Beyond Mysticism Premier Member Reception

Join us for a night that carves out a fresh perspective on the Pacific Northwest at the Premier Member Reception celebrating Beyond Mysticism: The Modern Northwest. Immerse yourself in the visions of artists like Mark Tobey, Kenneth Callahan, Guy Anderson, and Morris Graves who translated the region’s natural wonder and emerging industrial life into imaginative Modernist expressions.

We’re going local! You’ll enjoy fascinating curator insights, delicious PNW bites, a live wood carving demonstration by Washington artists, smooth soul-forward indie beats by a Seattle-born musician, and a drop-in art activity where you can create your own mini Modernist sculpture inspired by the themes of the exhibition.

6–9 pm | Live wood carving & conversation
Brotman Forum
Meet lumberjack-turned-artists Steve Backus and Pat McVay and watch as McVay creates a masterpiece live. Plus, delight in learning more about the history of the PNW logging industry, stories they have from growing up in it, and how wood carving evolved with the invention of power tools.

6–9 pm | Mini Modernist sculpture making
Brotman Forum
Build your own mini Modernist sculpture inspired by themes in the exhibition that focus on environmentalism and the emergence of industrialization in this drop-in art activity!

6:30 pm | Exhibition spotlight 
Plestcheeff Auditorium
Learn how Pacific Northwest artists helped shape Modern art in surprising and exciting ways with Theresa Papanikolas, Ann M. Barwick Curator of American Art and curator of the exhibition. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis with a simulcast available in the Nordstrom Lecture Hall.

7–9 pm | Art, food, drinks & live music 
Brotman Forum and Galleries
Enjoy a very Pacific Northwest evening with soul-forward indie sounds by Seattle-born musician and producer, Sam Astra, and light bites inspired by our great region.

This invitation admits two and member benefits are not transferable. Doors open at 6 pm. SAM Shop will be open inside the exhibition all evening.

Beyond Mysticism: The Modern Northwest was organized by the Seattle Art Museum. Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors
Beane Family Foundation
Noah Musler and Lucy Wang
Nguyễn Thanh Chuân and Essie Jacobs*
Eric Peterson and Barbara Pomeroy
Perkins Coie LLP
The Twining Humber Fund

Hotel Sponsor
Warwick Seattle