Beyond Mysticism Member Preview & Happy Hour

Wear your finest flannel and enjoy a day that carves out a fresh perspective on the Pacific Northwest at the Member Preview & Happy Hour celebrating Beyond Mysticism: The Modern Northwest. Immerse yourself in the visions of artists who translated the region’s natural wonder and emerging industrial life into imaginative Modernist expressions.

This exhibition explores how Pacific Northwest artists developed a bold modern style shaped by dramatic landscapes, a rapidly changing Seattle, and global connections. Featuring works by Morris Graves and Mark Tobey alongside Georgia O’Keeffe and Salvador Dalí, it shows how the region helped shape modern art in unexpected ways.

Mini Modernist sculpture making 
12–7 pm | Brotman Forum
Build your own mini Modernist sculpture inspired by themes of environmentalism and industrialization from the exhibition in this fun drop-in art activity!

Exhibition spotlights 
12:30–1 pm & 6:30–7 pm | Plestcheeff Auditorium
Learn how Pacific Northwest artists helped shape Modern art in surprising and exciting ways with Theresa Papanikolas, Ann M. Barwick Curator of American Art and curator of the exhibition. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with overflow seating available in the Nordstrom Lecture Hall.

Chainsaw carving competition
1 pm | Hammering Man
Step outside the First and University Street entrance to watch a thrilling chainsaw carving competition with sculptor Lisa Donze and lumberjack-turned-artists, Steve Backus and Pat McVay. Learn fun facts about growing up in the Northwest’s logging industry and vote for your favorite creation! Plus, a prize awaits the SAM member with the most lumberjack-like beard. Stick around afterward for a short meet and greet with the artists. 

Featured artist tour: Julius ‘Land Elk’ Twohy 
4–4:30 pm | Charles and Lisa Simonyi Special Exhibition Galleries
Learn about the underrepresented Native American artist who was influential to Seattle’s Modernist art scene in the Great Depression era by Cascadia Art Museum Curator, David Martin, who has been studying Twohy’s life for over 30 years.

Happy hour with live music
4–8 pm | Brotman Forum 
Take in the smooth, soul-forward indie sounds of Seattle-born artist, Sam Astra, and toast the opening of Beyond Mysticism with your fellow members from 4–6 pm. Cocktails and snacks are available for purchase until 7:30 pm.

Don’t miss this exclusive member day of Modern art, creativity, and Northwest-inspired fun! Bring friends, enjoy the festivities, and experience Beyond Mysticism in a vibrant, immersive setting.

All galleries and SAM Shop and Gallery will be open all day. Please note that MARKET Seattle is closed for renovations, but a pop-up café will be available in the Brotman Forum from 11 am–2 pm for guests arriving earlier in the day.

Beyond Mysticism: The Modern Northwest was organized by the Seattle Art Museum. Presenting Sponsors 

Supporting Sponsors
Beane Family Foundation
Noah Musler and Lucy Wang
Nguyễn Thanh Chuân and Essie Jacobs*
Eric Peterson and Barbara Pomeroy
Perkins Coie LLP
The Twining Humber Fund

Hotel Sponsor
Warwick Seattle