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Sacred Circle Gallery holds Daybreak Star's curated exhibits of Native American art, featuring contemporary and traditional Native American art by a wide range of internationally recognized and local artists. We are proud to have sustained support through 4Culture

Current Exhibit: Frank Peterson
January 12-March 31, 2024

About the Artist

Frank Peterson is a proud enrolled Makah tribal member and urban native. His family moved to Ballard where three generations of his family have been reared and he currently resides in Seattle. 

He is most influenced by his Makah heritage handed down from his grandmother Anne Peterson, and to a lesser degree, his Scandinavian roots. Frank works in many mediums, but primarily in acrylic paints, oil pastels and cedar which he uses to carve his Spirit portrait masks.

Growing up, he and his siblings spent quality time over the summers in Neah Bay on the Makah reservation. His time was spent learning about his cultural heritage from his Aunt Helen, a respected tribal elder who maintained the strong Makah ties with the family after her sister Anne passed away.

He cherishes the time he spent there with his family by affirming the connections to his ancestors. Frank’s works are meant to find a balance in the abstract, adding all the spiritual aspects of his rich heritage mixed in with his life experiences. It is the whole of these experiences that inspire and influence his unique artistic expression.

“I believe art is written into our DNA. The gardener, mason, carpenter, blacksmith, architect, all of us when we build, create and organize, get a sense of satisfaction and affirmation while working and completing such tasks. For me, art is a place of comfort and self-exploration. Art is a way to create sense of order out of a chaotic universe. That process is reflected in my work, filtered through my experiences of a life spent here in the Northwest. It is a reflection of my identity of Makah heritage, mixed ethnicity and urban living experiences.”

Call for Artists:

ATTENTION: NATIVE ARTISTS
CALL FOR ART at the Sacred Circle Gallery!Daybreakstarart960x350

Our goal is to revitalize the Sacred Circle Gallery by incorporating as many voices of the local Native community and beyond through visual, performance, and literary art. We hope to bridge relationships with other art institutions and galleries across the state and country. This gallery is a space where Native people can express their sacred and sovereign identities without limitations.

The works we are seeking at the moment include:

  • Visual Art – paintings, drawings, prints, and photography.
  • Sculpture and carvings
  • Local Literature – books, publications, poetry, and zines
  • Handmade jewelry and wearable adornments
  • Custom clothing and regalia
  • Audio Recordings – drum groups, local Native musicians of all genres, language lessons
  • Weavings and textiles
  • Pottery
  • Greeting cards, small gifts, toys and ornaments

Please share and send all inquiries to [email protected].

 

Next Exhibit

The next artist at the Sacred Circle Gallery will be announced soon. This exhibit will be generously supported by the City of Seattle Office of Arts and 4Culture.

Native American Art Mart

Come visit Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center for all your gift ideas!  In addition to our Gift Shop, we regularly host Artist and Craft Market in our building.  Support your local indigenous community!  Art prints, original works of art, clothing, drums, jewelry, and much more!  Traditional food on site and entertainment throughout the market.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Permanent Collection

In 1975 the City of Seattle’s 1% for Art Program allocated $80,000 for the Daybreak Star Center for an original collection of Native American Art across cultures. Native American artists were selected through a national competition to create a group of works representative of contemporary India and Alaskan Native art. The Daybreak Star Arts Center opened to the public in 1978.

Visit our Permanent Collection with a Self-Guided Tour of Daybreak Star.

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