As First Thursday approaches, galleries in Pioneer Square are gearing up for one of the most popular days of the month for art enthusiasts. Seattle’s oldest neighborhood is home to dozens of galleries and the first Thursday of the month is when they often showcase new exhibitions and artists from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (hours vary at each gallery).
First Thursday parking is free from 5pm – 10 pm at Frye Garage (117 3rd Ave S) and Butler Garage (114 James Street). To redeem, pick up a voucher at participating Pioneer Square stores, restaurants, or galleries.
Here are a few new shows you may want to check out.
“Bloodlines”
“Bloodlines” is a group exhibition bringing together the talents of nine artists who create artwork as a method of reclaiming, preserving and transforming the role of cultural heritage in their lives. According to the gallery the artists are exploring familial relationships, the lingering effects of diaspora and how ancestral memories shape the way we exist in the modern world. Works by Jite Agbro, MalPina Chan, Derek Dizon, Priscilla Dobler, Raychelle Duazo, Samina Islam, Steve Jensen, Barry Johnson and Storme Webber are featured in the show.
Agbro’s work draws from her personal experience growing up in both American and Nigerian cultures while Islam showcases richly embroidered photographic works drawing from her family history and her identity as a Dutch-Pakistani woman. Visitors to this show can expect to see portraits, printmaking, mixed-media installations and comic book-esque graphic work.
WHAT: “Bloodlines”
WHERE: ArtXchange Gallery, 512 First Ave. S.
WHEN: Runs until Nov. 25, gallery hours Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
“What We Treasure: Stories of Yesler Terrace”
“What We Treasure: Stories of Yesler Terrace” at SOIL gallery is the culmination of a yearlong project at Yesler Terrace, the first racially integrated public housing development in the country. The installation features work by Yesler Terrace Artists-in-Residence Art Circle, Rachel Kessler, George Lee, and DK Pan.
Throughout their year of collecting stories with East African, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican and Black elders and youth, they have created community-generated artwork focusing on the gravitational pull of home. The exhibit features both the old Yesler Terrace and visions of the new. Working with different generations of immigrant residents, the artists have gathered stories, documented place, created visual artworks and taught movement to residents of the greater Yesler Terrace community.
WHAT: “What We Treasure: Stories of Yesler Terrace”
WHERE: SOIL gallery, 112 Third Ave. S.
WHEN: Runs until Oct. 28, First Thursday Oct. 5, 6 – 8 p.m., gallery hours Thursday through Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.
“COMPENDIUM”
“COMPENDIUM” is a group exhibition set to open at Treason Gallery. It’s billed as “an exploration of the contemporary abstract movement post graffiti.” The artists participating in the show highlight an eclectic blend of local, national and international artists all communicating through the visual language known as abstract art. Ranging in sizes and disciplines, “COMPENDIUM” seeks to be a well-rounded perspective of the contemporary abstract artist. Work from Mad C, Derek Bruno, Florence Blanchard, Remi Rough, Seikon, Clark Goolsby, Allison Renshaw, Sen2, Augustine Kofie, Monci, Zest, Jason Woodside, Vizie, Jeremy Brown, Demsky, Sean Barton, ThankYouX and Stash.
WHAT: “COMPENDIUM”
WHERE: Treason Gallery, 319 Third Ave S.
WHEN: Runs until Oct. 28, First Thurs.
6 – 9 p.m., gallery hours Thurs. – Saturday noon – 6 p.m.
Lisa Edge is a Staff Reporter covering arts, culture and equity. Have a story idea? She can be reached at lisae (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @NewsfromtheEdge, Facebook
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