Seattle’s oldest neighborhood is home to dozens of art galleries. The First Thursday art walk in Pioneer Square began in the early 1960s and is still going strong today. On First Thursday, galleries often showcase new exhibits from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
First Thursday parking is free from 5 – 10 p.m. at Frye Garage (117 Third Ave. S.), Butler Garage (114 James St.) and 450 Alaskan (450 Alaskan Way - entrance on King Street). To redeem, pick up a voucher at participating Pioneer Square stores, restaurants or galleries.
Here are a few shows you may want to visit July 5.
“Unpacking Homelessness: A Path with Art & Pearl Jam Collaboration”
Pearl Jam is raising money and awareness about homelessness through two Seatle concerts the second week of August. As part of the event they’ve teamed up with Path with Art students to design a limited-edition series of posters. Two posters were chosen but all of the posters the students made will be on display on First Thursday. Lead guitarist Mike McCready said it’s important to recognize that people who have experienced homelessness have skills and talents.
From Path with Art: “The artists who designed the posters come from diverse backgrounds, but the majority have found themselves living on the street at some point in their lives, and all have found solace in the arts. One artist, Aaron, designed a poster around his beloved purple backpack, which was stolen a few years ago from where he was sleeping — under a bridge adjacent to Safeco Field, the site of the upcoming Pearl Jam Home Shows.”
WHAT: “Unpacking Homelessness: A Path with Art & Pearl Jam Collaboration”
WHEN: Aug. 2, 8 and 10, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. or by appointment through the month of August
WHERE: Path with Art, 312 2nd Ave. S., Seattle
“Double Exposure: Edward S. Curtis, Marianne Nicolson, Tracy Rector, Will Wilson” at Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
First Thursday brings oppoprtunity north of Pioneer Square, too; you can enjoy half off admission for “Double Exposure” at the Seattle Art Museum. The exhibition features the work of three contemporary Indigenous artists and photographs from Curtis. The works include an onsite installation from Nicolson, five videos including one in virtual reality format from Rector and talking tintype portraits by Wilson.
Alongside their works are more than 150 photographs, audio field recordings made on wax cylinders and rare items belonging to Curtis, a White man who documented the lives of Native people. He’s been popular for years but SAM is taking a critical look at his legacy in “Double Exposure.” His methods were often problematic, furthering false narratives about Native people.
Asia Tail, artist, curator and citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, served on the advisory committee for the show.
“My hope is that we can leverage this opportunity and the exposure that comes with a large museum exhibition to benefit Indigenous peoples, and try to mediate as much harm as we can along the way,” said Tail. “I think there is something healing about seeing Marianne, Tracy and Will subvert the same technological tools he used to objectify Native peoples to tell our own stories through our own lens.”
Before you stop by SAM, read our write up of the show, "Double Exposure: Seattle Art Museum showcases Native artists and shines a critical light on the legacy of photographer Edward S. Curtis," from the July 11 issue.
WHAT: “Double Exposure: Edward S. Curtis, Marianne Nicolson, Tracy Rector, Will Wilson”
WHEN: Runs until Sept. 9. Tickets discounted for First Thursday
WHERE: Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave., Seattle
“George Rodriguez” at Seattle Art Fair
In April, Real Change profiled ceramicist Rodriguez and his show at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA). If you missed that show, you can see his newest set of work at the Seattle Art Fair, an annual celebration of art produced by Vulcan Arts + Entertainment and Art Market Productions.
From the gallery: “Seattle sculptor George Rodriguez is not afraid to address sensitive sociopolitical issues. Rooted in his study of traditional temple guardian figures from around the world, Rodriguez’s highly individualized ceramic forms reveal the inherent commonality at our core.
“For this next body of work, he continues to explore themes of protection, inclusion and sanctity using the Chinese Zodiac as framework. Distilling the traits of individual family members and friends, Rodriguez renders decorative animal portraits distinctly related to their corresponding humans while presenting them simultaneously as one community.
“Pairing his characteristic playful grace with the regal quality of Ai WeiWei’s Circle of Animals, Rodriguez’s sculptures extend the same reverence embodied in traditional guardian statuary to his own people. They are the protectors, the allies, the companions.”
WHAT: “George Rodriguez” at Seattle Art Fair
WHEN: August 2 – 5
WHERE: CenturyLink Field Event Center, 1000 Occidental Ave. S, Seattle
Check out the full July 25 - July 31 issue.
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