Seattle, WA. The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is now open. There are some limitations in place to keep people safe. Both the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum are open at limited capacity, Fridays through Sundays, 10 am–5 pm. Outdoor spaces at the Olympic Sculpture Park remain open to the public with the PACCAR Pavilion closed for the time being.
Museum administrators say, “We have carefully planned for our reopening in alignment with Governor Inslee’s guidelines for museums outlined in the Healthy Washington—Roadmap to Recovery plan. We ask our visitors to continue to comply with all COVID-19 directives and guidance issued by the Governor and relevant public health authorities to keep our community safe. Keeping SAM open is dependent on the latest guidance for the Puget Sound area and updates will be reflected here as they change.”
Online Timed Tickets Required: To allow for physical distancing, capacity will be limited and ticketing will be timed. Everyone must get tickets online in advance. Tickets will be released on a rolling basis weekly, every Thursday.
Print out your ticket at home or download to a smartphone. With fewer visitors to the museum, you’ll have an intimate art-viewing experience. Get Tickets.
During the pandemic Priya Frank became the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at SAM.
An installation “Northwest Modernism: Four Japanese Americans,” celebrates four of Seattle’s leading Japanese American artists: Kenjiro Nomura, Kamekichi Tokita, Paul Horiuchi, and George Tsutakawa.
Visitors have shared positive experiences at SAM.
Please visit at another time if you:
Are feeling unwell
Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have any COVID-19 symptoms
Live with or care for someone who has been ill
Have recently been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
Please contact [email protected] to exchange your ticket for another day and time if any of the above applies to you.
From Seattle Art Museum:
Masks Required Staff and visitors over the age of two must wear masks.
Physical Distancing Required Follow guidelines in public spaces and galleries.
Recognize Risk SAM has implemented many safety measures and has a state-of-the-art ventilation system, but cannot guarantee zero risk; a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public setting.
When You Arrive: Seattle Art Museum: Enter at First and Union. The south entrance (the Hammering Man entrance) and the South Hall will be closed. Seattle Asian Art Museum: Follow marked entrance and exit signs at front doors to maintain one-way visitor traffic and physical distancing.
Expect some areas to be closed Seattle Art Museum: The Italian Room will not be open to the public when we reopen. The Ann P. Wyckoff Education Resource Center, Bullitt Library, and children play areas will also be closed. TASTE Café will be closed. Seattle Asian Art Museum: The Education Studio, Community Gallery, Chen Community Meeting Room, and Library will be closed.
Prepare for limited capacity in restrooms Selected restroom stalls will be closed. Capacity limits will be posted on bathroom doors.
Wash your hands and use hand sanitizers We have instituted rigorous cleaning procedures using EPA registered disinfectants throughout the museum, with a special focus on high-touch and high-traffic areas and restrooms. We ask that you do your part by washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizers located throughout the museum.
Expect a contactless experience Shared materials have been removed from the galleries and interactive touchscreens have been disabled.
Visit SAM Shop! The Seattle Art Museum Shop and Gallery and the Seattle Asian Art Museum Shop will be open with very limited capacity during museum operating hours to visitors with a ticket. Please visit SAM Shop if you need to purchase water during your visit.
Help Contact Tracing In alignment with guidance from the Governor’s Office and King County public health officials, SAM is storing ticket buyer information and requesting contact information for all visitors for contact tracing purposes. Learn more
Also please note that if we are unable to reopen or remain open as planned because of changes to public health guidelines, SAM will contact ticket holders via email to present options for moving tickets to a new day and time.
We have worked hard to make visitors and staff comfortable during their visit and hope to see you soon!
Located downtown, one block from Pike Place Market, global art collections, temporary installations, and special exhibitions from around the world bridge cultures and centuries.
Seattle Art Museum acknowledges we are on the traditional homelands of the Duwamish, and the customary territories of the Suquamish and Muckleshoot Peoples. As a cultural and educational institution, we honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present and future. We also acknowledge the many urban Native Peoples from many Nations who call Seattle their home.
Seattle, WA. Seattle artist Jayashree Krishnan has painted 150 portraits of healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic entitled Caring for Humanity. The works are on display at the Columbia City Gallery at 4864 Rainier Ave. S. Betsy Fetherston, Columbia City Gallery Manager says she’s honored to host Krishnan’s work. Fetherston shared, “This exhibit has touched many people, those who are part of the frontline health workers, and it has revealed to the community just what a sacrifice their work has been in order to care for people.”
Jayashree Krishnan’s portraits along with anecdotes will be shown until Sunday, March 21, 2021.
Established in 1975, SEED (SouthEast Effective Development) is a nonprofit created by community members which continues to revive Southeast Seattle. The organization works on affordable housing initiatives, economic development, and expanding its capacity with the intersection of arts and culture. The focus of SEEDArts is to build unity through visual and cultural experiences. The organization manages the following programs:Columbia City Gallery,Rainier Arts Center,KVRU 105.7 FM,SEEDArts Studios, and Public Art.
SEEDArts Gallery street view prior to COVID-19 pandemic.
Columbia City Gallery has remained open during the pandemic, with a fully scheduled calendar. The community has been welcomed in to view artwork or by window gazing.
The annual Silent Auction for the organization is a neighborhood favorite; despite the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic the event was successful in selling members’ artwork, and 5% of the proceeds were donated to the Rainier Valley Food Bank. The paintings were exhibited in two sessions: Part 1: January 9 – 24 / Part 2: January 29 – February 14
SEEDArts – Columbia City Gallery Silent Auction 2021
Another program supported by the nonprofit is a story-sharing platform. KVRU 105.7 FM broadcasts voices from the community, streams worldwide, and is a member of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters. Free audio production workshops are offered on a regular basis, and an equipment lending library allows for the production of radio and podcast content. To make a tax-deductible donation to support community radio visit: KVRU.org
Krystal Fincher interviews a guest during a broadcast.
SEEDArts builds community by presenting diverse arts experiences, nurturing local artists, and infusing creativity into our neighborhoods. We offer visual, performing, media, and public art programs in Southeast Seattle that support and sustain artists, inspire and connect residents, and revitalize community. Our programs focus on curating, facilitating and promoting arts and cultural experiences. To learn more about upcoming programs visit: seedseattle.org
A Lifestyle Story: Seattle, WA. Rian Robison, designer, textile artist, and owner of Tuesday, is turning her craft fair boutique into a fully virtual experience. Featured in the picture above, Robison stands proudly in front of her boarded-up shop with @tonycoconuts. Photo by @matthewsumi. Robison invites curious patrons behind-the-scenes into her studio through a series of livestreams which can be viewed on instagram:
As shown above, Robison demonstrates painting each piece using an eco-friendly dye, thickened with algae, on a bamboo rayon fabric and shares “There’s a reason I paint each one of these by hand. I love seeing each unique brushstroke.” She enjoys the process, experimenting to reach a balanced outcome, almost as much as seeing how her following relish them.
Hand-dyed kimono dress painted by Rian Robison
Within this past year, Robison, alongside many small business owners, has had to adapt to the safety restrictions and uncertainty of the pandemic. Robison appreciated craft fair organizers like Urban Craft Uprising and Renegade having stepped up and transitioned to an online platform to accommodate the vendors after being forced to postpone all events.
Instead of hiring models to showcase her collections, Robison has taken on that role and offers live sessions to sport new pieces and answer questions. The permanent dyes are fade-resistant, making each unique piece easy to care for washing on a gentle cycle.
Robison focuses on making things she would want herself; considers her pieces as something to treat oneself, making an effort to dress up and feel beautiful, even around the house. The designs are thoughtfully versatile, gender-neutral, both in color palette and chic flow. Limited run, hand-dyed kimonos have been released on Tuesdays and have sold out within minutes.
Rian Robison modeling her hand-dyed sweatshirt dress.
Robinson is gaining notoriety. King 5 interviewed Rian Robison recently about her work.
Robison uses eco-friendly dye with zero-waste designs, utilizing full rectangular pieces of fabric. Known for vibrant hand-painted and patterned vintage fabric, sewn into dresses, inspired by the traditional Japanese kimono. For updates on new arrivals visit: _tuesdayshop
Seattle, WA. 4Culture is consistent in mission and adaptable in serving four program areas including arts, heritage, historic preservation, and public art. The agency ensures public access to cultural experiences through museum collections and theater productions. It currently hosts zoom sessions every third Friday at 12:00 pm and puts artists in the spotlight, like those featured in the picture above who spoke during a zoom session last November.
Committed to re-evaluating its effectiveness in meeting the needs of the community, a Social Justice Action Team was formed. Composed of staff, board, and advisory committee members, the group will assist 4Culture to better clarify its roles and responsibilities in the movement for social justice. The Recovery Task Force will focus on conducting a COVID-19 pandemic impact analysis, evaluate the effect on King County’s cultural sector, and stage a path to recovery.
As part of the recovery planning effort, 4Culture hired a consultant to oversee a Landscape Report, which will provide the groundwork to develop a recovery plan.
Image credits: A screenshot from the filmed Zoom performance of the new play Ain’t (Y)Our History by Rachel Atkins, directed by Shermona Mitchell, film edited by Robin Campbell, presented as part of Washington’s Votes for Women Centennial 2020. Actors featured: Porscha Shaw as Ida Wells-Barnett, Shermona Mitchell as Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, and Shaunyce Omar as Mary Church Terrell.
The Mukai Farm and Garden was turned into a temporary COVID-19 testing site for Vashon Island near the onset of the pandemic. Volunteer Yvonne Kuperberg is ready to assist as she stands in front of fruit barreling plant, which currently in the midst of restoration. Photo by Michelle Bates.
State and county COVID-19 survey results have played an important role in 4Culture’s ability to make informed and timely decisions, and remains a priority to identify specific needs and restore cultural activities.
The early stages of artists’ careers are showcased in the galleries, which include promoting experimental and often less commercial art installations. Christina DePaolo, Communications Director shared, “It is important to us, as public agents, to meet individuals and deeply engage in what has become a digital space.” In lieu of in-person shows, Gallery 4Culture commissioned artists for an online series titled PAUSE/PLAY and features each EXHIBITION season.
Monyee Chau was one of ten King County artists to participate in 4Culture + Amplifier Collaborations with Resilience, 2020. Digital illustration.
In 1965 the agency formed as an arts commission and continued to evolve into an official Public Development Authority. Mission: With a focus on racial equity, we fund, support, and advocate for culture to enhance the quality of life in King County. As the cultural funding agency for King County, Washington, 4Culture works to make our region vibrant. For cultural funding and support programs visit: 4Culture
Seattle, WA. The Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) began in 1961, and was formed by the Washington State Legislature. Throughout its tenure, ArtsWA continues to promote the value of art, especially during the pandemic, by supporting the following programs: Public Art, Grants, Creative Districts, and Arts in Education. Students from Blue Heron School worked with teaching artist Margie McDonald in a “Tales, Texts, and Theatre Workshop”. (Photo above by: David Conklin.)
ArtsWA Community Investment programs focus to nurture and grow the arts, develop community partnerships, and close the opportunity gap for early learners. The Pandemic Relief Grant objective aims to support Small and Mid-sized Organizations experiencing financial hardship. Applications for these grants will be accepted until the beginning of April, 2021.
Arts in Education Partnership Grant is a one-year commitment between a non-profit organization, a K-12 school, school district, or tribal agency. The Creative Start Grant is designed for early learners, preschool to 3rd grade, to help integrate the arts within classrooms throughout Washington state.
Land of Dreams curated by Jasmine Mahmoud, ArtsWA Board Member, performance historian, and Seattle University Assistant Professor in the Department of Performing Arts & Arts Leadership. (January 2021)
ArtsWA Mission: The Arts Commission is a catalyst for the arts, advancing the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state. ArtsWA values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in diverse forms of artistic expression. The arts amplify voices across all populations. Access to arts and arts education should be available for everyone. The arts can and should address inequities, model inclusion, and teach empathy.To learn more about the programs ArtsWA supports visit:arts.wa.gov
Seattle, WA. The Seattle Aquarium has reopened for business! Under the restrictions COVID-19 has imposed, the Seattle Aquarium is doing everything they can to keep individuals safe and distanced during their visits. (Image courtesy of Bella Gold).
Here are some of their guidelines for visitors during this unprecedented time:
ONLINE TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE for all guests, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time member.
YOUR TIMED TICKET indicates your arrival window. There is no limit to how long you can spend at the Aquarium.
MASKS/FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED during your visit. Exemptions to this order include babies/toddlers under age 5 (masks/face coverings are highly recommended for children ages 3–4). A clear mask/face covering will be provided at no charge to anyone who would like one. If you are unable to wear a mask/face covering the Aquarium will work to arrange a visit at a later date when mask requirements have been lifted. If you don’t have a mask/face covering when you arrive, one will be provided for you.
A ONE-WAY PATHWAY with clear physical distance markers will guide you through the Aquarium and help protect everyone’s health—but you’ll still find plenty to see, experience and enjoy!
The number of guests allowed to visit each day and during each timed-ticketing window will be limited. Members will continue to receive free admission, but tickets must still be reserved in advance in order to limit capacity.
The Seattle Aquarium would like to remind visitors that masks and face coverings are required to keep everyone safe. Exemptions to this order include babies/toddlers under age 5 (face coverings/masks are highly recommended for children ages 3–4). Free clear masks will be provided to anyone who would like one. If you are unable to wear a mask the Aquarium will work to arrange a visit at a later date when mask requirements have been lifted. If you don’t have a mask when you arrive, one will be provided for you.
From the Seattle Aquarium:
Founded in 1977 and located on Pier 59 in the heart of Seattle, Washington, the Aquarium serves as the largest platform for ocean conservation and engagement in the Pacific Northwest. With a mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. The Seattle Aquarium offers a unique window into ocean conservation by offering compelling exhibits and event experiences; community programming along local rivers and beaches; research that advances understanding of marine species; advocacy and policy work on issues like climate change and ocean acidification; an award-winning volunteer program; and more. The region’s premier resource for hands-on marine experiences and conservation education, the Seattle Aquarium offers fun, exciting ways to discover more about the amazing Puget Sound and our world’s one big ocean.
Seattle, WA. Artist Trust has $100,000 in funding available for Washington State artists, due to donors’ endorsements at year’s end. (The nonprofit recently held a zoom community conversation on racial equity seen above.) These funds will create a second wave of emergency support, forecast to fund a minimum of 100 artists at $1,000 each. Cezanne Garcia, Artist Trust Board of Trustees President expressed her gratitude, “Thanks to our donors’ continued generous support, Artist Trust ended 2020 over $100,000 ahead of our fundraising goal for the year.” Release dates for the Relief Fund application cycle can be found posted on the refreshed grant schedule.
Artist Trust continues to listen to the community and pivot through the pandemic to meet artists’ needs. Survey results reported that more than 50 percent of performing artists had been out of work during the third quarter of 2020, in response the Artist Trust team created a list of resources, one being a food bank map, designed as a guide to locate alternative food sources within Washington State.
Meeting the immediate needs of artists remains at the forefront as Kristina Goetz, Acting Director shared, “the pandemic marked a directional shift” and as a service-oriented organization, the focus has been “connecting artists with the resources to best equip as possible to weather the crisis,” which includes: providing funding information, healthcare, housing, support navigating legal issues with webinars, and business development workshops.
Artist Trust – Resources and Opportunities Artwork by Fulgencio Lazo, 2018
As one of the longest-running award programs, having originated in 1987, Artist Trust was honored to release the nine recipients of the 2020 Fellowship Awards on February 8, 2021, which included: visual artists Dan Friday, Tatiana Garmendia, Mary Ann Peters, and Anthony White; performing artist Benjamin Hunter; multidisciplinary artists Jaleesa Johnston and Chris Vargas; and literary artists Rena Priest and Sharma Shields captured below. These merit-based awards provide an unrestricted cash amount of $10,000 to each recipient.
Artist Trust 2020 Fellowship Recipients
Alchemical Bride 24 (Sojourner Truth) oils on canvas 48” x 41” Abolitionist and women’s rights activist, born into slavery but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826. Went to court to recover her son in 1828, and became the first black woman to win such a case against a white man. Tatiana Garmendia felt humbled by the fellowship, “knowing that my work was chosen by other art professionals who get what I am putting out into the world.”
Multidisciplinary artist Jaleesa Johnston shared, “With this award, I can materialize ideas that have been sitting in my sketchbook over the last couple of years.”
Artist Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit grounded in values of being “open, welcoming, transparent, responsive, and forward-thinking – Artist Trust’s mission is to support and encourage artists working in all disciplines to enrich community life throughout Washington State.” Founded in 1986, Artist Trust has invested in individual artists contributing over $11 million through professional development programs and grants. To learn more about getting involved visit: artisttrust.org.
Seattle, WA. In celebration of World Tutu Day and #TutuTuesday, Pacific Northwest Ballet launched a new fundraising effort for its Second Stage Program. The program supports PNB dancers looking to advance to the next stage of their lives. It’s multi-faceted and provides scholarships, mentorship programs, and support for a career transition. Providing financial support to dancers allows them to take college courses, access counseling, and career services, and receive grants for education and start-up expenses.
The lack of performance opportunities because of the COVID-19 pandemic has created an increased need to help bridge economic gaps and support dancer’s post-dance careers. This year World Tutu Day fell on Tuesday, February 2nd, so it was a great opportunity to launch an effort supporting young dancers, gearing up to advance their education and career opportunities.
Leta Biasucci is just one of many dancers who have benefited from this program. She articulates how much it has impacted her life: “While the notion is changing, there are often too many barriers of entry for a dancer to pursue higher education and explore other passions. Time, accessibility, and of course, expense are all hurdles. Dancers are exceptional in reaching personal goals through cultivated grit, dedication, and determination; but before anyone can aim for a goal, one must feel like that goal is attainable. That is why there is a real need for programs like Second Stage.”
Leta Biasucci in The Sleeping Beauty. Photo courtesy of PNB and Angela Sterling.
Funds from benefactors make it possible for PNB dancers to become college graduates, lawyers, small business owners, therapists, and more. Donate here.
From the Pacific Northwest Ballet:
Second Stage is a multi-faceted career transition program for PNB dancers to achieve their post-Company goals. Since 1999, Second Stage has provided more than $750,000 in grants to dozens of dancers. Our former colleagues are now working in law, medicine, dance education, culinary arts, dancewear design and manufacturing, aesthetics, and photography—as well as creating and managing companies world-wide. The program offers scholarships, mentorships, support for research, and a unique partnership with Seattle University. You may donate at this link: Second Stage Program.
A Lifestyle story: Seattle, WA. This winter, finding an accessible, quarantine-friendly pastime outside the house has become a priority. Skiers and snowboarders are heading to resorts like Crystal Mountain in force. Before the season started, Crystal announced a set of COVID-friendly contingency plans, requiring reservations for any and all skiers to ride the lifts. Walk-up sales were nixed.
This expansive ski area has 3,100 vertical feet and 2,600 acres on the flanks of the towering 14,000-foot Mount Rainier.
A statement on the Crystal Mountain website reads: “We will be operating with a limited capacity and reservations. There will be no walk-up sales of any kind so plan ahead. A limited number of day tickets will be available to purchase.”
Such policy, paired with rigid, stated guidelines pertaining to the continual use of face coverings in the plaza and lift lines, suggest a relatively safe environment for even the most COVID-wary Seattlites. But, skiers report the launch of the season was not easy going with parking lots packed to the brim, and college-aged skiers and snowboards spilling out of packed Forerunners and Foresters.
The sun sets after a long day skiing at Crystal Mountain. (PC: Hayden Jenkins)
Skiing and snowboarding lend themselves to socially distanced fun, and most of the people on the slopes respected the face-covering guidelines, as much out of desire for nose-warmth and comfort as compliance. But if they didn’t, resort employees gently reminded them to cover their faces as soon as they reached the lines for the next trip up the hill.
Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in Washington State with a total of 2,600 acres and over 80 named runs. Puget Sound skiers and riders flock to the slopes during the winter months to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier and to ride some of the best terrain in Washington State, only 2 hours away from Seattle in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Crystal also operates the Mt. Rainier Gondola for scenic rides during the summer so that guests can enjoy the beautiful views of Mt. Rainier all year long. “Life has been odd this year, but our mountain isn’t going anywhere. It’s the tonic you need to clear the mind and feed the soul. Your skis are calling to you.”
Seattle, WA. Mary’s Place has exceeded a two million dollar campaign goal, despite the present economic impacts, with more than 6,000 individuals and over 200 local businesses generous contributions. As a result, Mary’s Place – the region’s largest family emergency shelter provider was able to create a Rapid Response Fund ahead of the eviction moratorium end date, to bring families inside into safe shelters and provide permanent housing beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.
To celebrate the end of the campaign, captured in the feature image, Mary’s Place released the following video:
Marty Hartman, Mary’s Place Executive Director expressed her heartfelt thanks, “We are so grateful to our community for this incredible outpouring of support. When the eviction moratorium comes to an end, we know that many families who are struggling will face homelessness. The new Rapid Response Fund will help us meet the increasing need and keep families housed by providing flexible funding solutions.”
With help from the community, Mary’s Place provides shelter and housing to families through the successful campaign.
In previous years, several festive events and activities had been celebrated during the campaign. This year, observing Covid-19 related safety measures, events were held virtually and included the following: a weekend at-home scavenger hunt, a game night, an online concert by the Amazon Symphony Orchestra, and Dick’s Drive-In Burger Box “virtual” Bingo. Continuing its ongoing commitment to the issue of family homelessness, the campaign kicked-off with a 250,000 dollar contribution from The Starbucks Foundation.
Mary’s Place exceeded the campaign goal to protect families.
To hear more and view updates from Mary’s Place visit the Facebook page at:
Mary’s Place believes that no one’s child should sleep outside. They provide safe and inclusive shelter and resources for women, children and families on their journey out of homelessness. Mary’s Place currently operates five crisis response family shelters providing refuge and community for 500 family members experiencing homelessness. To learn more about this organization and get involved, visit Mary’s Place Seattle
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