EDMONDS—In honor of Juneteenth, Cascadia Art Museum is proud to offer free admission to all visitors on Thursday, June 19, inviting the public to engage with the rich, diverse cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest through the lens of historic and underrepresented Black artists. As part of this important day of reflection and celebration, visitors will have the opportunity to view two extraordinary exhibitions:
Grafton Tyler Brown: A Rare Masterpiece on View: On display in the museum’s Garvey Gallery is a rare and exceptional 1885 painting of Mt. Tacoma by Grafton Tyler Brown (1841–1918), the first known professional Black artist to be active on the West Coast and specifically in the Pacific Northwest. This historic landscape painting provides a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty, interpreted through the eyes of a groundbreaking artist.
“Juneteenth is a day to reflect on freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward equality,” said Sally Ralston, Executive Director of Cascadia Art Museum. “We are honored to share the stories of Grafton Tyler Brown and Milt Simons; two remarkable artists whose contributions deserve far greater recognition. Offering free admission on this day ensures that their legacies are accessible to all.”
Milt Simons: A Long Overdue Tribute: Cascadia Art Museum is also proud to present the first ever museum exhibition dedicated to the work of Milt Simons (1923–1973), a gifted painter, jazz musician, and arts educator from Seattle. Simons holds the distinction of being the first Black art instructor in Washington state. During his lifetime, he exhibited alongside many of the Northwest’s most celebrated artists. This landmark exhibition brings together a remarkable selection of Simons’ work, much of which is being publicly exhibited for the very first time through generous loans from his family and private collectors.
Cascadia Art Museum is located at 190 Sunset Ave #E in Edmonds and the exhibit will be available on Thursday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Art Walk Edmonds.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
