Submitted by Washington State History Museum
On June 19, as part of Third Thursday, join the Washington State History Museum for the debut of its ninth annual “In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts” exhibit. The show and corresponding “In the Spirit: Northwest Native Arts Market and Festival,” which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, blends Native American history and culture with contemporary art. With work on display from two dozen Northwest Native artisans, “In the Spirit” is designed to celebrate the region’s distinct tribal groups.
“The ‘In the Spirit’ exhibit and festival are a flagship summer event for the museum and our surrounding community, and we’re fortunate to be able to host this year’s opening on Third Thursday, when guests can come enjoy the exhibit with free admission,” said Jennifer Kilmer, Director of the Washington State Historical Society. “We always aim to explore our state’s heritage from interesting and diverse angles, and this year’s artists capture the juxtaposition of traditional and modern culture beautifully.”
The 2014 exhibit will feature 27 pieces of artwork in a variety of mediums, including paintings, prints, sculptures, weavings, and mixed media pieces. There will be a mix of returning artists and award-winners, as well as first-time exhibitors, who present a different perspective and aesthetic.
During the Third Thursday opening on June 19, museum visitors are invited to get the first look at the exhibit and mingle with the contributing artists and fellow guests; as a part of Third Thursday, admission will be free from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. The judging panel, comprised of artists and Native American art experts, will present this year’s winners in four categories: “Best of Show,” “Celebrating the Northwest,” “Celebrating Tradition” and “Celebrating Innovation.” The coveted “People’s Choice” First Place and Second Place awards will be presented during the August festival, based on votes collected throughout the exhibit.
Exhibit hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended hours and free admission every third Thursday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. General admission is $9.50 for adults; $7 for seniors and students; free for children age 5 and below, and members are always free. The “In the Spirit” exhibit and festival are organized by the Washington State Historical Society; made possible in part by the generous support from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the Tacoma Arts Commission, the Tulalip Tribes, and media sponsor KUOW-FM. For more information on the exhibit and festival please click here.
