The free IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival is returning to the Washington State History Museum on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This highly anticipated event, in correlation with the IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts Exhibition, is a vibrant celebration of Native arts and culture, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the richness of contemporary Native creativity and directly support talented artists.

 

“Washington’s cultural history begins with the Indigenous people of this land,” said Washington State Historical Society Director, Jennifer Kilmer. “IN THE SPIRIT is an event that celebrates the presence, and continuation of Native art and culture today.”

 

Visitors are invited to view the IN THE SPIRIT exhibition, which showcases the work of 26 Native artists from across the country. The exhibition highlights a juried selection of Native art that ranges from traditional craftsmanship to cutting-edge contemporary styles.

 

The Arts Market will feature selected Native artisan vendors, offering an array of crafts, jewelry, and artworks for visitors to purchase. Many of the artists featured in the exhibition will be in attendance as vendors. Additionally, there will be art-making opportunities for attendees to create something of their own.

 

A wide range of performances will take place throughout the day in the Washington State History Museum amphitheater. The festivities will kick off at noon with a special blessing by Puyallup Cultural Director Connie McCloud (Puyallup). At 12:30 p.m., the renowned 2014 & 2016 Native American Flute Player of the Year, Rona Yellow Robe (Chippewa Cree Tribe), will share traditional songs. At 2 p.m., the Alaska Kuteeyaa Dancers (Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Aleut, Muckleshoot, and Quielute) will take the audience on a journey through time, sharing songs and dances passed down for generations. Closing out the festival with a bang will be celebrated heavy-rock duo, Lozen (Puyallup and Indigenous Mexican), playing their first show in five years at IN THE SPIRIT. 

 

The Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass will also be offering complimentary admission and programming for IN THE SPIRIT on Aug. 12. The Tacoma Art Museum will feature works from talented Native artists, including Paige Pettibon (Confederated Salish and Kootenai). 

 

Pettibon’s art spans across various mediums, and her pieces are deeply influenced by her Indigenous and multicultural heritage. Visitors can meet Paige Pettibon and witness her creative process firsthand from 1-4 p.m. at the Tacoma Art Museum.

 

Over at the Museum of Glass, Glass Fest Northwest will take center-stage, celebrating glass art by bringing together local artists and artisans, food, drinks, music, and interactive activities on the plaza. Inside the Museum, visitors will have the opportunity to witness renowned weaver Nancy Burgess (Umpqua) as she creates new works inspired by hat and basket forms from her weaving practice.

 

The IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival is a result of the collaborative efforts between the Washington State History Museum and the Native Advisory Committee. Together, they aim to foster cultural appreciation, support Native artists, and celebrate the diversity of Native arts.

 

We wish to acknowledge that this festival takes place on the traditional lands of the Puyallup People who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We pay respect to their people past and present.

 

For more information about the festival and other related events, please visit the Washington State History Museum’s website at www.washingtonhistory.org.