PHOTO COURTESY OF WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM
NATIVE PRIDE. Native American dancers perform at the Washington State History Museum’s Native American Market and Festival last year. This year the event, which is expected to draw upwards of 2,00 people, will be held outside the museum on Pacific Avenue Aug 8 and 9. A contemporary Native American art exhibit is currently on display at the museum and will run through August.
This summer art and culture indigenous to this region will be on display for all to see.
Native American artwork from artists throughout the Pacific Northwest will be on display at the Washington State History Museum throughout August, and live cultural performances will be presented at one of the museum’s biggest events of the year.
“Living in Tacoma, we’re immersed in Native American cultures and traditions,” said Kimberly Adams, public relations coordinator at the Washington State History Museum. “It’s important to celebrate that.”
“In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit” is currently open at the museum and features 30 contemporary Native American artists, all living and working in the Northwest. An official opening reception for the exhibit will be on July 16 beginning at 5 p.m.
A performance from the Puyallup Tribe’s Grandview Early Learning Center students will open the exhibit officially to the pubic, and artists will be present during the reception so guests can view the artwork with the artists on hand. Refreshments will also be served.
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 and Festival Aug. 9.
The fourth annual “In The Spirit: Market and Festival” will be held outside of the museum Aug. 8 and 9 during regular museum hours.
The two-day market and festival will take place in the museum’s outdoor amphitheater and plaza. Visitors will be able to 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 artists 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.
“People love Native art – we always get requests to see more Native art,” Adams said. “At this event, people can peruse these exquisite artwork pieces, performances, dancing, storytelling and food.”
The exhibit will run through August 30, with a free opening reception July 16 at 5 p.m. and the free outdoor Market and Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug 8 and noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 9. Regular admission to the exhibit will be charged to those wishing to enter the museum during the festival.
Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours and free admission every third Thursday, 2-8 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $25 for families (two adults and up to four children); $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, age 60 and above; $6 for students, military and children under 5. For more information, call (253) 272-9747 or visit http://www.wshs.org
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