From: tacomaart-bounces@cityoftacoma.org on behalf of Phoebe Keleman [pkeleman@tacomaartmuseum.org]
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:13 PM
To: TacomaArt@cityoftacoma.org
Subject: [TacomaArt] Tacoma Art Museum Presents "A Concise History ofNorthwest Art"
Attachments: ATT223136.txt
1701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
NEWS RELEASE
July 15, 2009
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Phoebe Keleman, Marketing and Communications Assistant, 253.272.4258 x3047, pkeleman@TacomaArtMuseum.org
Tacoma Art Museum Examines Regional Art History and Trends
with A Concise History of Northwest Art
(Tacoma, WA) A Concise History of Northwest Art, on view at Tacoma Art Museum October 3, 2009, through May 23, 2010, will offer a focused view of the scope and development of Northwest art, drawing on key works from the museum's permanent collection. Works will range from the 1890s to the present day, highlighting major movements, important figures, and pivotal moments in the history of Northwest art.
The history of Northwest art is both rich and complex, starting with the native peoples of the region and greatly expanding with the arrival of Anglo-American artists in the mid- and late nineteenth century. Local artists gradually formed a dedicated community in the early twentieth century, and that community changed and adapted over the course of the century. Northwest artists have captured the ambitions and visions of many generations and defined how residents of the region saw themselves in relationship to the world. A Concise History of Northwest Art offers a look at the art history of Washington, Oregon, western Montana, and British Columbia, exploring how national and international trends and the unique characteristics of this region shaped the art and art history of the Pacific Northwest.
"How these artists found particular stylistic voices from their work here in the Pacific Northwest will be a key point of the exhibition," said Rock Hushka, Director of Curatorial Administration and Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art for Tacoma Art Museum. "We also hope visitors leave with a new understanding of the importance of the visual arts in defining this region and our sense of what it means to live and work here." The exhibition will include paintings, photography, works on paper, sculpture, conceptually based installation, and new media. Featured artists will include Imogen Cunningham, Mark Tobey, Jacob Lawrence, Peggy Strong, James Lavadour, Claire Cowie, and others.
A Concise History of Northwest Art will include opportunities for visitors to share their thoughts and opinions on the selection of works and the definition of Northwest art as presented by the curators. Video interviews with prominent members of the arts community and online discussions will also play a role in the structure of the exhibition.
Organized by Tacoma Art Museum, the exhibition will be the first in a series underscoring the strengths of the permanent collection in preparation for the museum's 75th anniversary celebration in October 2010. Support for the exhibition is generously provided by City Arts.
Tacoma Art Museum connects people and builds community through art. The museum serves the diverse communities of the region through its collection, exhibitions, and learning programs, emphasizing art and artists from the Northwest. The museum's five galleries display an array of major national shows, the best of Northwest art, creatively themed exhibitions, and historical retrospectives. In addition, there is an Education Wing for children, adults, and seniors with an art resource center, classroom, and studio for art making. Tacoma Art Museum is located in Tacoma's Museum District, near the Museum of Glass, the Washington State History Museum, and historic Union Station.
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SUMMER HOURS TuesdaysSaturdays 10 am5 pm, Third Thursdays 10 am8 pm, Sundays 125 pm.
ADMISSION Adult $9, Student/Military/Senior (65+) $8, Family $25 (2 adults and up to 4 children under 18). Children 5 and under free. Third Thursdays free. Members always free.
CONTACT 253.272.4258, www.TacomaArtMuseum.org, info@TacomaArtMuseum.org