45th Annual Regional High School Art Show
The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center is proud to sponsor the 45th Annual Regional High School Art Show in cooperation with the North Central Educational Service District and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction each year. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our students’ creativity and talent District and Statewide. Student winners from the North Central District travel on to show and compete with students from across the state at the capitol in Olympia.
20th Annual Beauty of Bronze
What began as a small pilot program in 2004 at Columbia Elementary School under the leadership of founder Jeanette Marantos, has grown to include all fifth graders in the Wenatchee School District, The River Academy, St. Joseph School, and Soap Lake School District. Art students at Wenatchee High School recently joined in to create their own bronze treasures. A total of 693 students participated in the 2024 program.
From its founding, Kevin Pettelle, renowned artist from Sultan, WA, has served as the program’s artist-in-residence, visiting classrooms to provide words of encouragement and expert guidance to fifth graders across the region.
Through the Beauty of Bronze program, children are able to enhance their learning, cultivate an appreciation for sculpture, all while creating art in the community. The Beauty of Bronze Board of Directors are grateful for the ongoing support provided by schools, parents, local organizations, and the community.
All sculptures are on exhibit at Wenatchee Valley Museum & Culture Center from March 1st to April 6th.
All the Sacrifices You’ve Made / Todos los Sacrificios Que has Hecho
A Project by Borderland Collective
The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center is excited to announce that it has partnered with the Washington State Historical Society for its new exhibit All the Sacrifices You’ve Made / Todos Los Sacrificios Que Has Hecho. This exhibit will be made available to the public starting October 1, 2023.
Exhibition participants curated photos from their own family albums and recorded oral histories describing life growing up in the farm worker communities of Wenatchee and Yakima. The resulting exhibition creates a uniquely personal connection between the viewer and the families. It serves as an acknowledgment of the contributions, resilience, joys, and sacrifices made by farm workers from Eastern Washington agricultural regions.
All the Sacrifices You’ve Made / Todos Los Sacrificios Que Has Hecho is a collaboration between students and staff from the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at the University of Washington and Borderland Collective, an arts collective from Texas.
The exhibition was created by Borderland Collective’s Mark Menjivar and Jason Reed with CAMP staff and students including Luz Iniguez, Natalia Esquivel Silva, Orfil Olmos, Gabriela Ruiz, Moises Mendez, and Alondra Torres.
College Assistance Migrant Program
CAMP is a national program first started in 1972 to support the educational ambitions of the children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers. On the University of Washington campus since 2010, the program has supported more than 500 students, standing as a significant legacy of the work started by the farmworker labor movement beginning in the 1950s.
All the Sacrifices You’ve Made / Todos Los Sacrificios Que Has Hecho es una colaboración entre estudiantes y personal del Programa de Asistencia Universitaria para Migrantes (CAMP) de la Universidad de Washington y Borderland Collective, un colectivo artístico de Texas.
Los participantes de la exposición seleccionaron fotografías de sus propios álbumes familiares y grabaron historias orales que describen la vida en las comunidades de trabajadores agrícolas de Entiat, Wenatchee y Yakima. La exposición resultante crea una conexión personal entre el espectador y las familias. Sirve como reconocimiento a las contribuciones, la resiliencia, las alegrías y los sacrificios realizados por los trabajadores agrícolas de las regiones agrícolas del este de Washington.
La exposición fue creada por Mark Menjivar y Jason Reed de Borderland Collective con el personal y estudiantes de CAMP, incluidos Luz Iniguez, Natalia Esquivel Silva, Orfil Olmos, Gabriela Ruiz, Moisés Méndez y Alondra Torres.
Pocket Full of Dreams: Journeys of Hope
The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center is excited to announce the opening of our new Pocket Full of Dreams: Journeys of Hope exhibit, featuring artwork from Guest Curator Martha Flores.
Last year, the Wenatchee Valley Museum was fortunate enough to receive funding from the Washington State Legislature, the Diversity in Local History (DLH) program and hired Dulce Gutierrez Vasquez from the University of Washington to cultivate this exhibit. Gutierrez Vasquez worked with members of Wenatchee’s Latin-American community to gather stories and images to help the museum share a more holistic view of the community.
We will highlight five of the ten interviews recorded from this grant in our new exhibit, Pocket Full of Dreams: Journeys of Hope, which celebrates the human experience. Visitors are invited to sit down at the table with these individuals to listen and read their stories to learn about the history, family dynamics, and cultural heritage that shaped who they are today.
Funded by the Washington State Legislature, the Diversity in Local History (DLH) program awards grants for paid internships that support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at heritage organizations that increase the stories they tell and the communities they serve.
El Museo del Valle de Wenatchee tuvo la suerte de recibir fondos de esta subvención y contratar a Dulce Gutiérrez Vásquez de la Universidad de Washington en 2022, quien trabajó con miembros de la comunidad latinoamericana de Wenatchee para reunir historias e imágenes para ayudar al Museo a compartir una visión más holística de la comunidad.
Destacaremos cinco de las diez entrevistas grabadas de esta beca en nuestra nueva exposición, Bolsillo Lleno de Sueños: Viajes de Esperanza, que celebra la experiencia humana. Los visitantes estan invitados a sentarse en la mesa con estos individuos para escuchar y leer sus historias para aprender sobre la historia, la dinámica familiar y el patrimonio cultural que dieron forma a quienes son hoy.
Financiado por la Legislatura del Estado de Washington, el programa Diversidad en Historia Local otorga subvenciones para pasantías pagadas que apoyan iniciativas de diversidad, equidad e inclusión en organizaciones patrimoniales que aumentan las historias que cuentan y las comunidades a las que sirven.
Zoo in You: The Human Microbiome
September 10, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Trillions of microbes make their homes inside our bodies, and we wouldn’t be able to survive
without each other! Zoo in You, invites guests of all ages to explore this fascinating and complex world inside us that is our microbiome—a dynamic, adaptable, and delicately balanced ecosystem much like any other found in nature. Explore this vibrant world of our inner microorganisms through engaging, interactive, and bilingual exhibits and programs and discover who our constant microbial companions are, where they live, how diverse they are, and in what ways scientists are discovering just how important they are to our personal health.
Upcoming Zoo in You events and programs
Zoo in You: The Human Microbiome was produced and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. This exhibit was made possible by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Beautiful Wounds: A Search for Solace and Light in Washington’s Channeled Scablands
June 3 – August 6, 2022
The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center will be hosting Timothy Connor, writer, photographer and geology buff in an exhibit presenting his new book, Beautiful Wounds: A Search for Solace and Light in Washington’s Channeled Scablands. We will present a selection of photography which are featured in the book. Timothy’s journey follows the footsteps of J. Harlan Bretz who theorized correctly about the Missoula Floods over 100 years ago. The Exhibit will run from June 3rd through August 6th, 2022. Photography will be for sale.
Legendary Locales/Lugares Legendarios
May 14 – August 13, 2022
For eons humans have looked up at our region’s mo
numental rocks and landmarks with awe. Wonder is a human emotion that transcends time and is revered in all cultures. In this exhibit we will examine the geological forces that created these local land marks and the stories rooted in native lore that bring together characters and lessons into memorable and entertaining anecdotes. From age old retellings of oral history and modern media we present Legendary Locales.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
LINK TRANSIT CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SERVICE!
December 3, 2021 -May 7, 2022
In December 2021, Link Transit will celebrate 30 years of public transportation service to Chelan and Douglas Counties. Join in the celebration by visiting the exhibition at the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center between December 2021 and May 2022. The exhibit is located in the Museum’s rotating exhibit space on the second floor. Since its start in 1991, Link Transit has been on the leading edge of public transportation for small communities. From free fares in times of need to batteryelectric, zero-emission buses, Link Transit has expanded and adapted to the community and the region. Thanks to its forward thinking and innovative ideas, Link Transit has proven to be an invaluable part of the fabric of this community. Come celebrate Link Transit’s contribution to our area by looking back at the history of our transit system and exploring what Link has in store for the future.
43RD ANNUAL REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ART SHOW
March 4 – April 2, 2022
The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center is proud to sponsor the 43rd Regional High School Art Show in cooperation with the North Central Educational Service District and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction each year. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our students’ creativity and talent District and Statewide. Student winners from the North Central District travel on to show and compete with students from across the state at the capitol in Olympia.
North Central Washington Juried Art Show
October 2 – February 5, 2022
The North Central Washington Juried Art Show presented by the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center showcases quality work by regional artists in a museum setting. The North Central Washington Juried Art Show is an exhibit of regional artists’ two- or three-dimensional pieces that will be on display from October 2, 2021 through February 5, 2022.
Weaving a Legacy
September 3 – November 6,2021
Karen Russell began her service to the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center by joining the Museum’s Board in 2013. She courageously stepped up to serve as president in 2014 during a turning point for the Museum. While the Museum transitioned from one Executive Director to another Karen and her husband, Jim Russell, supported the staff as they worked to serve the community. The influence of the Russells helped the Museum overcome adversity and continue its mission. Their service to the Museum and the Wenatchee Valley community has been invaluable. With this exhibit we celebrate, honor, and thank Jim and Karen Russell for their service to the Museum through sharing the activities Karen (1941 – 2019) loved, most notably weaving and performance art. Join us in celebrating these two dear members of the Museum communit
Tomfoolery: Vintage Fun From Wenatchee Cycle & Toy
May 7 – September 7, 2021
Virtual Tour Available at: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=PJCcgSEAa9A
Everyone loves toys! Each generation has a connection to the iconic toys of their youth, some have staying power and some have disappeared from the toy store shelves. Toys foster early childhood development by stimulating the imagination, learning and creativity, play also helps adults in areas of problem solving and happiness. We will invite you to come kindle the sense of nostalgia for the toys of your youth and learn about the toys of past generations in this exhibit featuring toys of the 50s, 60s, and 70s as well as the local toy store that brought fun and merriment to this small Washington community, Wenatchee Cycle and Toy.
42ND ANNUAL REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL VIRTUAL ART SHOW
Virtual Tour Available at: https://www.wenatcheevalleymuseum.org/2021/wenatchee-valley-museum-42nd-annual-regional-high-school-art-show/
The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center sponsors the Annual Regional High School Art Show in cooperation with the North Central Educational Services District and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. This exhibit showcased our student’s creativity and talent District-wide and State-wide. Museum visitors viewed artwork from students in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan Counties, with winners recognized in 7 categories, as well as the popular “People’s Choice” awards. The 42nd Annual Regional High School Art Show Awards is available at: https://youtu.be/ghni2i3UdzM
RAISING OUR VOICE: EMPOWERING WOMEN
Virtual Tour Available at: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=H7cEPKKHZyd
Women won their right to vote in the United States 100 years ago. Much has changed since then. This exhibit educated and celebrated women’s voices, featuring a historic synopsis of women’s suffrage in the State along with the 90th anniversary show of Women Painters of Washington. We were honored to host this celebration of the female voice. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors: Icicle Fund, Washington State Historical Society, Woods Art Fund, Speidel Bentsen LLP, and ANONYMOUS. This exhibit is presented in partnership with the Women Painters of Washington.
Hartsfield Quilt Collection
The Hartsfield Family Quilt Collection displayed one family’s craft practice from the time of slavery through the mid-20th century. Passed down through several generations to Jim Tharpe of Seattle, the earliest quilt dated back to Tennessee in the 1850s.
My Sky Exhibit
My Sky invited children and adults to explore the Sun, the Moon, and the stars together, and gave families the chance to practice science skills such as observing, communicating, noticing patterns, predicting, imagining, and more – skills that are fundamental to astronomy and that scientists and engineers use every day. This immersive, fun, and inspiring exhibit engaged children, families and adults in joyful discovery experiences that fostered an appreciation of the world, developed foundational science skills, and sparked a lifelong love of learning.
Blossom Days Remembered
Since the initial celebration in 1920, the Apple Blossom Festival has produced some beautiful, entertaining and amusing artifacts, thousands of which are now a part of the Wenatchee Valley Museum’s Permanent Collection. In celebration of the centennial of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival this year, the Wenatchee Valley Museum showcased objects from this collection in our Main Gallery. Blossom Days Remembered invited festival lovers of all ages to learn about the evolution of this iconic festival through the decades with displays of gowns, crowns, and other memorabilia.
Annual Regional High School Art Show
The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center sponsors the Annual Regional High School Art Show in cooperation with the North Central Educational Services District and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. This opportunity showcased our student’s creativity and talent District-wide and State-wide. Museum visitors viewed artwork from students in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan Counties, with winners recognized in 7 categories, as well as the popular “People’s Choice” awards. WATCH A VIRTUAL TOUR of our 2020 show.
Beyond the Frame: Inland Bounty. The work of Edward S. Curtis in the Columbia River Basin.
From 1907 to 1930 photographer Edward S. Curtis took on the colossal task of documenting the remaining intact Native American tribes of the American West. The resulting portfolio, The North American Indian, contains twenty volumes of photographs and ethnographic text. The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center recognized the 150th anniversary of Edward Curtis’ birth by presenting an exhibition displaying images selected from Volumes 7 and 8 of Curtis’ portfolio along with interpretive text panels, an exhibit guide and relevant displays on loan from private collections. The images used in this exhibit were graciously provided by the Seattle Public Library.
Apple Capital Records
Wenatchee has had a long and rocking history! From the early days of the pioneers entertaining themselves on the back porch to those who left here in search of stardom, we took a look at the music produced in our valley through the decades. Crossing all genres, the music produced here was a major part of the lives of Wenatchee’s citizens.
Makers & Shakers
The Maker movement is all the rage, but what is it? Where did it start and why is it important now? This exhibit gave visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the maker movement with hands-on activities for the whole family. This amazing experiential exhibit covered some of the greatest historical inventors as well as some of the products invented and manufactured here in our valley.