In 1998 Ruth Harris, a former nurse and teacher with a passion for art, decided to make a bold move. She opened an art school in downtown Bremerton with two students. The school focused on drawing instruction. The small art school began to thrive as students throughout Kitsap County attended classes, growing their love for art and developing both artistic and life skills. In 2000, Ruth wanted to make art more accessible. She moved the school to its current Silverdale location and expanded to new locations. Thinking outside the walls of the school, Ruth and her staff also brought art instruction to Juvenile Hall, community events, and in-home parties. By 2007 the school changed its name to Kitsap Art School of the Arts and was now teaching other media beyond drawing.

Before the pandemic in early 2020, the school was purchased by another visionary woman, Sarmila Basu, a Microsoft executive, former Kirkland Art Center board member and passionate supporter of the arts.

Like, Ruth before her, Sarmila also had a bold vision: to build on the solid foundation of the school and expand the art offerings in Kitsap County. She changed the name to Kitsap Art Center and is using her energy and connections in the art community to excite both staff and students with new learning opportunities. In spite of the challenges of the pandemic, the school is thriving and remains committed to providing quality art instruction in a safe learning environment.