There is a good reason why Washington has been referred to as the Evergreen State. One of the outstanding features of our region lies in its natural beauty. Very few states can boast such a lush and exuberant landscape. Whether the trees and flowers are viewed within our rainforests, in urban parks or contrasted against the majestic mountain ranges, we are fortunate to be surrounded with such splendor.

None of this was lost on our region’s artists. From the 19th century through today, local artists have used floral and tree motifs in their work in various mediums.

Botanical Exuberance includes floral studies by photographers Ella McBride (1862-1965) and Frank Asakichi Kunishige (1878-1960); watercolors of the wildflowers of Mt. Rainer by Paul Morgan Gustin (1886-1974); Bellingham artists Helen Loggie (1895-1976) and Elizabeth Colborne (1885-1948) whose etchings and crayon drawings both chronicle the trees of Whatcom County; paintings by Margaret Camfferman (1881-1964) who drew inspiration from her own gardens and orchards on Whidbey Island; beautiful floral still lifes by Yvonne Twining Humber (1907-2004); a rare still life by Yasushi Tanaka (1886-1941); a stunning modernist watercolor of irises by Z. Vanessa Helder (1904-1968); and many more rare beauties.

During this exhibition, we are offering a special limited-time membership!  This Floral membership includes:

  • all benefits of an individual membership
  • ticket to exclusive floral arrangement class on May 13th at the museum

April 6, 2017 – June 25, 2017