Submitted by the San Juan Island Museum of Art

“Emergence” is the exhibition of First Nation Legendary and Emerging Artists that opened for Memorial Day weekend and will run through Labor Day. In this exhibition, voices of First Nation ancestors speak through the work of a new generation of artists and their honored mentors.

San Juan Island Museum of Art is honored to present its first exhibition devoted to First Nation art. Some artists are members of tribes in the Pacific Northwest and some are Inuit from the Hudson Bay area. Over 30 artists are represented from at least five different collections.

Included are works from Beau Dick, Simon Charlie, Roger Gray, Tom Hunt, Troy Roberts, Susan Point, Rande Cook, Art Thompson and Kanaginak Pootoogook.

Efforts to plan this exhibition – the research, labeling, staging, lighting, moving and construction — was done by an all-volunteer staff. This is quite the accomplishment.

Sponsoring this exhibition are Dave & Nancy Honeywell Charitable Trust, Kim Miller, Susan and Gary Sterner, Peg Gerlock & Phil Johnson, Law Office of Stephanie Johnson O’Day, Mike’s Wine Bar & Cafe, Printonyx, Harbor Rental, and an anonymous donor.

SJIMA is located at 540 Spring Street in Friday Harbor. The summer hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Admission is $10 and free for those age 18 and younger. The third Monday of the month is free to everyone. For details, visit www.sjima.org. At the heart of the Salish Sea, SJIMA enriches the community, arts and artists as we champion authenticity of our islands’ expression, place and connections.