World War I: Lessons & Legacies is an exhibition of objects, letters, stories, and posters about World War I and one of its most significant legacies in our region: The 1918 influenza pandemic. Accompanying the objects from our collection are selections from JCHS's oral history collection featuring Jefferson County stories of the 1918 pandemic.
For the second year in a row, we are delighted to share an exhibition featuring now-and-then images by PTHS photography students in our Community Gallery (formerly Women's Jail Gallery) downstairs at the Jefferson Museum. Featuring roughly 60 sets of photos, Now & Then visually illustrates some of the ongoing evolution of Port Townsend. Referencing historic images from JCHS's collection, students in David Egeler’s Photography and Advanced Media classes locate where the photos were taken and work to recreate the framing and angle of view in the present day. The resulting photo essays in this year’s Now & Then exhibition are on view through the end of March.
Local artist Jesse Watson's artwork often reflects his passions—drawing on themes of social justice, diversity, humanity, as well as environmental beauty and conservation. His work has appeared in many places and publications, but you may recognize it from some of the cafes, pubs, and galleries right here in Port Townsend. We're thrilled to present a selection of Jesse's land and seascape paintings, which will be on view in our classroom through the end of April.
From the abstract to the realistic, Landscapes: Real & Imagined focuses on Joan Jonland, Stephen Yates, and Thomas Wilson (1931 - 2015)—three painters who have lived and worked in Port Townsend for the majority of their lives as artists. Each artist's reverence for our natural environment emerges in their unique approach, creating art that inspires and challenges us to see the land differently. Along with the work of Jonland, Yates, and Wilson, this exhibition features many selections from our permanent collection and local collectors that have never been publicly displayed. Landscapes was co-curated by Cliff Moore and Ann Welch. Special thanks to the artists, JCHS's Art Advisory Committee, and all our members, donors, and volunteers who support exhibitions in the Ferguson Gallery!
Casting most of his sculpture in bronze, local artist David Eisenhour portrays and interprets organic forms to tell stories of natural history and human experience. Visit this selection of Eisenhour's work exploring climate change and rising sea levels at the Jefferson Museum through July 30. Special thanks to Suzanne Lamon for Under Water Street exhibit design.
Local artist Frank Samuelson's play with form and color draws upon movement, adventure, romance, and the subtle portrayal of excitement for life itself. Visit this selection of Samuelson's paintings at the Jefferson Museum starting in August. Original artwork: Frank Samuelson, Wind in the Woods, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36 in.
Curated by Brian Perry, this exhibition features the work of four Indigenous artists. Using both traditional materials and mediums more recently associated with Indigenous art, these artists carry ancient culture, images, and stories into the present. Artists featured as part of We Are One: Brian Perry (Port Gamble S'Klallam): Carving and prints Dan Friday (Lummi): Glass sculpture Raya Friday (Lummi): Glass and cedar sculpture Kelly Sullivan (Port Gamble S'Klallam): Weaving Original artwork: Brian Perry, Heron Ritual, 2020, print, 22 x 22 in. Presented with major support from Tulalip Cares Charitable Contributions
