Get ‘In the Spirit’ with an Exhibit of Northwest Native History and Art
The 10th annual exhibit returns to the Washington State History Museum on July 16
TACOMA – July 1, 2015 – On July 16, as part of Free Third Thursday, join the Washington State History Museum for the debut of the 10th annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts Exhibit. The show and corresponding IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts Market & Festival, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8, blends Native American history and culture with contemporary art. With work on display from more than two dozen Northwest Native artisans, IN THE SPIRIT celebrates the region’s distinct tribal groups.
“Now in its 10th year, IN THE SPIRIT has become a treasured tradition at the History Museum,” said Jennifer Kilmer, Director of the Washington State Historical Society. “This year’s artists capture the juxtaposition of traditional and modern native culture beautifully, some with significant social and political messages.”
The 2015 exhibit will feature pieces of artwork in a variety of mediums, including paintings, prints, sculptures, photography, 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.
Each year during the exhibit, the Historical Society purchases one of the pieces to add to its collection. In honor of the 10th anniversary of IN THE SPIRIT, a special commemorative exhibit showcasing those Purchase Prize winners from the past 9 years will be on display as well.
During the Third Thursday opening on July 16, 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 to 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.
Schedule for Opening Night:
2 – 8pm: Free admission
5pm: Exhibit opening and carving demonstration
6:30pm: Awards presentation
The IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Art Market & Festival, which takes place from 12 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 8 in the History Museum’s outdoor plaza and amphitheater, will feature Native American culture sharing through storytelling, dance, song, and music. A tribal blessing will welcome attendees and artists will sell their unique creations throughout the day. Several artists will share the inspiration behind their exhibit entries during Gallery Talks, and the Shoalwater Bay Carving Apprenticeship Program will host carving demonstrations. Admission to the museum and the festival are free all day Aug. 8.
Market & Festival Schedule:
12pm Welcome & blessing
12:15pm Vince Redhouse, flute
1pm Alaska Kuteeyaa Dancers
2pm Rona YellowRobe Walsh, flute
3pm Intermission (Gallery Talks with Artists and Carving Demonstrations)
4:15pm Awards Announcements
4:30pm Scatter Their Own, rock music
5:30pm Le-La-La Dancers
Gallery Talks
3pm Vickie Era
3:15pm Charlie Bloomfield
3:30pm James Price
3:45pm Jacinthe TwoBulls
4pm Jeffrey Veregge
Carving Demonstrations
3 – 5pm Shoalwater Bay Carving Apprenticeship Program
History Museum hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended hours and free admission every third Thursday, 2 – 8 p.m. General admission is $11 for adults; $8 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 Bamford Foundation, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the Tacoma Arts Commission, the Wells Fargo Foundation, media sponsor KUOW-FM, and Click! Cable TV. For more information on the exhibit and festival please visit: www.InTheSpiritArts.org
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, www.WashingtonHistory.org