Celebrating Indigenous People at Banner Bank

During the month of November, Eastsound Banner Bank and the Orcas Island Historical Museums collaborated to honor Indigenous People’s month with a special exhibition of contemporary artworks on loan from the Museums. Due to the display’s popularity, Banner Bank has generously offered to extend the duration of the exhibit for a short time. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time!

“It’s not only about money—it’s about community, past and present, and working with the Museum gives us a special opportunity to share this scope.’ Laura Doss, Client Relationship Consultant at Eastsound’s Banner Bank.

Customers agree that a highlight of entering Banner Bank is the ever-changing exhibit of work by Island artists. However, this Indigenous People’s Month, the bank has joined the Museum in hosting a special exhibit of some of the fine art created by contemporary Indigenous artists, largely focusing on the greater Pacific Northwest.

Every piece tells a story. The exhibit includes a selection of carved cedar masks, silk screen prints from different heritage communities, and Inuit carvings that illustrate the dynamic importance of storytelling in traditional communities throughout the world.

All pieces on display were donated by supporters of the Museums. The works may be seen during banking hours, Monday through Friday. Due to the exhibit’s popularity, Banner Bank has generously agreed to extend the duration of the exhibit for a short time. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time!

Any questions or comments regarding the present exhibit may be directed to Antoinette Botsford, Museum Board Member and Volunteer Assistant Curator. Contact the Orcas Island Historical Museums’ office at 360-376-4849.

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Michelle Hassebrock

Program Administrator

Michelle grew up in Whatcom County and has lived on Orcas Island since 2020. In the spring of 2022, she joined the Museums as a weekly docent. Within a year, Michelle decided to bite the bullet and become a full-time staff member. She now works as the Program Administrator, and is currently working on revitalizing the Oral History Project and designing new exhibits.

Debbie Durand

Museum Administrator

An Orcas resident since 2017, Debbie has family ties to what feels like half of Olga and beyond. She teases she knows more of her husband’s family history than he does. Debbie is our museum admin, but also bookkeeper for many island businesses, and treasurer to several non-profits beyond the park. 

Nancy Stillger

Executive Director

Nancy has lived on Orcas since 2020 coming here as an empty nester with her avid sailor husband. Nancy is New Mexico born, raised in Singapore and then has had many other stints up and down the West Coast. She has over 30 years in the non-profit industry always working in the areas of arts, culture, literature and heritage. She has a BA degree in Economics from Scripps College and a MA in Urban Planning from UCLA with an emphasis on the history of the built environment.