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[A picture containing font, graphics, screenshot, design Description automatically generated]NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6, 2023 MEDIA CONTACT: Derek Nguyen, Marketing and Communications Director, Washington State Historical Society, 253-317-1273 derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov<mailto:derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov> 18th Annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts exhibition celebrates Native American Artistry [A painting of a bird with a long beak Description automatically generated]Tacoma, WA – The Washington State History Museum<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/>’s highly anticipated 18th annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/in-the-spirit-2023/> exhibition is returning July 22 through September 24, 2023. This juried exhibition features 36 original works by 26 Native American artists from across the United States. The curated exhibition features a diverse array of mediums including beadwork, painting, carving, glass, basketry, textiles, mixed media, and digital works. From traditional craftsmanship to innovative contemporary styles, the artworks showcase a broad spectrum of Native art today. Each piece on display will be accompanied by an artist’s statement, offering guests valuable insight into cultural context and influences. One particularly striking painting Raven Dancer by Shana Yellow Calf (Enrolled Northern Arapaho) beautifully captures her blend of Native artistic styles and modern inspirations. “The merging of the mask of Raven with ballet [Shana Yellow Calf (Enrolled Northern Arapaho) Raven Dancer, 2023, 36”x48”] stems from my granddaughters who both dance traditional Native style and also ballet,” she said. “It’s a combination of two worlds and the gracefulness of not just dance but the stories of Raven.” [A wooden sculpture of a fish head Description automatically generated]The highlight of opening night on Saturday, July 22 at 5:30 PM will be the presentation of the 2023 IN THE SPIRIT Artist Awards. Guests will enjoy first access to the exhibition, light refreshments, and an awards ceremony with contributing artists. The awards categories include Best in Show, Spirit of the Northwest, Honoring Innovation, Honoring the Ancestors, and the Purchase Prize. Throughout the run of the exhibition, guests will have the opportunity to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award. This event is free with registration. IN THE SPIRIT awards are carefully selected through a blind-jury process, adhering to pre-[James Johnson (Tlingit) Tlingit Sea Lion Helmet, 2021, 14”x9”]determined criteria. The jury panel consists of a rotating selection of Native artists and subject experts. The 2023 jurors include José E. Montaño (Aymara-Quechua), Paige Pettibon (Confederated Salish and Kootenai), and Tisa Matheson (Nimiipuu). [A red and white glass bowl Description automatically generated] Each year, the Washington State History Museum works closely with a Native Advisory Committee to shape the exhibition and the accompanying IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival. The highly anticipated free indoor/outdoor community festival, held on August 12 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, serves as a celebration of Native culture. The festival features an artist vendor market, cultural music and dance performances, art-making opportunities, and free access to the Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, and Museum of Glass for the day. In appreciation to our active-duty military families, the Blue Star [Daniel Joseph Friday (Lummi Nation) Chief Tsi’lixw Basket, 2022, 14”x14”] Museums program, and the Washington State History Museum offers complimentary admission for up to five family members with valid ID from May 29 through September 4. The IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts exhibition has been made possible, in part, through the generous support of Tacoma Venues & Events. Get all the details for IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts exhibition and more at washingtonhistory.org<http://washingtonhistory.org/>. # # # Exhibitions and Events Dates and Links: IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts Exhibition<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/in-the-spirit-2023/> July 22 through September 24, 2023 At the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405 https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/in-the-spirit-2023/ IN THE SPIRIT Artist Awards and Opening Night<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/in-the-spirit-artist-awards-2023/> FREE with registration July 22, 2023, 5:30 to 7:00 PM At the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405 https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/in-the-spirit-artist-awards-2023/ IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/in-the-spirit-festival-2023/> FREE Saturday, August 12, 2023, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM At the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405 https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/in-the-spirit-festival-2023/ About The Washington State Historical Society The Washington State Historical Society partners with our communities to explore how history connects us all. The Society's most visible activity, the Washington State History Museum is located in downtown Tacoma on Pacific Avenue among a thriving cultural scene. The museum features interactive permanent exhibitions about Washington's past in the Great Hall, unique rotating exhibitions highlighting the Society's collections, and dynamic feature exhibitions, and hosts events and programs on a wide range of historical topics. The WSHS also offers curricula for teachers, and statewide educational support as well as consultation, support, and resources for museums and heritage organizations across the state. Address: 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Tues.-Sun. Free monthly every third Thur. from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Admission: FREE for members; Adults $14; seniors (age 65+), students (age 6-17) and military (with ID) $11; free for children 5 and under; family rate $40 (up to two adults and four children under age 18). Patrons with a Washington Quest card and licensed Washington Foster Parents can attend for $1 per person or $2 per family. FREE for active-duty military and up to 5 family members with ID as part of Blue Star Museums.