[A group of people in clothing AI-generated content may be incorrect.] Alaska Kuteeyaa Dancers at IN THE SPIRIT, 2024. Tacoma, WA – The IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/in-the-spirit-festival-2025/> <https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/in-the-spirit-festival-2025/> is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary on August 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in downtown Tacoma. This free community festival is hosted collaboratively by the Washington State History Museum (WSHM), Tacoma Art Museum (TAM), and the Museum of Glass (MOG). Over the last two decades, IN THE SPIRIT has honored Native arts, culture, and community. This year's festival will feature a juried art exhibition at WSHM, a market with more than 30 artisan vendors, food stalls, art demonstrations, and live performances. Headlining the performances at the WSHM amphitheater is the acclaimed indie rock project Black Belt Eagle Scout, led by singer-songwriter Katherine Paul (Swinomish/Iñupiaq). Other performances include the heavy rock trio LOZEN (Puyallup), Native American Flute Player of the Year, Rona Yellow Robe (Chippewa Cree Tribe), rapper Blue Flamez (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), and traditional song and dance by the Alaska Kuteeyaa Dancers (Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Aleut, Muckleshoot, and Quileute). "As a Tlingit artist, IN THE SPIRIT is more than just an event; it is a sacred space for cultural connection, creativity, and community," said artist and performer Shaadootlaa Iyall. "For twenty years, this celebration has brought together Native artists, culture bearers, and supporters in joy and solidarity. Most meaningful of all has been watching my children grow through this space as they now create and share their own cultural artwork." At the WSHM, guests can explore the exhibition IN THE SPIRIT: Contemporary Native Arts, featuring works from 30 artists representing 27 tribes from across the nation. The showcase includes a diverse array of artworks—painting, carving, weaving, quillwork, sculpture, photography, multimedia, and digital art. Each piece is accompanied by an artist statement offering context and deeper insight into the works and their themes. Guests will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece to receive the "People's Choice Award." At 2:00 PM, TAM will host the popular IN THE SPIRIT Indigenous Fashion Show, led by award-winning designer Mary Kelsay (Native Village of Nikolski) of MEKA Clothing. The show will highlight the work of several contemporary fashion designers who draw inspiration from ancestral motifs and techniques. At the MOG, guests can enjoy glass art demonstrations by Joseph Seymour, Jr. in the Hot Shop. Additionally, the museum's plaza will host Glass Fest Northwest, featuring local artisans, food, drinks, and music. IN THE SPIRIT is guided by the WSHM Native Advisory Committee, which aims to enhance cultural appreciation, support Native artists, and celebrate the diversity of Native arts. IN THE SPIRIT is partly funded by the Tacoma Arts Commission, City of Tacoma, and Tacoma Venues & Events. For more information about the festival, please visit www.InTheSpiritArts.org<http://www.InTheSpiritArts.org>. ### About The Washington State Historical Society and History Museum The Washington State Historical Society works with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Its most prominent activity is the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma's Museum District on Pacific Avenue. The museum features interactive core exhibitions about Washington in the Great Hall, rotating special exhibitions, and various public events and programs that cover a wide range of historical topics. The WSHS provides curriculum resources, downloadable exhibitions, and educational support across the state, as well as consultation and resources for museums and heritage organizations.