Silva Cascadia: Under the Spell of the Forest
February 3 - May 12, 2024
Silva Cascadia: Under the Spell of the Forest features two- and three-dimensional works by Northwest women artists inspired by forests and trees. From immersive environments to documentary portrayals, from lush expanses of innumerable, layered greens to individual black-and-white winter trees, each expression conveys the subtle, deep presence of these giant entities we often take for granted. With themes ranging from philosophical contemplation and history to the impacts of climate change and deforestation in our region and beyond, Silva Cascadia: Under the Spell of the Forest aims to provide contemplation, promote awareness, and inspire conversations.
Featured artists: Maria Cristalli, Linda Davidson, Kathleen Faulkner, Patty Haller, Laura Hamje, Hart James, Claire Johnson, Donna Leavitt, Karen Lené Rudd, Juliet Shen, Kimberly Trowbridge, and Suze Woolf.
Guest Curator: Kathleen Garrett
At the Seam: The Museum of Northwest Art’s Permanent Collection
February 3 - May 12, 2024
At the Seam: The Museum of Northwest Art’s Permanent Collection is an ongoing engagement with the collection as the place of contact of the many artistic identities of the region. The exhibition asks to look not only at the individual works but also at the ‘seams,’ where works representing different artistic trends and cultural identities come in touch with each other. When they come in contact with each other, these works tell stories of coexistence, contrast, and difference within the social fabric of the Northwest region, past and present.
My Roots: Honoring the Cultural Identity of Skagit Valley’s Under-Resourced Children
Outside In Gallery
February 3 - May 12, 2024
Children of the Valley (COV) is an after-school program in Skagit Valley whose mission is to serve under-resourced children and their families by valuing their cultural identity and empowering them through education, personal growth, and mentorship.
Each year, COV children explore their identity and culture through various forms of art. One art project they do is called "My Roots." While much of their time is spent working on reading and homework, it's equally important that children are in touch with their upbringing, culture, and identity. The “My Roots” project is a way for each child to explore, connect with, and honor their unique background.
Children start their project by exploring who they are through writing a poem titled “I Am,” which encourages each child to self-reflect on their identity. Taking inspiration from their poem, each child then paints a self-portrait or a scene on canvas depicting their background. By providing a safe environment for COV children to embrace their individuality, they develop self-assurance not only in their cultural backgrounds but also the courage to explore and discover their most authentic selves.
Image credit: Children of the Valley
This historical mural has undergone restoration and is on display in the Upstairs Galleries.