Photo courtesy of Washington State History Museum
NORTHWEST BEAT. Coast Salish drummers are shown here performing at a past “In the Spirit” festival. This years event takes place Aug. 7 and 8 in front of the Washington State History Museum and offers free shows by Native American performers, food and arts vendors.
For the fifth year, the Washington State History Museum will be celebrating local native culture through the two-day outdoor event In The Spirit: Native Arts Market and Festival.
Running in conjunction with the juried art exhibit of contemporary Northwest Native art, the festival brings together performances, music, food and original art vendors to the museum’s front yard.
The museum’s art exhibit, on display now, showcases the work of contemporary Native American artists, all living and working in the Pacific Northwest, and runs through Sept. 19. A jury comprised of Native American art experts selected the exhibit’s featured pieces, and more awards will be announced at the market and festival, held Aug. 7 and 8.
The Native Arts Market and Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, and all outdoor attractions are free.
The market will feature 27 Northwest Native artisans selling their handcrafted goods and showing their technique through live demonstrations of weaving, carving, beading and print making, to name a few.
Dancers, musicians and storytellers will be performing throughout both days, entertaining guests and exposing locals to traditions of the region’s ancestors.
Event organizer Kimberly Adams noted that the event has grown over the years in size as more people discover this unique weekend festival.
“It’s a free outdoor event and the weather is usually beautiful. We want people to come out, have a little fun and celebrate tradition,” she said. “Guests are able to enjoy the outdoors while watching some great performances and exquisite Native American art pieces.”
Native food will also be available to hungry visitors, with a traditional Salish salmon bake being the main course for this summer.
“In the Spirit Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit” features 21 Northwest artists who exemplify the ability to blend contemporary and traditional styles. On Aug. 7 there will be four artist-hosted gallery tours: Odin Lonning at 11 a.m.; Linley Logan at 11:30 a.m.; Erin Genia at noon and Sondra Simone Segundo at 2 p.m. Regular admission will be charged to enter the gallery. See the full schedule of performances at left.
In The Spirit festival is one of three large-scale celebrations that the History Museum hosts annually. The two other events are in conjunction with the long-time Model Trains Exhibit and the Folk Art exhibit. Washington State History Museum is located at 1911 Pacific Ave. Summer hours run through Sept. 5: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. 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 and military, children under 5 are free.
For more info call 1-888-BE THERE or visit http://www.WashingtonHistory.org
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