Regional creativity shines as Poulsbo’s global CreativeMornings theme and Bainbridge Island artist Sarah Gordon’s artwork debut worldwide
POULSBO, Washington (March 27, 2026)—A creative gathering rooted in Kitsap is now shaping a worldwide conversation. CreativeMornings HQ has selected “ember,” a theme proposed by the CreativeMornings Poulsbo chapter, as the official global theme for April 2026. It is one of just twelve chosen annually from more than 250 chapters around the world.
The recognition places Kitsap among a small group of communities influencing CreativeMornings’ international network, the world’s largest face-to-face creative community. Each month, creatives gather in more than 256 cities across 70 countries for free, volunteer-led events built on a simple premise: everyone is creative.
Globally, CreativeMornings is supported by partners including Adobe and The Harnisch Foundation. Locally, the Poulsbo chapter is powered by community sponsors, volunteers, and collaborators who help bring each gathering to life.
Adding to the milestone, Bainbridge Island artist Sarah Gordon has been selected by CreativeMornings HQ to illustrate the “ember” theme. After the chapter submitted several artist recommendations, CreativeMornings Headquarters made the final selection. Her artwork will be used by chapters worldwide throughout April, sharing a visual expression of Kitsap’s creative spirit with a global audience.
A theme rooted in quiet strength
As a chapter, CreativeMornings Poulsbo selected “ember” to reflect the character of its community and inspire chapters worldwide. As described by the Poulsbo team:
Embers represent the quiet, enduring remnants of fire—what remains after the intensity fades. They carry a smoldering potential, a subtle strength that holds heat long after the flames have gone. Poulsbo, and the wider Kitsap community, is home for a steady and enduring warmth.Our spark lives in reflection, resilience, and the space we have to pause, think, and grow.
In those calm moments, we find what many others miss: the steady glow of ideas, relationships, and dreams that don’t need noise to thrive. Embers remind us that even after challenges or change, something powerful remains, ready to reignite when needed. We hold that same quiet fire within ourselves, and in community with each other, we kindle more.
Together, we tend the quiet fire—fueling one another through presence, care, and connection.
A local chapter with global reach
CreativeMornings Poulsbo is an independent, volunteer-led chapter founded by Rachael Studebaker of Studebaker Design Company, whose vision helped bring the global initiative to Kitsap in 2023 at the encouragement of Vibe Coworks founder Alanna Imbach. While CreativeMornings requires chapters to be tied to a city, the intention has always been to reflect and serve the broader Kitsap community.
Rachael Studebaker shared:
“From the beginning, the vision was bigger than one town. We wanted to create something that felt welcoming to creatives from across Kitsap County—a space where people could gather, learn from one another, and feel part of a global creative movement without having to leave home.”
Since its launch, Vibe Coworks has supported the chapter by sponsoring venue space for its monthly gatherings, providing a consistent home where creatives can come together.
Celebrating a local artist on the world stage
Each CreativeMornings theme is paired with artwork from an illustrator connected to the chapter that proposed it. Sarah Gordon’s selection highlights the depth of creative talent across Kitsap and places local artistry at the center of an international creative dialogue.
Her illustration will appear on CreativeMornings’ website, social channels, and promotional materials throughout April, with chapters around the world using the artwork to visually interpret the “ember” theme. She’s also been featured on the CreativeMornings HQ blog: Meet our EMBER illustrator Sarah Gordon.
The role of place in shaping creative ecosystems
For Vibe Coworks, the global recognition of CreativeMornings Poulsbo reflects the broader impact of community-driven spaces and relationships.
Amber Sallay, Director of Operations at Vibe Coworks and CreativeMornings Poulsbo team volunteer, commented:
“CreativeMornings Poulsbo has become one of those gatherings that people genuinely look forward to each month.
It’s welcoming, thoughtful, and reflects the spirit of this community. Seeing a theme born here reach a global audience is incredibly special. It shows what’s possible when people have a space to come together consistently.”
Since launching, CreativeMornings Poulsbo has grown into a monthly gathering point for creatives, entrepreneurs, and neighbors seeking connection and inspiration.
Past speakers and themes have explored topics such as BLOSSOM, PUNK, SOFT, and REVIVAL, inviting highlighting voices from across Kitsap’s creative and business communities to share their take on these shared global concepts.
A global moment for a local community
CreativeMornings Poulsbo gatherings are typically held at Vibe Coworks from 7:30 – 9AM on the second Friday of each month. The April 2026 edition will be an exception, taking place at the Downtown Poulsbo Waterfront on April 24. Joshua Washburn and Brennan Webster, with the Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings as the month’s speakers, sharing their take on “Ember”.
Every CreativeMornings event is free and open to everyone, though advance registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mugs as part of the chapter’s sustainable BYO mug tradition, with coffee and pastries provided by generous local sponsors.
Local sponsors and collaborators who have helped sustain CreativeMornings Poulsbo include Vibe Coworks, Studebaker Design Company, Brittany Kelley Photography, Libro.fm, Pegasus Coffee, Dude’s Donuts, The Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN), and more.
Photographers and videographers regularly donate their time and services, including Full Circle Photo Company, Jello Penguin Productions, Logan Westom Photography, Scandia Studio, Inspire Creative Co., and others who help document the creative energy of each gathering.
As the chapter continues to grow, CreativeMornings Poulsbo welcomes additional sponsors and volunteers who want to help sustain free, community-driven creative programming in Kitsap.
Contact: poulsbo@creativemornings.com to get involved.
