Wilma Bryant

A visit to the Bryant’s’ home quickly tells the story of a couple who has traveled the world. This is due in-part to Wilma’s husband’s long and interesting career with the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), where Bob worked as an engineer while Wilma pursued a career as an executive secretary in the private sector. ARCO had the Bryants traveling the world, from our nation’s largest states of Texas and Alaska, to the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, and Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta.

After this globetrotting career, Wilma and Bob retired to Bellingham in 1994, falling in love with the community for all the reasons we all do (gorgeous water, stunning mountains, thriving art community…), but also because it was off the equator where they could enjoy four seasons and their favorite sports of skiing and sailing.

Wanting to contribute to the Bellingham community, soon after retirement Wilma found her way to the then Bellingham Festival of Music office with the offer to volunteer. Her volunteerism turned into a board position, where she served as Housing Chair and in other key positions until stepping down in 2007. Wilma rejoined the board in 2017, and serves on the Auction Committee, the Painted Violin Project Committee and Housing Committee.

A longtime supporter of the arts, Wilma has also served as a docent for the Whatcom Museum. A creative artist in her own right, Wilma’s counted cross-stitch creations of Ole Saint Nick and beautiful angels have been exhibited at the museum over several holiday seasons.

Wilma and Bob have two children, a daughter who lives in Dallas and a son who lives in Massachusetts – and four terrific grandchildren.