The review is in...

Posted by: Rebecca Durkin

The Seattle Times review of In the Spirit of the Ancestors hit newsstands yesterday. Art critic Sheila Farr examines the difficulty of defining the term “contemporary Native art” when today’s Native artists span many generations and geographies.

The review offers a great look at the exhibit, the legacy of Burke curator emeritus Bill Holm, and the future of Native art in the hands of young, emerging artists like Shaun Peterson, pictured above (photo courtesy of Seattle Times).

- Rebecca

What a story to tell

Posted by: Karyn Gregory













I have been away from the blog awhile working hard on production of the next Burke podcast episode! When it's up, you can find it here.

This weekend I was armed with recording equipment capturing the stories behind our new exhibit In the Spirit of the Ancestors. I hadn't had an opportunity to see the exhibit until now (aside from the pictures May took last week) and I thought it was wonderful in person. The colors were rich and vibrant -- a perfect accompaniment to the objects in the cases.

The opening event was filled with demonstrations and panel discussion that exposed why and how the artists create their art. I'm glad I had the microphone with me and could capture these conversations for our listeners, adding another layer to their experience.

Keep checking the podcast page or subscribe now; we hope to create a multi-part series capturing the artists' stories behind In the Spirit of the Ancestors.

-Karyn

KUOW Interview Podcast

Posted by: Rebecca Durkin

If you didn't catch In the Spirit of the Ancestors curators Robin Wright and Bill Holm on KUOW's "The Beat" this afternoon, be sure to listen to the podcast. Just copy the following URL to your podcasting software of choice: http://www.kuow.org/podcasts/beat/beat.asp.

- Rebecca

In the Spirit on the radio

Posted by: Rebecca Durkin

The museum has been buzzing with activity gearing up for our March 3^rd opening of In the Spirit of the Ancestors.

Two of the exhibit’s curators, Robin Wright and Bill Holm, will be featured on the KUOW (94.9 FM) afternoon arts program, “The Beat.” They’ll be talking about some of the exhibit objects and what these objects can reveal about contemporary Native life in the Northwest. Tune in to “The Beat” at 2 pm on Thurs. 3/01 or catch the podcast at kuow.org.

Andrew Whiteman, Burke exhibit designer, snapped this photo of curator Robin Wright testing out the mounts for the Towkit Puppet Headdress by Kwakwaka’wakw artists Beau Dick and Eugene Isaac. Beau Dick will perform stories of the legends that inspire his work at the Saturday opening.

- Rebecca

Sneak Preview: In the Spirit of the Ancestors

Posted by: May Evans

In the Spirit of the Ancestors is opening with a great celebration this Saturday, which means that our handy prep crew here at the Burke is nearly done with the installation. I got to sneak a preview of the exhibit today, and I have to say, it’s looking amazing.

There was something indefinably moving about seeing the masks and robes up-close just before the protective glass was installed. They seemed somehow larger and more powerful. It was also a first for me to see all the styles and types of masks together in one place to compare and contrast.

But even as fabulous as all that was, I still fell prey to one of my girly obsessions: my favorite objects were the woven basketry shoes by Haida weaver Lisa Telford. Not only were they adorable, but they’re artful too. How many people do you know who can craft a pair of cedar bark high heels with their own two hands? These are a must see! Although, you know, everything else was pretty amazing too.

- May