KING5: New exhibit at MOHAI celebrates 25 years of emerging Northwest artists

A quarter century of Seattle’s visual art is on display at the Museum of History and Industry.

“Celebrating Pacific Northwest Artists: 25 Years of the Neddy Awards” showcases 34 of the past recipients and their broad range of creativity, styles, and mediums. There are paintings, sculptures, collages, and photography - a true cross-section of contemporary art.

"The Neddy Awards were created 25 years ago to recognize the very best visual artists in Seattle,” said Leonard Garfield, executive director of MOHAI. “They honor artist Ned Behnke who passed away, but left a legacy of being a great teacher, a great companion to artists, and of course a great artist himself."

The Behnke Foundation founded and funds the Neddy Awards, which are managed by Cornish College of the Arts.

Negarra A. Kudumu curated the exhibition in partnership with both organizations.

Garfield said the exhibit is especially interesting from a historical perspective because when the artists won their Neddy awards, most were just emerging on the scene. Some have become legendary and important artists working in Seattle today.

"If you want a quick look at the whole history of the last quarter century in art, in this incredibly creative community, this exhibit really does that,” Garfield said. “It delivers amazing art, across 25 years, in a really enjoyable exhibit. So I think people are going to really enjoy it and they're going to understand much better what makes this region so creative and so special."

New exhibit at MOHAI celebrates 25 years of emerging Northwest artists
Kim Holcomb
KING5 News