Kim Mitchell

Bio: Whether she’s wandering the woods, scouring thrift stores, or diving into a new skill, Kim is happiest when she’s exploring. She’s drawn to foraged and found materials—objects with a story or a soul—and swears that the right twig, tool, or texture can spark an entire project. Her work spans from hand-hewn driftwood arrows and Northwest-inspired papercuts to delicate glasswork, one piece of which even found its way to the White House Christmas tree.

On getting unstuck: “Creative flow comes naturally when I’m learning. Curiosity and growth are my fuel—when I’m stretching, the ideas follow.”

On creative community: “For the past five years, I’ve taught woodworking and ceramics to curious kids whose fearless creativity constantly recharges me. I also draw inspiration from ancestral skills gatherings, basketweaving circles, and the Fire and Rain Glass Bead Society. And I still collaborate with my longtime friend Sabina Boehm—we’ve been making glass art together since our shared studio days, 25 years ago.”

On PNW trolls: Kim created the wooden signs for all six Northwest Troll installations, including Jakob Two Trees in Issaquah, using reclaimed wood aligning with the mission of beloved Danish artist Thomas Dambo. 

On inspiration: “I’m mesmerized by the shimmer of light on water—moonlight on Issaquah Creek, or mist curling off Lake Sammamish during a winter plunge. That’s my kind of magic.”

On grit: Kim is the co-founder of the Issaquah Cold Plungers Group, which meets at 9:45 a.m. at Sunset Beach in Lake Sammamish State Park during the colder months. “Plunging resets my brain. It keeps me sharp, present, and a little bit brave.”

Hometown: Issaquah, Washington

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