![]() “One of the absolute joys of contemporary art, and contemporary Native American art specifically, is its ability to thrust current issues forward into the spotlight. “I now had something to look forward to, something to take my mind off of the news of the day, even if only temporarily, but more importantly it was an opportunity for Native artists to once again show their work. Then I received word that IN THE SPIRIT would go on, maybe later in the year, maybe virtual, but it was going to happen. As painful as this was, I understood, but 2020 looked to be a year entirely void of arts and culture. “This is the power of art to me, so when one by one, all of my cherished events from Canoe Journey to SWAIA Indian Market got cancelled, I saw only dark clouds on the horizon. “It was contemporary Native artists who first showed me what it looked like to be Native and living in the 21st century, where we retained our past, heritage and culture, and yet thrived in the modern world. But, then again, if life imitates art, perhaps art can help lift us and point us to a better future? For me, the arts do just that and exhibitions such as IN THE SPIRIT play a major role in grounding me, connecting me with my Native heritage and instilling hope. “During these troubled times it would be easy to dismiss art as non-essential, and to an extent, this is understandable. We also invite you to read statements (below) from two of this year’s jurors. Many of these works are available for purchase and the artist’s contact information is included with their statements. Click the links above to see the 24 works of art and to learn more about the artists. The 15th Annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts exhibition was held virtually (the History Museum was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Over time, this annual exhibition has become an established regional event featuring works from new and established artists, alike and while the Longhouse has gone on to expand their own Native arts endeavors, they continue to have a valued presence in the legacy that was created for the IN THE SPIRIT exhibition and companion festival. ![]() The result was the first In the Spirit: Contemporary Native Arts exhibition. In 2006, the Washington State Historical Society and the “House of Welcome” Longhouse Education and Cultural Center at Evergreen State College began a partnership with the intention of celebrating the best emerging contemporary Native art in the region and providing a venue for an annual exhibition that would highlight the efforts of these artists juried by experts in the field. Wenatchee Valley Museum: How Can I Keep on Singing?.International Women’s Year Oral History Project. ![]() ![]()
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