He Washington State Museum of History‘s highly anticipated 18he annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts the exhibition returns July 22 to 24th September. This juried exhibition features 36 original works by 26 Native American artists from across the United States.
The curated exhibition features a wide range of media including beadwork, painting, carving, glass, basketry, textiles, mixed media, and digital works. From traditional crafts to innovative contemporary styles, the artworks showcase a broad spectrum of today’s native art.
Each piece on display will be accompanied by an artist statement, offering guests valuable insight into the context and cultural influences. A particularly striking painting, “Dancing Crow” by Shana Yellow Calf (registered Northern Arapaho), beautifully captures her blend of native artistic styles and modern inspirations.
“He fusion of the Raven mask with ballet it comes from my granddaughters who dance the traditional native style and also ballet,” she said. “It’s a combination of two worlds and the grace not only of the dance, but also of Raven’s stories.”
Shana Yellow Calf has been producing art in various media since the 1990s. Her contemporary art reflects her Plains heritage, her mother’s Chippewa/Metis ancestry, along with a Pacific Northwest influence from the Puget Sound area. in Washington, where he grew up. Shana is listed in the Inland Source Directory for Native American Artists. she appeared in “Indianz” magazine in November 2020 as one of its featured artists. The Soil Gallery in Seattle exhibited Shana’s art and carvings in November 2019. She is also a member of the Two Waters Art Alliance at Gig Harbor.
The highlight of the opening night on Saturday, July 22 at 5:30pm will be the presentation of the IN THE SPIRIT Artist Awards 2023. Guests will enjoy first access to the exhibition, light refreshments and an awards ceremony with contributing artists. Award categories include Best in Show, Spirit of the Northwest, Honoring Innovation, Honoring Ancestors, and the Purchase Award. Throughout the exhibition, guests will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award. This event is free with registration.
IN THE SPIRIT Awards are carefully selected through a blind judging process, following predetermined criteria. The judging panel consists of a rotating selection of native artists and subject matter experts. The 2023 jurors include José E. Montaño (Aymara-Quechua), Paige Pettibon (Confederated Salish and Kootenai), and Tisa Matheson (Nimiipuu).
Montaño is a genuinely inspired designer, having designed many award-winning stylistically innovative projects including fine art exhibits, television commercials, music videos and live events. He has been nominated for two MTV Awards for Best Art Direction and won for designing him for REM’s “Losing My Religion.” Pettibon is a Tacoma-based artist. Her work is in fine visual arts and she works in multiple media including acrylics, oils, watercolors, fiber art, jewelry, digital design, and other mediums. Matheson He currently resides in Spokane and is a passionate multimedia artist focusing on the cultures of the Columbia River Plateau.
Each year, the Washington State History Museum works closely with a Native Advisory Committee to shape the exhibition and the accompanying IN THE SPIRIT Northwest Indian Festival and Arts Market. The highly anticipated free indoor/outdoor community festival, held on August 12 from 10 am to 5 pm, serves as a celebration of native culture. The festival features an artist vendor market, cultural music and dance performances, opportunities to create art, and free access to Washington State History. Museumtacoma art Museumand Museum Glass for the day.
In appreciation of our active duty military families, the Blue Star museums program, and the Washington State History Museum offers free admission for up to five family members with valid identification from May 29 to September 4.
IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts exhibition is made possible, in part, through the generous support of Tacoma Venues & Events.
Get all the details of the “IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts” exhibition and more at washingtonhistory.org.
Exhibitions and events Dates and links
IN IT SPIRIT Contemporary Native Art Exhibition
July 22 to September 24
At the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405 https://www.washingtonhistory.
IN IT SPIRIT Artist Awards and Opening Night
FREE with registration
July 22, 5:30-7pm
At the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405 https://www.washingtonhistory.
IN IT SPIRIT Northwest Native Festival and Arts Market
FREE
Saturday, August 12, 10 am to 5 pm
At the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405
https://www.washingtonhistory.
