100th Birthday Celebration

James W. Washington, Jr. 100th Birthday Celebration. A wonderful, intimate evening.

Daniel Minter

Daniel Minter

City Wide 100th Birthday Celebration of Artist James W. Washington, Jr.

The James and Janie Washington Foundation will take part in a citywide 100th birthday celebration of James Washington. Mr. Washington moved to Seattle in 1944 from the Deep South. Upon reaching the Northwest, he began to use his artwork to express his social concerns and devoted his entire life to representing the African American community through public service. His work is included in major collections around the country including the Smithsonian, the Whitney, SFMOMA and the Seattle Art Museum.

After his passing in 2000, his legacy is carried on by the James and Janie Washington Foundation through community programs and exhibitions. The Foundation is located in the artist’s historic home and studio in the Central District of Seattle. It is a cultural center that serves as an educational tool, an artist’s refuge, and a historic landmark. It is a forward-looking institution based on the life of an African American pioneer in the visual arts and social justice.

This year, Mr. Washington would have turned 100 years old and the Foundation is celebrating his contributions to the Seattle Community with events and exhibitions throughout the city.

There are several institutions that have partnered with the Foundation to commemorate the life and legacy of Mr. Washington.

Sunday Afternoon Celebration at Mount Zion Baptist Church

Where: 1634 19th Avenue, Seattle, WA
When: November 1, 2009

Exhibition at Pratt Fine Arts Center

Continuing the Legacy, an exhibition showcasing work from recipients of the James & Janie Washington Foundation Artist-in-Residence Program, including Jite Agbro, Romson Bustillo, Marita Dingus, Joe Max Emminger, Daniel Minter and Esther Ervin.
Where: Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan Studios,
306 S Washington St, Suite 102, Seattle
When: November 5 - 27, 2009
Opening: First Thursday, November 5, 6 - 8pm
Gallery Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, 12 - 5pm and by appointment

100th Birthday Celebration– party, entertainment, and art

Where: The Ruins, 570 Roy Street, Seattle, WA 98109
When: November 8, 2009, 6 pm
Contact the Foundation for tickets: 206-709-4241

Woodside/Braseth Gallery

James W. Washington, Jr: Looking Back 
Where: 2101 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121
When: November 12, 6pm

The James & Janie Washington Foundation

Discovering the Spirit in the Stone – A dynamic permanent exhibition about art, Social Justice and the African American migration, set in the context of Mr. and Mrs. Washington’s historic home.
Where: 1816 26th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
Opening: November 12, 2009
Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 12-4 and by appointment

Contact: Tim Detweiler @ 709-4241 or tdetweiler@jameswashington.org

Io Palmer's Work in Steel

Here is one of the drawings that Io Palmer brought with her when she came to the James & Janie Washington Foundation.  The drawings from her notebook guided her as she began the process of making the work.  Here is a page on her website that describes a bit about her time here. 

Iron Artist Competition

This year at the Iron Artist Competition the James & Janie Washington Foundation sent its best people. Artists Esther Ervin, Romson Bustillo and Marita Dingus made us very proud.  They won the critics award and brought home first prize, $200.  They promptly donated the prize money to the Foundation. Aren't they great?

This was a huge competition... 23 teams representing many non-profits near and far.

Romson and Esther celebrate while purple and blue haired angels applaud...

Romson consoles the other artist teams.

Iron Artist Competition Rules:

All materials will be provided by Tacoma Art Museum and unveiled at the beginning of the event. A list of acceptable supplies that you may bring with you to the Iron Artist Challenge will be provided upon registration. The Iron Artist Challege will begin at 6 pm and last for 60 minutes. Judging will take place after the contest, during the fashion show.

The materials to be used will be presented at the beginning of the event, meaning everyone will have exactly the same 60 minutes to plan and execute his or her piece. Each piece must be wearable and ready to wear by a live model that will display the work on the catwalk during the fashion show. At the end of the allotted time, the artwork will be handed in, finished or not, to be judged by our panel. The panel of judges will meet to select the winning pieces during the fashion show, while the artists are given a post-event interview by the host.