents “The History and Impact of Asian American Immigration to the Pacific Northwest.” Held at the Bainbridge Library, the event is free.

April 29 U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee makes an appearance to join a panel discussion on “Military and Political Power in the Pacific Rim,” focusing on the shifting balance of military and political power in the Asian Pacific Rim and its implications for U.S. Foreign Policy. Cost for the event is $5-$10, but the event is still listed as tentative at this point.

Other events include an exhibit of works by Pacific Rim artists throughout May at Island Gallery; a “Pacific Rim” concert by Soundscape Players May 21; a slide presentation on cultural and professional exchanges to China in late May; a performance by the First Nations dancers from British Columbia June 2; a screening of “Made in China,” a documentary about growing up Chinese-American, in early June; and a concert of music by contemporary Pacific Rim composers, June 6.

For a complete listing of events visit www.artshum.org.

Perhaps after attending an event or two you’ll be inspired to make the trek out to the coast. Bring a garbage bag. wu