WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM CELEBRATES NATIVE AMERICAN TRADITION AND INNOVATION
In the Spirit: Northwest Native Arts Exhibit Opens July 9
In the Spirit: Native Arts Market & Festival August 8 and 9
TACOMA – – The Washington State History Museum and The Evergreen State College Longhouse Education and Cultural Center present the fourth annual In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit, Market and Festival. The exhibit’s featured artwork has been selected by a three-member jury comprised of local experts in Native American art. The exhibit opens July 9 and will be on display through August 30.
In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit will showcase the work of 30 contemporary Native American artists, all living and working in the Pacific Northwest. A weekend festival August 8 and 9 will offer guests an opportunity to partake in Native American traditions, purchase fine art and support these local artists. In the Spirit is a celebration of how today’s Native art connects traditional artistic heritage and contemporary forms of expression.
Exhibit opening reception FREE and open to the public
On July 16, beginning at 5 p.m., Join the festivities as we open the fourth annual In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit. A performance, opening remarks, a brief awards ceremony, and a blessing celebrate the opening of this exhibit. Guests can vote for their favorite artwork while viewing the exhibit; the winner of the People’s Choice vote will be announced at the close of the Native Arts Market & Festival Aug. 9.
2009 In the Spirit: Northwest Native Arts Market & Festival
Saturday, Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 9 from noon to 5 p.m.
Outdoor activities FREE; regular admission prices for activities inside the Museum.
A two-day market and festival will take place in the History Museum’s Boeing Outdoor Amphitheater and Plaza. Check out a variety of products from some of the best Pacific Northwest weavers, printmakers, carvers, bead artists and other artisans.
The market will feature a variety of talented artisans selling their wares and offering live art demonstrations. Additionally, visitors can experience Native American culture by taking in live performances by local Native dancers, musicians, and storytellers.
For more information about the In the Spirit exhibit and festival, please visit www.WashingtonHistory.org.
In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit was developed by The Washington State History Museum and The Evergreen State College Longhouse Education and Cultural Center.
Sample images:
High resolution photos available upon request from kadams@wshs.wa.gov. More images available than shown.
All photos courtesy of Washington State Historical Society.
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Museum guests gather around "Snow in Shadows," Sheila Ezelle's |
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Traditional Native American mask by Bonita Cleveland, from the 2007 In the Spirit: Contemporary Native Arts Exhibit. Stay tuned for what 2009 will have to offer! (Washington State Historical Society) |
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Guests browse more than 20 local, Native American artists’ booths during the 2008 In The Spirit Native Arts Market and Festival. (Christopher Nelson photo, Washington State Historical Society.) |
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About the Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum, flagship of the Washington State Historical Society, is located at 1911 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, just off 1-5. The Washington State History Museum presents exhibits, programs, and events that bring to life the stories of Washington's history. The Washington State Historical Society has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washington's rich and varied history since 1891. For more information, please call 1-888-BE-THERE or visit our Web site, WashingtonHistory.org.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM, with extended hours and FREE admission every third Thursday, 2 – 8 PM; Sunday NOON – 5 PM.
Admission: $25 for families (two adults and up to four children); $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, age 60 and above; $6 for students and military with valid ID; children, age 5 and below, and members are always FREE.
Media Contact:
Kimberly Adams
Public Relations Coordinator
Washington State History Museum
Washington State Historical Society
T. 253-798-5877
F. 253-272-9518
kadams@wshs.wa.gov
