A September 1953 Life magazine article titled “The Mystic Painters of the Northwest” sowed the legacy of an art movement called the “Northwest School.” But, did it ever really exist? Does the idea or spirit of it persist today? As time flows, and the world changes, what other ideas and issues captivate our regional artists? This group exhibition features more than 20 artists whose work reflects these inquiries since the original four artists (Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves, and Mark Tobey) were spotlighted in 1953. Artists include Lanny Bergner, Kate Dwyer, David Eisenhour, Lisa Gilley, Clayton James, Louise Kikuchi, Julie Anne Mann, Philip McCracken, Naoko Morisawa, Betty Pasco, and Karen Rudd. A special feature includes photographs by Mary Randlett, who would have been 100 years old this year.

Louise Kikuchi, Early Winter (detail), 1996, sumi & color on paper, 27.75″h x 18″w, Courtesy of the Artist.