PORT ANGELES, WA – In the spirit of collaboration, friendship, and education, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Field Arts & Events Hall have partnered to produce the very first show held in the new gallery at Field Hall. The show, titled “sčáy ʔaʔ cə nəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm ʔay̕c̕ɬtáyŋxʷ” or “Creations of the Klallam People” will showcase nəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm artists from the Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribes.
The show will be on display from July 27 – September 29th and will be a feature of Field Hall’s Grand Opening Weekend July 27 – 30th. The show will open at 5PM on July 27th with a special welcoming ceremony presented by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Field Hall leadership.
“Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe has worked with Field Arts & Events Hall for many years. It is gratifying to witness the completion of this beautiful building that is built on our Klallam territory land,” said Frances Charles, Tribal Chairwoman
“Creations of the Klallam People” will share traditional Coast Salish art styles as a learning experience for the audience. The show represents the kinds of world-class arts, science, and cultural experiences that will be available at the Port Angeles Waterfront Center as the campus expands in the coming years. The Port Angeles Waterfront Center will include Field Arts & Events Hall, the Lower Elwha Klallam Cultural Center, and the Marine Discovery Center.
The show will be curated by Roger Fernandes, artist and member of the Lower Elwha S’Klallam Tribe.
“We will be able to share our history, culture, language, art and tell our ancestors stories,” said Roger of the multimedia art show. “We look forward to the invitations to our other Indigenous families and relatives in the coming years. In 2025 Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe will be hosting the canoe journey event in our territory.”
Field Hall Executive Director Steve-Raider Ginsburg said of the project: “Field Hall is constructed on the traditional lands of the Klallam people, and it’s always been part of the vision of the Port Angeles Waterfront Center to build a campus that will celebrate arts, sciences, and the history and culture of the Klallam people– specifically the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Together Field Hall, Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam and the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribes are working to ensure and recognize the importance of that connection as we showcase the traditional and contemporary Salish of the Klallam speaking tribe on the North Olympic Peninsula.”
All interested nəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm artists are encouraged to submit their work for consideration by May 1, 2023. Artwork can include carvings, basketry, paintings, prints, photography, graphics, and jewelry. Please contact Roger Fernandes at gallery@fieldhallevents.org or call (206) 696-1911 for more information.
